Y7magazine2018

Is The Earth Really Flat?

Marriage Traditions From Around the World

Twist Like Shakira 12 Ways to Grow Your Hips

Oh Cristiano!

Read About the Handsome Cristiano Ronaldo

FEATURED CONTENT Interview with Cristiano Ronaldo Is the Earth Really Flat?

Best Exercises to Grow Your Hips Chinese New Year - What is it?

Can Your Earphones Cause Hearing Damage?

Interesting Marriage Traditions From Around the Globe!

And More...

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HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

What is Chinese New Year and What You Can Do to Celebrate?

Y7 Staff Picks

Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, China’s biggest holiday.

During this time, the world’s largest human migration will take place as hundreds of millions of Chinese people make their way home to celebrate with family. The holiday is also celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in Vietnam, South Korea and by people of Chinese decent all over the world including in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about the Chinese New Year.

When is the Chinese New Year?

This year, Chinese New Year begins on Friday, Feb. 16 and lasts until Sunday, Feb. 18. Officially, the holiday runs for three days, but unofficially it is celebrated over the course of two weeks. Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the exact dates change every year, but it usually occurs in late January or February, around the new moon closest to the beginning of spring.

What is the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is a centuries old festival that celebrates the new year according to the Chinese calendar. The holiday was born out the myth of Nian (also the Chinese word for “year”), a beast that would appear every New Year’s Eve and attack villagers. Legend has it that to scare away the beast, the villagers would put up red banners and explode firecrackers and bang drums.

Chinese New Year traditions vary across Chinese communities, but most celebrations involve fireworks, family reunions and feasts, and paying respects to one’s ancestors. The New Year is also a chance to prepare for good fortune and luck in the coming year.

Each year on the Chinese calendar is assigned an animal of the zodiac, which is repeated every 12 years. Last year was the Year of the Rooster and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 were also assigned Year of the Dog. Those born in these years are said to be loyal, honest, selfless, cautious, and prudent.

But they are also meant to have poor communication skills, and can leave an impression of stubbornness. The numbers 3, 4, and 9 are considered lucky, as well as the colors red, green, and purple.

Some famous dogs include: Winston Churchill, Mother Theresa, Elvis Presley, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Steven Spielberg, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber.

What countries celebrate Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year celebrations are not limited to China. The Lunar New Year is celebrated all over the world. In East and Southeast Asia, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam put on festivities. During South Korea’s Lunar New Year, which is called “Seollal,” Koreans will don traditional garb call Hanbok and play a traditional board game called Yunnori. During Vietnam’s “Tet Nguyen Dan,” Vietnamese clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and eat banh chung, a sweet sticky rice. Traditions and customs vary by country, but across the board, the holiday centers on reuniting with family and honoring ancestors.

How can I wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year?

“Gong hei fat choy” is the most common Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese, which is spoken in parts of southern China and Hong Kong. It directly translates to “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.” In Mandarin, the same greeting is “gong xi fa cai” (pronounced gong she fa tsai).

There are a few other ways to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year.

In Mandarin, “Happy Chinese New Year” is “xin nian kuai le” (pronounced shin nee-an kwai le), which is a formal greeting typically used for strangers and means “New Year happiness.” A shortened version is “xin nian hao” (pronounced shin nee-an how) is more often used for friends and family. “Guo nian hao” (pronounced gor nee-an how) is also used as a New Year greeting and means “pass the New Year well.”

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. In 2018, Chinese New Year begins on February 16 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. It was also a time to bring family together for feasting. With the popular adoption of the Western calendar in 1912, the Chinese joined in celebrating January 1 as New Year’s Day. China, however, continues to celebrate Chinese New Year with the traditional greeting, “Kung hei fat choi.”

ANOTHER TAKE ON CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNAR NEW YEAR The ancient Chinese lunar calendar, on which Chinese New Year is based, functioned as a religious, dynastic and social guide. Oracle bones inscribed with astronomical records indicate that the calendar existed as early as 14th century B.C., when the Shang Dynastywas in power.

The calendar’s structure wasn’t static: It was reset according to which emperor held power and varied from one region to another.

The Chinese calendar was a complex timepiece. Its parameters were set according to the lunar phases as well as the solar solstices and equinoxes.

Yin and yang, the opposing but complementary principles that make up a harmonious world, also ruled the calendar.

Chinese New Year typically begins with the new moon that occurs between the end of January and the end of February, and it lasts about 15 days, until the full moon arrives with the Festival of Lanterns.

CHINESE NEW YEAR ANIMALS The Chinese calendar also included the Chinese zodiac, the cycle of twelve stations or “signs” along the apparent path of the sun through the cosmos.

Each new year was marked by the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITIONS The traditional Chinese New Year was the most important festival on the

calendar. The entire attention of the household was fixed on the celebration.

During this time, business life came nearly to a stop. Home and family were the principal focuses.

In preparation for the holiday, houses were thoroughly cleaned to rid them of “huiqi,” or inauspicious breaths, which might have collected during the old year.

Cleaning was also meant to appease the gods who would be coming down from heaven to make inspections.

Ritual sacrifices of food and paper icons were offered to gods and ancestors.

People posted scrolls printed with lucky messages on household gates and set off firecrackers to frighten evil spirits. Elders gave out money to children.

In fact, many of the rites carried out during this period were meant to bring good luck to the household and long life to the family—particularly to the parents.

CHINESE NEW YEAR FOOD Most important was the feasting: On New Year’s Eve, the extended family would join around the table for a meal that included as the last course a fish that was symbolic of abundance and therefore not meant to be eaten.

In the first five days of the New Year, people ate long noodles to symbolize long life. On the 15th and final day of the New Year, round dumplings shaped like the full moon were shared as a sign of the family unit and of perfection.

SPRING FESTIVAL The Western-style Gregorian calendar arrived in China along with Jesuit missionaries in 1582. It began to be used by the general population by 1912, and New Year’s Day was officially recognized as occurring on January 1.

Beginning in 1949, under the rule of Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, the government forbade celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year and followed the Gregorian calendar in its dealings with the West.

But at the end of the 20th century, Chinese leaders were more willing to accept the Chinese tradition. In 1996, China instituted a weeklong vacation during the holiday—now called Spring Festival—giving people the opportunity to travel home and to celebrate the new year.

DID YOU KNOW? San Francisco, California, claims its Chinese New Year parade is the biggest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. The city has hosted a Chinese New Year celebration since the Gold Rush era of the 1860s, a period of large-scale Chinese immigration to the region.

In the early 21st century, many Chinese families spent a significant amount of their discretionary income celebrating the Spring Festival with traditional symbols and food. They also spent time watching the televised Spring Festival Gala: an annual variety show featuring traditional and contemporary singers, dancers and magic demonstrations.

Although the rites of the holiday no longer had religious value, people remained sensitive to the zodiac animals to the extent that they considered what, for example, a Year of the Dog in 2018 might mean for their personal fortunes or for a child born at that time.

A change in attitude toward the Spring Festival has occurred in China’s young people, with Chinese college students reporting that they prefer surfing the Internet, sleeping, watching TV or spending time with friends over celebrating with family. They also reported not liking traditional New Year food such as dumplings and glutinous rice pastry.

With its change of name from Chinese New Year to Spring Festival, for some members of the younger generation the holiday has evolved from an opportunity to renew family ties to a chance for relaxation from work.

What is Love? The Brain Science Behind Love and Romance Y7 Staff Picks We spend our lives craving it, searching for it, and talking about it. Its meaning is felt more than it is clearly expressed. It’s called the greatest virtue.

It’s love.

Love is fascinating and complex. Romantic love, in particular, seems to be a beautiful mystery we find hard to explain.

Although poets and songwriters can put many of our romantic thoughts and feelings into words, love is so inexplicable we need the help of science to explain it. After all, psychologists have a lot to say about how and why people fall in love.

This is Your Brain on Love During romantic love there are many changes that both men and women experience. It seems rather inaccurate to say “falling in love” because experiencing love is more of a high that puts people on cloud nine.

“The first step in the process of falling in love is the initial attraction,” says Elizabeth Kane, a South Universityadjunct faculty member who teaches clinical psychology and behavioral science. “It’s the powerful moment when we meet another person and feel energized and are immediately aware of our heart pounding.”

According to licensed psychologist Dr. Rachel Needle, specific chemical substances such as oxytocin, phenethylamine, and dopamine, have been found to play a role in human experiences and behaviors that are associated with love. They function similar to amphetamine, making us alert, excited, and wanting to bond.

It’s the powerful moment when we meet another person and feel energized and are immediately aware of our heart pounding.

“Falling in love is associated with increased energy, narrowing of mental focus, sometimes sweaty palms, light-headedness, racing heart, and a lot of positive feelings,” says Needle, an associate professor and coordinator of Clinical Experiences at South University, West Palm Beach.

In his book, The Brain in Love: 12 Lessons to Enhance Your Love Life, Dr. Daniel G. Amen says “that romantic love and infatuation are not so much of an emotion as they are motivational drives that are part of the brain’s reward system.”

Kane agrees, saying that the human brain supports falling in love, which is why we have such a strong physiological response when we are attracted to another. Once a romantic couple begins to spend time together, they are in a sort of love euphoria.

“A person newly in love sees the world through the lens of love and most everything is tolerable and everything their partner does is delightful,” says Kane, who is also a marriage and family therapist.

According to the triangular theory of love developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg, the three components of love are intimacy, passion, and commitment. Intimacy encompasses feelings of attachment, closeness, connectedness, and bondedness. Passion encompasses drives connected to both limerance and sexual attraction. Commitment encompasses, in the short term, the decision to remain with another, and in the long term, the shared achievements and plans made with that other person.

“Romantic love evolves when one feels a sense of interdependence, attachment, and that their psychological needs are being met,” Kane says.

“Some researchers say oxytocin plays a part in the evolution of romantic love as it is released in the brain during orgasm, which contributes to the couple’s ability to bond with one another.”

They Call Me Dr. Love Understanding the psychology behind falling in love can also help therapists treat people dealing with heartbreak.

When a therapist understands the meaning that romantic love has in one’s

life and the traumatic effects of the abrupt and sometimes unexpected end of a relationship, they can address their client’s ability to move on and strengthen their resiliency.

“Moving beyond the pain of a failed relationship requires a shift of focus back on one’s self and to their own unique ability to give and receive love,” Kane says. “When we understand how we fall in love, we can connect to the difficulties in moving forward after our heart has been broken. We can then connect again to the beauty of the experience and an optimistic understanding that if it has happened to us once that it can happen again to us.”

Needle says therapists need to understand each individual and how they fell in love and what they currently experience in terms of heartbreak in order to best help them work through that difficult time.

“A therapist can be helpful in supporting clients in understanding and learning from the past,” Needle states. “Many people choose similar partners from relationship to relationship, but are unaware of it, as well as why these relationships continue to lead to disappointment and not last.”

Keeping the Fires Burning Some of us may have committed ourselves to the fantastical notion that romance is just an act of spontaneous combustion. But, Needle says it’s time to ditch the myth.

“Get rid of the myth that these things should just happen spontaneously and that there is something wrong with the relationship because you are not all over each other every minute, as when you began the relationship,” Needle says. “The truth is that you have to put in time and energy and make a conscious effort to sustain the relationship and the passion.”

Healthy relationships require regular communication, she adds.

“Basic communication with your partner on a daily basis is important to continue connecting on an emotional level,” Needle says. “Also, remind yourself why you fell in love with this person.”

Predictability can also dampen desires, so couples should strive to keep a sense of adventure and surprise alive in their relationships.

“Break the predictable pattern every so often,” Needle advises.

People can let their partners know how much they love them by the little things they do every day.

“To be romantic is to make a choice to wake up each day and ask yourself what you can do today to let your lover know they are adored,” Kane says.

“Have fun in your romance and remember that the more effort you put into your romantic relationship, the more love you will receive in return. Be the partner that you seek and live a life filled with passion and romance.”

Why Does Red Mean Love?

Susan Rashid

We all associate Red with Love – but how did that begin? When did red go from being negative to positive? Is there any psychology behind why red seems to be the beating heart of Valentine’s Day, Good Luck festivals and caution all around the world?

Typically Red : 

Is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.



Enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.



Attracts attention more than any other color, at times signifying danger.

The psychology of color has found that we perceive colors differently as each has its own unique message. The color red is one of the basic colors, and it is one that immediately draws our attention. Here are some of the associations that red has.

Energy and Aggression It is the color associated with energy and aggression. Red has an effect on our physiological state, since it increases heart rate and makes us breathe faster. Red is very noticeable, so an overuse can be irritating or provoke aggression. A red accent on a neutral background can help draw attention to a single element.

Dominance It has been found that athletes wearing a red kit in combat sports had a bigger chance of winning than those who wore

a blue kit. Red makes the person feel more aggressive and more powerful, boosting testosterone, but it also changes the perception others have.

Passion Red is also the color linked to sexuality and desire. People wearing red are consistently rated as more attractive by others.

For example, waitresses in red usually get higher tips than those wearing a differently colored uniform.

Danger Considering that it draws attention, it’s easy to see why it’s so often used in warning signs. Red has to do with the body’s fight-or-flight response, so too much red leaves the person feeling not just alert, but also stressed out.

Life and Love Symbolically, red can be linked to life and passion, as well as to bonds of romantic and familiar love. It’s often used in romantic presents, like Valentine’s Day, and to express love, for example, by giving red roses.

Variations of Red Its variations include colors such as scarlet, crimson and others. The connotations of each variation may vary. Darker colors, like maroon or burgundy represent an action that is more restrained and sophisticated. Brighter shades, like scarlet, imply more energy and less dominance.

Positive and Negative Aspects of Red In general, red has both positive and negative connotations.

The positive aspects are that it represents love, activity, energy, attention and power. The negative aspects refer to aggression, dominance that instills fear, danger and stress. It’s a very basic and important color, but it’s one that needs to be used with moderation.

Is the Earth Really Flat?

LS Staff in collaboration with Y7 Magazine It’s so clearly obvious that the world isn’t flat. We see when ships leave the harbour you can see as they gradually disappear below the horizon. You can see if you go up on top of a tall tower or a hill and you see more over the horizon.

All our physics is constructed now, the physics of orbits of things going around the earth is all constructed with this three dimensional world. And the pictures from space show our world as a globe and yet somehow there are some people that still seem to believe the earth is flat.

So as human beings we love stories because stories make sense of our lives, of our world, they endow it with meaning and they can be understandable. Science is a way of what we hope is a true story something that is demonstrably true through experiment.

But as we see throughout the ages of the day can be overturned as we turn to a more precise understanding of the universe around us.

And generally speaking those become more complicated. So there is a tendency for people to reject that reality, that science of the day, on comfortable myths. Things that make them feel at home things that make them much happier that they know what’s going on.

Maybe this obsession with the flat earth is one of those. Or maybe they’re just contrarian. I don’t know, it’s one of those things that I find so difficult to get my head around. I really do.

My own pet theory is that they’re doing it for comic effect.

Imagine for a moment that the earth was flat. Well, how much thickness does it then have? These are the kind of questions that you have to ask.

So you have an edge. Well, would things fall of the edge? How do you generate gravity to make the things fall? What is it that is actually causing the gravity to make things fall off the end? A flat surface is fairly unstable, the other forces it would be flexible and move around.

It’s hard to even begin what a flat earth would actually be like because it’s just so impossible.

Can Your Ear Buds Cause Hearing Loss?

Corey Levin

Ear buds, ear phones, headphones, Bluetooth® devices—they’re everywhere today—plugged into mobile phones, iPods®, MP3 players, computers, tablets, and more.

They’re used by kids, teens and adults of all ages; and provide private listening in schools, gyms, at home, on the workplace—just about everywhere people spend time.

Ear buds are by far the most popular choice for listening—they’re tiny and light, fit into a pocket, and cost next to nothing. The problem is, these little portable speakers are causing hearing damage at an alarming rate. In fact, studies show that 1 in 5 American teenagers already suffers from hearing loss.

What makes this even more disturbing is that hearing loss is not reversible.

And, the longer it goes unrecognized and untreated, the faster it progresses.

Volume is the culprit Noise–induced hearing loss is generally caused by two types of noise: sudden, earsplitting bursts, such as gunfire or fireworks; or ongoing exposure, such as factory noise or loud music listened to over time.

Ear buds are primarily used to listen to music, and little thought is given to the amount of time worn, or at what level of volume. It’s not unusual for people to listen to music or the radio at high volumes for several hours per day.

Just how do ear buds damage hearing?

The ear buds commonly used with iPod® or MP3 players sit within the ear canal. This puts the audio signal close to your inner ear the equivalent of boosting it by as much as nine decibels. Nine decibels is substantial, when you consider that anything over 85 decibels can cause hearing damage. It’s like going from the sound of a dinner bell to the sound of a lawn mower. And, if the ear buds don’t make a tight seal, background noise seeps in causing the wearer to raise the volume even more.

Further, newer iPod and MP3 devices have more memory and better battery life, allowing people to listen longer, without interruption.

Even moderately high volume can cause hearing loss if listened to for too long.

For example, listening to sound at ninety decibels for three hours can be as damaging as hearing something at 155 decibels (like a jet taking off) for thirty seconds.

Where is the Love? Keeping the Fire Burning After Valentine’s Day. Y7 Staff Picks

I’m not one who does holidays up big. Some people may enjoy making a big deal out of Memorial Day, New Year’s Eve, and the Fourth of July, but not me.

Now before you start thinking it’s just my lame attempt to avoid treating my wife special on Valentine’s Day, you need to know that I’m a real romantic at heart - I don’t need a special day as an excuse to woo my wife. To me, romancing Ellie only on Valentine’s Day would be like remembering Jesus only on Christmas and Easter.

We guys tend to think that romancing our wives means making a big deal: a dozen red roses, dinner at a nice restaurant, a weekend away at a bed and breakfast. Actually, you may have noticed that your wife would probably rather be romanced every day with little things that remind her you’re thinking of her, you still love her, and you’re willing to pursue her.

This Valentine’s Day may be a hit for you, or it may be a miss.

But honestly, the little things you do after Valentine’s Day - the other 364 days of the calendar - have a whole lot more to do with keeping romance alive in your relationship.

Regardless of how you did on February 14, you can use these 14 Simply Romantic Tips to Romance Your Wife through the rest of the month to build a daily habit of letting her know what she means to you.

•

Look in her eyes and just listen.

•

Remember your wife is God’s gift to you. Thank Him for her and tell her you did so.

•

Each day in the rest of the month leave her a Hershey’s kiss where she’ll be sure to find it. Ask her to save the paper flags in a jar and redeem them for actual kisses.

•

Using dry erase markers, leave a note to your sweetie on the bathroom mirror.

•

Compliment your wife in front of others – especially your kids.

You may be the only one in her life who’s doing it!

•

Write out your wedding vows on a small card and sign your name to them. Put the card somewhere she will see every day.

•

Hold her hand whenever you’re in public together.

•

Women view romance differently from men. Ask your wife to describe what’s romantic to her. Don’t be surprised when her ideas sound very different from yours.

•

Snuggle (just snuggle!) in bed and tell her all the things you admire about her.

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When you see your wife after work, kiss her. Not just a peck on the cheek. Really kiss her.

•

Find the book your wife is reading and leave some encouraging notes in it every 20 pages or so.

•

Make foreplay the focus. Focus on her: Play with her hair, caress her face, and gently stroke her arms and legs. Let things build slowly.

•

Make a stop on your way home from work and pick up that special treat your wife just loves.

Bathe the kids. Clean the kitchen. Fold the laundry. Make the bed. Do whatever she normally does. Tell her to relax.

That’s it! Now Go Fall In Love All Over Again!

•

Eye-Opening Wedding Traditions from Around the Globe!

Y7 Staff Picks

From the bride tossing her bouquet to single female guests to wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue, American wedding customs are still so popular today that even the most nontraditional brides happily take part.

(Why tempt fate and start off your new marriage with anything other than good luck vibes?) But America doesn›t have a monopoly on such rituals — other countries too have their own beloved wedding customs.

Some are sweet (female guests in Sweden kiss the groom when his new wife leaves the room). Some are perplexing (couples in Congo are forbidden to smile on their wedding day). And some are downright strange (engaged pairs in Mongolia must kill and butcher a chicken to find a healthy liver before being allowed to wed). But what binds these seemingly disparate customs from near and far is one simple thing: love.

If you follow this custom, the theory goes, you will find eternal joy with your soul mate. So even if certain Indian brides must first marry a tree or a South Korean groom has to tolerate getting his feet whipped by family and friends, it›s all worth it in the end. When love and happiness ever after are the outcomes, it›s a win-win for brides and grooms.

We’ve rounded up 45 of the most awe-inspiring rituals from lands far, far away to give you an idea of what’s happening beyond your backyard. If you’re particularly charmed by a certain custom, feel free to adopt it for your own “I dos” even if it’s outside your heritage. When it comes to love and weddings, there are no borders.

Armenia: Break Bread Want a glimpse of your future spouse? Chow down on salty bread. That’s what single Armenian men and women do. According to the custom, if you eat a slice of

the high-sodium specialty — which must be prepared by a happily married middle-aged woman or your grandmother — you will hopefully dream about your husband- or wife-to-be. Let’s hear it for carbo-loading!

Congo: Are You Serious?

While most about-to-be marrieds brim with excitement and anticipation, Congolese brides and grooms must keep their happiness in check — during their entire wedding day, from ceremony to reception, the two are not allowed to smile. If they do, it would mean they weren’t serious about marriage.

France: Potty Mouth Good news: French brides and grooms traditionally eat chocolate and champagne after the reception.

Bad news: They must consume these treats from a toilet bowl. The point is to give the twosome strength before their wedding night; unfortunately, it might give them something else.

China: Bullseye!

Let’s hope the groom remembers to remove the arrowheads. In China, a prospective husband will shoot his bride with a bow and arrow several times then collects the arrows and breaks them during the ceremony, to ensure their love lasts forever. What would Cupid do?

Fiji: Toothy Treasure Get that wetsuit ready. In Fiji when a man asks a woman’s father for her hand in marriage, he must present his future father-in-law with a whale’s tooth. A nice tie would be so much easier& Mauritius: Go Large or Go Home Many brides-to-be in other countries go on strict diets to lose weight before the wedding. Not so in Mauritius, where young girls are forced to pack on the pounds before their weddings. The chubbier she is, the better for the husband who is thought to be wealthy with such a well-fed wife.

China: Take a seat A bride’s family would hire a “good-luck” woman to take care of her as she traveled from her home to the groom’s in an elaborately decorated sedan chair. Attendants were busy shielding the bride with parasols and tossing rice (a symbol of health and prosperity) at the chair.

Germany: What a Smash!

In their first bit of housekeeping together, German brides and grooms clean up piles of porcelain dishes that their guests threw on the ground to ward off any evil spirits. The lesson: working together, the couple can face any challenge thrown their way.

Scotland: The Way to Wed Centuries ago England restricted marriage to couples who were 21 and over.

But that didn’t stop young lovers from finding a loophole, or in this case a nearby Scottish town without such limitations. Today that village, Gretna Green, is still popular for couples who want to elope.

Greece: A Close Shave Taking the term “groomsman” literally, on his wedding day, the groom’s BFF becomes his barber when he pulls out a razor and shaves his face. But the groom’s day also has a sweet side: His new mother-in-law will feed him honey and almonds.

Guatemala: Like a Piñata But Not As wedding reception hosts, the parents of Guatemalan grooms can do whatever they want, including smash things. When the newlyweds arrive, it’s a tradition that the groom’s mom break a white ceramic bell, filled with grains like rice and flour, to bring prosperity to the couple.

Japan: An All-White Dress Code On her wedding day, the Japanese bride having a traditional Shinto ceremony wears white from head to toe, including makeup, kimono and hood. White denotes her maiden status; the hood hides her “horns of jealousy” she feels towards her mother-in-law.

Jamaica: Everyone’s a Critic Villagers line up in the street to take a look at the bride. It’s customary for them to call out negative comments if her appearance isn’t up to snuff. If the majority is critical, she goes home and makes a second try at looking good.

Lebanon: Party On! In Lebanon, the wedding celebration, the Zaffeh, gets off to a rowdy start with music, belly dancing and shouting at both the groom’s and bride’s homes courtesy of the couple’s friends, family and occasionally pro dancers and musicians. Eventually everyone ends up at the bride’s house where the couple is showered with blessings and flower petals as they leave for the ceremony.

Norway: Having Your Cake and Drinking It Too In this Scandinavian country, it’s typical at weddings to serve a towering special-occasion cake called a kransekake. It’s made with iced almond cake rings to form a cone shape, and a wine bottle is often placed in its hollow center.

Kenya: A New Type of Father-of-the-Bride Duty How would you like to be all dressed up in your wedding finery and have your dad spit on you? It happens in Kenya after the ceremony when a Masai bride

leaves with her new husband. The purpose is not to tempt fate by being too supportive of the newlyweds.

Czechoslovakia: Oh, Baby!

Before the ceremony, an infant is placed on the couple’s bed to bless and enhance their fertility. Once they’ve wed, guests shower them with rice, peas or lentils to also promote fertility.

Norway: Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Charms The bride will traditionally wear a silver-and-gold crown that has small charms hanging all around it. When she moves, the tinkling sound deflects evil spirits.

Indonesia: Got to Go? Um, No Spending the first three days confined to their home together sounds kind of sweet, certainly not a hardship for Indonesian brides and grooms — unless using the bathroom would require leaving the house!

Russia: Chew on This Being a big mouth can pay off. Newly married Russian couples share a wedding sweetbread called karavaya (decorated with wheat for prosperity and interlocking rings for faithfulness). Whoever takes the biggest bite — husband or wife — without using their hands is considered the head of the family.

Pakistan: What a Steal The bride’s sisters and female cousins make off with the groom’s shoe and, if he wants it back, he must pay ransom money for its safe return. This is one way to kick things up a notch!

China: When Bridesmaids Haze In this lighthearted tradition, Chinese bridesmaids give the groom a hard time on the wedding day by putting him (and sometimes his guys) through a series of tests and challenges to prove that he’s worthy of the bride. Then he must pay off the girls with envelopes full of money. That’s what friends are for!

Niger: So You Think You Can Dance You’ve heard of the Chicken Dance. In the West Africa country of Niger, there’s the camel dance done at the reception in the desert by a real camel. The humpback animal gets his groove on to a rhythmic drumbeat surrounded by wedding guests.

Papua New Guinea: Pigging Out What’s the price marriage? In remote parts of Papua New Guinea, it involves a woman’s parents handing over a negotiated number of pigs and shells to pay for a man to marry her. The porkers are then slaughtered and served during the wedding feast.

Philippines: Lovey-Dovey The happy bride and groom release a pair of white doves — one male, the other female — into the air, which represent a harmonious life together for the newly married couple.

Cuba: The Money Dance It’s a Cuban custom that every man who dances with the bride must pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for their wedding and honeymoon. Bank on it!

Russia: Picture This In a gesture of respect, couples in Moscow take wedding photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin then lay down flowers afterward. Not exactly your typical wedding photo location but certainly one with a significant meaning.

Turkey: Flag Day Friends of the groom plant the Turkish flag, which features a red crescent and star, in the ground at his home on the day he is to wed. Depending on the area, objects like fruit, vegetables and even mirrors are placed on top, signifying the wedding ceremony has begun.

Venezuela: Bride and Groom Go MIA Don’t wait until the reception’s end to chat up a Venezuelan bride and groom — they could be long gone. It’s good luck for the newlyweds to sneak away before the party’s over without getting caught; it’s also good luck for whichever guests catches on that they’re gone.

Wales: When Love Blooms Welsh bride think not just of themselves on their wedding day but also their bridal party. The bridal bouquet includes myrtle, an herb that symbolizes love, and the bride gives a cutting to her bridesmaids. The theory goes that if the bridesmaid plants it and it blooms, she’ll be the next bride.

Mongolia: No Chickening Out A Mongolian couple hoping to set a wedding date must first kill a baby chickens and cut it apart — holding the knife together — to find a healthy liver. They keep at it until they’re successful. And you thought dissecting a frog in middle school was gross.

China: Hello, Wardrobe Changes!

In China, brides typically walk down the aisle in a slim-fitting, embroidered dress ... what is called a traditional qipao or cheongsam. For the reception, they change

into a more poofy, decked out gown with Western flare. But the bridal fashion show doesn’t end there! To cap the night, Chinese brides often make a final change into a cocktail dress. Total: three dresses!

Russia: Pay Up According to custom, a Russian man must go to the bride’s parents’ home on the morning of the wedding and prove his worth by either paying a “ransom” for his lady, showering the bride’s family with gifts, or simply humiliating himself by dancing and singing until the family says “okay.”

Ireland: Better Keep Those Feet Firmly Planted...

In Ireland when the bride and groom are dancing the bride must keep both feet on the floor at all times. Irish folklore states that if they don’t, evil fairies will come and sweep her away. We imagine that this might make dancing slightly difficult...

India: Forget Jewelry Right before the wedding, it’s common for Indian women to gather their closest girlfriends and sit for hours at a time to have their skin intricately painted, in tattoo fashion, with menhdi, which is paint made from henna.

The elaborate and beautiful skin art lasts about two weeks making additional accessories totally unnecessary.

French Polynesia: Stepping Stone On the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, once the wedding has come to an end the relatives of the bride lay side-by-side face down on the ground whilst the bride and groom walk over them like a human rug. Just, ouch.p> China: Grab a Tissue Brides and females of the Tujia people in China take wedding tears to a whole different level. Starting one month in advance the bride starts to cry for one hour everyday. Ten days into the waterworks her mother joins the picture, and 10 days after that grandma does the same. By the end of the month every female in the family is crying alongside the bride. The tradition is believed to be an expression of joy, as the women weep in different tones, reminiscent of a song.

Germany: Redefining Teamwork After getting married, couples in the country are presented with a large log and a saw. By sawing the log in half, it is believed they are proving their ability to work together in overcoming obstacles.

India: Shoe Fight In parts of India, there is a wedding tradition called “Joota Chupai” or “hiding

the shoes.” While walking to the altar the groom is required to take off his shoes. Once they’re off, everyone from the groom’s side of the family is expected to protect the shoe as the bride’s family tries to steal and hide them.

The tradition is said to be a playful bonding experience between the families.

Peru: All the Single Ladies In Peruvian weddings, the cake is typically assembled with ribbons attached to charms, with one fake wedding ring embedded into the center. The single lady who is served the slice of cake with the fake wedding ring inside is crowned the next to get married.

Romania: “Bride-Napping” Guests work together to “abduct” the bride, whisking her away to an undisclosed location and demanding a “ransom” from the groom. Typical requests? A few bottles of alcohol, or — for those looking to really make the groom sweat — singing a love song in front of the entire party!

Scotland: All Covered Up This is known as the “blackening of the bride.” The bride and the groom are captured by friends the day before their ceremony and covered in everything from molasses and ash to flour and feathers before being paraded around town. The goal may seem to be ultimate humiliation, but the ritual stems from the practice of trying to ward off evil spirits.

Sweden: Hope You’re Not the Jealous Type In Sweden, whenever the bride leaves the table, all the ladies at the reception are free to steal a kiss from the groom! Sweden keeps the tradition genderneutral so whenever the groom leaves the room, all surrounding gentleman are free to plant a peck on the bride.

Wales: More Affordable Than a Diamond Back in the day, when a Welshman fell in love and was ready to commit, he carved spoons from wood and gave them to his beloved. Decorations included keys (signifying the key to his heart) and beads (the number of children he hoped for).

India: Branching Out If you’re an Indian female born during the astrological period when Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, you’re cursed; if you marry, be prepared for early widowhood. But wait, there’s a remedy: Marry a tree first (“Do you, Mr. Elm, take thee, Cursed Cutie&”), then have it cut down to break the evil spell.

The Wonderful World of Castor Oil Y7 Staff Picks

Folk healers worldwide have used castor oil to treat a wide variety of health conditions for thousands of years. The use of castor oil goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who used it to treat eye irritations and as a powerful natural skin care remedy. In India, castor oil has been prized for its skin-healing, digestive-soothing, antibacterial properties and is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine practices.

For centuries, at the first sign of illness, many mothers and grandparents would immediately turn to giving their children castor oil either topically or internally to naturally boost immune function and speed up healing. Derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), records show that many years ago the plant was referred to as the “Palma Christe” because the shape of the plant’s leaves were said to resemble the palm of Christ.

What Is Castor Oil? Throughout history, castor oil’s most popular use has been for treating skin infections, lowering constipation and boosting the appearance of hair health, but research has shown that castor oil has even more important applications for supporting the immune system. Castor oil is capable of increasing white blood cells and the count of T-11 cells (a type of special white blood cells that act like antibodies) produced within the body’s lymphocytes that help kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells.

Many of castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. It’s classified as a type of triglyceride fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid. Castor oil is considered to be pretty unique because ricinoleic acid is not found in many other substances, and it’s such a dense, concentrated source. It is produced by cold-pressing the seeds and subsequent clarification of the oil by heat.

Aside from its primary constituent, ricinoleic acid, castor oil also contains certain beneficial salts and esters that function primarily as skin-conditioning agents. At the same time, they help stabilize the texture and consistency of products, which is why castor oil is used in so many cosmetics, hair and skincare treatments.

According to the International Journal of Toxicology, castor oil and

hydrogenated castor oil reportedly were used in 769 and 202 cosmetic products, respectively, during the time of an analysis in 2002! Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil is the name given to the type of castor oil used in cosmetics, which you might find listed on the ingredient label, especially in lipsticks.

Castor Oil Benefits • As an unsaturated fatty acid, ricinoleic acid found in castor oil has many healing abilities, including: • supporting the lymphatic system • increasing circulation • preventing the growth of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds • fighting skin disorders and infections • helping to kill ringworm, keratoses, skin inflammation, abrasions and fungal infections • healing acne • helping hair grow • reducing itching and swelling on the skin • fighting toenail fungus • easing constipation • hydrating chapped lips • reducing painful sunburns • helping with pregnancy and inducing labor • and many more One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the whole body in small tubular structures, is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins and waste materials from our cells.

Lymph nodes located within these tubes act like the body’s natural filters for toxins, and they also pump out antibodies when we’re sick to keep foreign proteins or bacteria at bay. If you’ve ever had an enlarged lymph node in your neck or near your genitals, for example, this is a sign that a high level of antibodies are being released in order to fight an infection near that area.

When the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, this can eventually lead to

the failure of many healthy cells and possibly degeneration and destruction of organs. For example, poor lymphatic drainage of the heart is linked to tissue damage, which can add to or worsen coronary heart disease conditions.

Aside from capturing leaking fluid from our tissues that contain waste, increasing function of the circulation system and helping create defensive antibodies for the immune system, the lymphatic system also helps absorb lingering fat molecules within the small intestine. In fact, a large percentage of all the fat absorbed from the gut requires the help of the lymphatic system.

Some fat molecules remain unabsorbed because they’re essentially too large to move from the small to large intestine. This means they can be released into the lymphatic system and then into the bloodstream, where they can be carried throughout the body to be used for fuel.

10 Castor Oil Uses 1. Improves Immune Function Castor oil is believed to improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions. Research has shown that patients who use abdominal castor oil packs have significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared with patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural “disease-fighters” that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats.

Castor oil helps with the production of proper levels of lymphocytes, which are released and stored within the lymphatic tissue from the thymus gland, spleen, lymph nodes and tissue that lines the small intestine. The lymphatic system also impacts the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why castor oil has benefits for helping you detox, supporting heart health and healing digestive issues like constipation, too.

Castor oil is hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites.

2. Boosts Circulation Proper blood flow and immunity go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will become chronically ill.

The circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood to and from the heart, where it moves oxygen throughout the body through small arteries and tiny vessels called capillaries. Within microscopic tubular structures held in the lungs, blood exchanges oxygen and nutrients for cellular waste. This process is crucial for keeping us alive, bringing oxygen to our cells and detoxing our bodies.

3. Fights Skin Infections and Wounds

As you probably already know, beauty is more than skin deep; the health of your skin is often a reflection of the health of your gut, immune system and hormonal balance. The real price of beauty is steep, and loading your skin with chemical ingredients found in store-bought skin care products usually only makes irritation worse. Castor oil is completely natural and synthetic-free, yet it can be directly absorbed through the skin, resulting in several positive outcomes for skin’s appearance.

First and foremost, circulation and blood flow increase, which helps the body better fight infections and heal wounds. Castor oil also works like a natural antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobrial agent that targets underlying causes of skin disorders. Lymph flow also improves with castor oil use, which can help speed up the removal of cellular-related toxins and therefore lowers levels of swelling, redness and inflammation at the root of most diseases.

4. Helps Balance Hormones and Improve Libido Enhancing the absorption of fat molecules within the digestive tract is essential for the formation of healthy hormones. That’s what makes castor oil consumption a way to balance hormones naturally. Also with less floating toxins present within and around cells, coupled with better blood flow, sex organ function works more efficiently and people experience less PMS symptoms, fatigue, mood swings and depression.

5. Induces Labor Castor oil is a time-honored natural remedy for inducing labor. For centuries, pregnant women at full term have been given castor oil orally to help speed up uterus contractions. The reason castor oil works for inducing labor is because ricinoleic acid in the oil activates EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus. One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery, and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals, is that some woman feel nauseous due to its effects.

6. Heals Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil for healing skin. It also makes a great skin moisturizer, anti-inflammatory blemish treatment, and can delay the signs of aging like wrinkles since it helps increase collagen and elastin production.

If you want to heal acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem.

The ricinoleic acid found in castor oil makes it a great natural home remedy for fighting mild acne. As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time. It also works to solve deeper issues causing breakouts, like hormonal imbalances and an unhealthy balance of bacteria within the gut.

Here are several ways to improve skin health using castor oil: For a natural acne treatment that’s beneficial long term, dap castor oil onto

the affected area with a clean cotton swab. You can also try to use apple cider vinegarand essential oils like frankincense mixed with a small amount of pure coconut oil. All of these options reduce redness and swelling of acne blemishes along with scarring and pain.

To prevent future breakouts, wash your face first in warm water to open up the pores and then massage some of the oil into your face and leave it on overnight, rinsing the next morning.

To hydrate skin without clogging pores: mix 1/4 cup of castor oil and 3/4 cup virgin coconut oil (or 3/4 cup sesame oil), then apply to your body and face.

To moisturize skin that’s normal or oily, try using 1/4 cup of castor oil with jojoba oil, grape seed oil or olive oil instead of coconut and sesame. Gently massage dry areas of your skin with the mixture, then dap off any excess using a clean towel. Allow the treatment to soak in overnight and then rinse well in the morning with warm water.

Another option is creating a fast-acting face mask using one teaspoon of castor oil along with one egg yolk. Apply the mixture to your face for 10–15 minutes, then clean your face.

To soothe a sunburn, castors oil’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain and redness. Apply castor oil mixed with coconut oil (in proportion 1:1) to the affected area, or try the same remedy as a natural lip balm to solve chapped or sun-burnt lips.

Something else to consider is that castor oil and ricinoleic acid can enhance the transdermal penetration of other chemicals, so it’s a good idea to only use castor oil along with other natural ingredients that you don’t mind fully absorbing into your skin.

7. Reduces Toenail or Fingernail Fungus, Moles and Cysts Castor works well as a toenail fungus treatment. For the same reason it helps fight acne, castor oil can get rid of persistent fungal infections, moles and cysts.

Traditionally, the method used was to apply a small amount of castor oil with a pinch of baking soda to the infected area.

When ingested, castor oil also works internally to balance gut bacteria and reduce lingering toxins, yeast or molds that can cause fungus to develop in the first place.

8. Relieves Constipation Castor oil works like a natural mild laxative when taken orally and helps with straining during defecation and feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement. Its active ingredient ricinoleic acid gets released in the intestine, where it helps with the process of digestion, nutrient absorption and cleansing the system — helping you poop regularly.

With better circulation and lymphatic drainage, the small intestine become more efficient at fat absorption and removing bad bacteria or toxins, which makes castor oil perfect for natural constipation relief. The gut environment can become more balanced in terms of having more “good bacteria” and less “bad” that interfere with proper bowel movements.

A healthier gut can lower constipation, cramping, bloating (edema), leaky gut syndrome and possibly other symptoms of IBS. 9. Lowers Symptoms of Arthritis Castor oil is often used a natural treatment for arthritis pain, joint swelling and inflammation. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal massage oil that can be applied to aching joints, muscles or tissue.

Try massaging painful areas with castor oil followed by a hot water pack to increase absorption and drainage. Practicing this process twice weekly can give you the most pain-reducing results.

10. Helps Strong, Shiny Hair Grow Faster Just like coconut oil benefits your hair, using castor oil can help your hair grow faster, thicker, stronger, shinier and free of dandruff. Besides the fact that castor oil has omega-6 fatty acids to make hair shine, it goes to the root of the problem and improves circulation. Massage slightly warmed-up castor oil into your hair and scalp, and it will improve the blood circulation to your follicles, which speeds up hair growth. You can try making a homemade hair mask by massaging the oil into your roots and spreading it all over your hair, tying up your hair and covering it with a cap, then leaving the oil on overnight before washing it out.

Keep in mind that castor oil also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help clear up dandruff and scalp infections. Mix one tablespoon of castor oil with one tablespoon of olive oil and add juice of half a lemon, apply the mask on the roots of your hair for about 30 minutes, and then rinse out with shampoo.

What’s the Best Kind of Castor Oil to Use? Castor oil can be used in several ways: topical application on the skin, oil packs or massage. As with essential oil uses or other skin treatments, any oil you ingest or consume (and even the kinds you apply directly to your skin) should really be of the highest quality to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Look for a reputable brand of cold-pressed, pure castor oil at your local health food store or online if you can’t find any in stores. Some people believe that the most effective use of castor oil is castor oil packs or poultices. These might be able to help increase topical absorption through the skin’s pores.

How much castor oil to take:

Dosage of castor oil taken internally depends on what you’re using it for, along with your age, existing medical conditions and response to laxative-type treatments. Read the package directions carefully when purchasing a castor oil pack. Be careful not to increase your dose above the recommended amount, start slowly and don’t take it for more than seven days consecutively unless you’re told to do so by your doctor.

Normally, the dosage set for adults is one teaspoon once a day on an empty stomach. This amount is useful for regulating bowel movements and improving blood flow, and lesser doses might help to maintain general health. However, before taking it regularly and for extended periods of time, check with your doctor about any interactions. For children, the common dosage is half of one teaspoon once per day.

Castor oil is usually sold as a laxative formula and is available in both liquid and capsule forms. Liquid castor oil is known for having a foul taste, yellow color and smell, so most people prefer to dilute it in juice before taking it by mouth.

Are There Any Concerns with Using Castor Oil? Castor oil is classified by the Food and Drug Administration as generally recognized as safe for both topical and internal use, and is recognized as effective for use as a stimulant laxative. The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives established an acceptable daily castor oil intake for adults of up to 0.7 milligrams/kilograms body weight. Its active ingredients are considered acute (short-lasting) and nontoxic. Some studies have even found that castor oil at concentrations up to 10 percent of total calorie intake in the diet of rats was not toxic.

That being said, taking too much is definitely a risk and can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or cramping, along other problems. Some people experience nausea and signs of mild irritation in their gut lining when taking castor oil, although this isn’t common and is usually the case with pregnant woman. Pregnant women in general shouldn’t take castor oil without speaking with their doctors first since it can induce labor.

When it comes to using it topically on your skin, the risks are very low considering it’s free from common allergens, synthetic chemicals, drying ingredients or other irritants. Castor oil doesn’t commonly result in allergies, skin sensitivities or act like a photosensitizer, according to human clinical tests.

However, it’s still best to start slowly and perform a skin patch test on a small area of your skin before applying larger amounts, and also keep it away from your eyes and inside your nose, babies and pets.

Hippy Chick

Widen Your Hips with these Exercises Y7 Staff Pick Let’s face it: We weren’t all blessed with Beyoncé hips at birth. But don’t fret!

If a shapelier booty and hips are your goal, know that it’s possible with hard work and consistency. You won’t get it overnight, but you can tone your hips and derriere over time, shedding fat and achieving a firmer, rounder look.

All you’ll need to start is a light- or medium-weight dumbbell. If you’re a beginner, use only your bodyweight until your feel comfortable.

Then, pick five of the exercises below and complete them three times a week. Make sure you hit each at least once in a week’s rotation. Be sure to rest 30 seconds to 1 minute in between sets, too.

When these moves start to get easy, up the weight or add a set to continue to challenge yourself — your new booty will thank you.

Before we start: Reps are how many times you repeat an exercise. A set is the group of times you do that exercise. So if you did 10 reps for 3 sets, that means you did an exercise for a grand total of 30 times. Now let’s get going!

1. Side lunge with dumbbells Working in different planes will help make the booty shapelier all around.

Our bodies have three different planes of motion: sagittal, frontal, and transverse. Depending on which joint you move will determine which plane of motion your body is working. For example, this exercise will work the frontal plane.

1. Start by standing straight, feet together, with a light- to medium- weight dumbbell in each hand.

2. Leading with your right foot, begin to step out wide, directly to your right.

3. Bend your knee and push your hips back. Drop your arms so they’re sandwiching your right leg.

4. Keep your gaze forward.

5. Prepare to return to start: Push off with your right foot and shift your weight to your left leg, returning to standing at center.

Do 12 reps on each side for 3 sets.

2. Side dumbbell abductions This move directly targets your core and outer thighs.

1. Start with your feet together with a light- to medium-weight dumbbell in your right hand.

2. Keep your right leg straight and begin to raise your leg directly out to your side. Allow the weight of the dumbbell to rest against your leg. Go

3. slow and controlled, as high as you can take your leg.

4. Slowly return back to center and repeat.

Complete 12 to 15 reps on each side for 3 sets.

3. Side leg lifts Side leg lifts are similar to side dumbbell abductions, only you’re lying down instead. This move targets the hip and glute more directly.

1. Lie down on a mat on your right side with your back, neck, and head in a neutral position.

2. Rest your head on your arm, which should be extended above your head.

3. Stack your legs on top of each other.

4. Brace your core and begin to raise your left leg as high as you can. Pause at the top.

5. Slowly return to starting position.

Do 15 reps with each leg for 3 sets.

4. Hip raises This exercise is also known as a bridge. It’s great for your glutes.

1. Start by lying on the floor. Keep your back straight and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Your feet should be flat on the ground.

2. Keep your arms straight at your sides with your palms facing down.

3. Breathe in and push through your heels. Lift your hips up by squeezing your glutes, hamstrings, and pelvic floor.

4. Rest your upper body on your back and shoulders, forming a straight line down to your knees.

5. Pause for 1 to 2 seconds at the top and return to the starting position.

Complete 15 reps for 3 sets.

5. Squats This is one of the most fundamental moves to tone the lower body.

1. Start in an upright position with your feet slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart. Your toes should point out slightly.

2. Bend your knees and push your hips and butt back as if you’re about to sit in a chair.

3. Keep your chin tucked and neck neutral. Drop down until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

4. Be sure to keep your weight in your heels and knees bowed slightly outward.

5. Extend your legs and return to an upright position.

Complete 15 reps for 3 sets.

6. Squat kicks These kicks can be a cardio move, too, so you get more bang for your buck.

1. Start with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and arms bent out in front of you.

2. Squat down, pushing your hips and butt back, until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

3. On the rise, kick your right foot out to the side as high as it’ll go — think kickboxing.

4. When your right foot comes back to the ground, immediately squat

again.

5. Repeat with the left foot.

A single rep is 1 right kick and 1 left kick. Do 10 reps to start for 3 sets. Then move up to 15 reps for 3 sets.

7. Dumbbell squats Follow the same steps as for squat kicks, but hold a dumbbell in each hand.

The dumbbell should rest on your shoulders, just below your chin. This is a more advanced move, so start light if you’re a beginner.

1. Start in an upright position, with your feet slightly wider than shoulderwidth apart and toes slightly pointed out. Hold a dumbbell in each hand.

2. Bend your knees and push your hips and butt back as if you’re going to sit in a chair.

3. Keeping your chin tucked and neck neutral, drop down until your thighs are parallel to the ground. You should keep your weight in your heels and knees bowed slightly outward.

4. Extend your legs and return to an upright position.

Complete 10 reps for 3 sets.

8. Split leg squats These are also known as Bulgarian split squats. They work the legs and glutes and increase your stability.

1. Split your stance and stand lunge-length in front of a bench.

2. Rest the top of your left foot on the bench.

3. Lunge on your right foot, keeping your chest up, until your left knee nearly touches the ground and your right thigh is parallel with the ground.

4. Return to standing.

Complete 10 to 12 reps, then switch legs. Do 3 sets.

9. Sumo walk This move is a great way to strengthen your quadriceps.

1. Assume a squat position with your arms comfortably bent in front of you.

2. Maintain the squat position and begin to step to the right.

3. For an intense burn, stay low for as long as you can.

Walk 10 steps to the right, then 10 steps back to the left. Do 3 sets.

10. Hip-lift progression

When a standard hip lift gets easy, try a single-leg hip lift.

1. Start by lying face up on your mat with your knees bent. Keep your feet on the floor. Face your palms down at your sides.

2. Lift your right leg up off the ground and straighten it out in front of you.

3. Keep your left leg bent.

4. Press your left heel into the floor and lift your pelvis up toward the ceiling.

5. When you reach a stiff bridge position, squeeze.

6. Slowly lower back down to the ground.

Repeat for 30 seconds. Switch, and complete 30 seconds with the opposite leg up to round out this exercise.

11. Donkey kick For optimal results, make sure that your back doesn’t sag so your glutes are doing the work.

1. Assume the starting position on all fours, with your knees hip-width apart, hands under your shoulders, and neck and spine neutral.

2. Brace your core and begin to lift your left leg. Keep your knee bent, with your foot staying flat and hinging at the hip.

3. Use your glutes to press your foot directly toward the ceiling. Squeeze when you reach the top.

4. Make sure your pelvis and working hip stay pointed toward the ground.

5. Return to the starting position.

Complete 20 reps on each leg for 3 sets.

12. Chair and other yoga poses A number of different yoga poses can target your glutes and hips, like chair pose. To practice Chair Pose: 1. Start standing straight with your feet together and arms down by your sides.

2. Keeping your feet stationary, bend your knees and send your arms straight out overhead. Your thighs should be as close to parallel as they’ll go.

3. Keep your gaze straight ahead.

4. Hold for 30 seconds.

Other yoga poses to incorporate are: •

Locust Pose, which is great for strengthening lower back and glutes

•

Warrior I, which is basically a stationary lunge

•

Side Plank, which directly targets your hips

The bottom line In addition to the right workouts, diet and genetics play a crucial role, so talk to your doctor and trainer about what’s possible for you. Be realistic about your expectations, but know that you can achieve your own Beyoncé body if you put in the work!

A Heart to Heart with Football’s Sweetheart Cristiano Ronaldo Y7 Humanities

Football’s sweetheart Ronaldo was born in São Pedro, Funchal, and grew up in the Funchal parish of Santo António, as the youngest child of Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, a cook, and José Dinis Aveiro, a municipal gardener and a part-time kit man. His second given name, “Ronaldo”, was chosen after then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan. He has one older brother, Hugo, and two older sisters, Elma and Liliana Cátia His greatgrandmother on his father’s side, Isabel da Piedade, was from São Vicente, Cape Verde. Ronaldo grew up in a Catholic and impoverished home, sharing a room with his brother and sisters.

As a child, Ronaldo played for amateur team Andorinha from 1992 to 1995 where his father was the kit man, and later spent two years with Nacional. In 1997, aged 12, he went on a three-day trial with Sporting CP, who signed him for a fee of £1,500. He subsequently moved from Madeira to Alcochete, near Lisbon, to join Sporting’s other youth players at the club’s football academy. By age 14, Ronaldo believed he had the ability to play semi-professionally, and agreed with his mother to cease his education in order to focus entirely on football. While popular with other students at school, he had been expelled after throwing a chair at his teacher, who he said had “disrespected” him. However, one year later, he was diagnosed with a racing heart, a condition that could have forced him to give up playing football. He underwent an operation in which a laser was used to cauterise the affected area of his heart; discharged from hospital hours after the procedure, he resumed training only a few days later.

As you can see, this is one unstoppable man!

We decided to see what makes him tick, what he’s been up to and what important things he’d like to say to his fans!

Y7 Humanities - How do you see your future in Real Madrid? I mean, we’ve read many places that you’d like to retire your football career at a reasonable age – but – with Real Madrid. Is this true?

CR7 – Yes this is the plan. I want to retire at age 41. Real Madrid is my home, so I will retire from there.

Y7 Humanities – So, there are no plans to switch teams? You know, your fans often wonder if you’d play alongside Messi, but as you’re saying you’d retire from Real Madrid – is this ever going to be a possibility?

CR7 – It would be interesting to see both of us in the same team. I think great players should play together.

Y7 Humanities – That would be interesting indeed! Speaking of teams, I was wondering, what made you move from Manchester United to Real Madrid – besides a modest increase in pay?

CR7 – (smiles) I am where I belong.

Y7 Humanities – There are multiple rumors swirling that you are unhappy in Spain and spoke of returning to Old Trafford – but as of now nothing has been confirmed other than you wanting to retire from Real Madrid. So we just wanted to put that rumor to rest.

We know you’ve recently won the Ballon D’Or, making it the fifth one you’ve received so far. Are these trophies your driving force in the

league?

CR7 – I’ve written a chapter in the history of football by winning so many titles, being a player like Messi, a candidate to win individual prizes. I stay motivated because I like what I do. I love playing football ad I try to enjoy I. Bur what I try the most is to make people and my teammates enjoy it.

Y7 Humanities – That’s a quality not a lot of headliners being to the table. They mostly care about their own personal bests and how the team affects them. This is what makes you a class player. So, what about your son? Do you ever see him playing football and if so, what position would you want him to play?

CR7 – Yes, I want him to play. One position is not allowed to play in though is between the sticks...

Y7 Humanities – Is this because there’s more of an elation in scoring over preventing one from scoring?

CR7 – Yes, but he is going to be whatever he wants. I am not worried about that.

Y7 Humanities – I am sure he’ll want to be just like you. When you were his age, who influenced you? Was there anyone in particular that stood out as a top class player that may have influenced you to play?

CR7 – I’m self-motivated. I’m always kike that since the beginning when I was young up until now. I appreciate other players, talented players, great players – not just in football – but many other sports that people enjoy to see. But, at that age I was looking at a big reference in the national team. For example, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Fernando Couto. It was a kind of dream to reach that level. I used to say I will be a professional player and I wasn’t to play for the national team. But there was no specific person that I followed.

Y7 Humanities – Are there any coaches that influence you today?

Recently, Zidane said you are the best player in the world. Any comments on that?

CR7 – Personally, I have more feeling for Zizou, but don’t ask mw why.

He has an empathy with the player and I am very happy excited. It’s an interesting moment for me and the players.

Y7 Humanities - Do you think he is a better match for Real Madrid then the previous coach?

CR7 – His first game was a 5-0 demolition of Deportivo La Coruna ythen a 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon. We are in good shape and working hard.

Y7 Humanities – He wasn’t very happy about the Red card given in the game against Barca. Do you think the red cards are given too much?

CR7 – At times. You just play your best and concentrate on that.

Zidane – I am not getting into it about the referees. But in that game we played food and I could be annoyed at the red card given to Ronaldo.

Perhaps it is not a penalty, but the yellow card was a bit too much.

Y7 Humanities – We think so too! Thank you for chiming in on that.

Now, before we wrap up, we wanted to know if there were any causes you’d like to shed light on? Any words of love or encouragement to Ya 7elween (Buena Gente). This magazine is read in every country.

CR7 – I am with the children of Syria, they need so much support. I would like to share the story of refugee children to highlight their plight.

The video is on YouTube under “Cristiano Ronaldo message for World Refugee Day 2017”.

Please donate to Save the Children and thank you for the love and support from all of my fans, the Buena gente.

This concludes part one of our Cristiano Ronaldo interview. Please check back with us for part dos! Till next time!