A 380-lb girl with a genetic disorder that causes constant hunger crowned a pageant queen A 15-year-old girl who weighs 380lbs due to a rare condition, called Prader-Willi Syndrome, has been crowned a pageant queen.
'Childhood Alzheimer's' robs teenager of his ability to speak and sing his favorite song The mother of a teenager with the childhood condition, Sanfilippo Syndrome has revealed her heartbreak after it stole her son's ability to speak.
5 ways to turn your hotel room into a gym Even with little time, limited space or minimal motivation, this fitness trainer shows you how to keep an on-the-road workout routine no matter what.
Top 5 places in the world for women to travel solo Year round women are seeking trips to venture out on their own, away from daily life and the demands of work, family and friends. They want to forget about wearing make-up, truly be themselves and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. While there are travelers who want the support of a small group, some prefer to go it completely alone. There are many places in the world that I’d recommend such a journey; however, women should still keep some basic safety practices in mind. I always recommend storing your valuables in different places (hotel safe, your pocket, wallet), keeping a copy of your passport in case it’s lost or stolen and using a moneybelt instead of a purse. Plus, simply appearing confident instead of unsure can go a long way in avoiding danger. I also suggest when women first arrive at their destination that they take a guided walking tour to get acclimated, to learn where things are and to get a feel for the culture. It’s also important to dress appropriately for the country; conservative is always better and ensures you can gain admittance to attractions that may require a standard of dress. That said, here are some of my favorite places in the world where women can feel comfortable traveling solo:
Fittest cruise ships Cruises are traditionally a dieter's worst nightmare, almost on a par with French fries, glazed donuts and supersized sodas. According to a survey of more than 1,200 British cruisers, for instance, 52 percent said they’d gained up to 14 pounds during a two-week holiday. Even worse? About six percent reported putting on up to 18 pounds. But going on a cruise doesn't have to mean being cooped up, doing canned excursions, and letting your waistline bulge while you eat coconut shrimp by the pool. Instead, it can mean early morning Tai Chi classes on deck, getting a personal training session in a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping views, or putting in an early evening jog in the fresh ocean air. As the public becomes more and more health conscious, cruise lines are offering better options—by way of expanded gyms, fitness classes and over-the-top amenities like jogging tracks, climbing walls and artificial surf waves—to help you stay active while at sea. That way, if you're eating more food (and admit it—you will!), you can balance calories in with calories out without running up and down the stairs or doing lunges down the hallway (and attracting strange looks from fellow passengers). Rather than aim for absolutes—and run the risk of multiple ships from the same company (Royal Caribbean, for instance, would take many slots, based on the sprawling size of its ships alone)—we picked the top ships from 13 different cruise lines, in order to serve cruisers of every stripe, from the family types who might sail with Disney to those who prefer the luxury of a Regent Seven Seas vacation. To come up with our ranking, we looked at passengers per personal trainer, size and number of fitness centers, counted every piece of fitness equipment (at least that we could get numbers for) and factored in number of fitness classes and more exciting amenities like zip lines, rock walls and sports facilities. Ready to set sail on a fitness-friendly cruise? Here are 13 ships with calorie-crunching fitness offerings onboard to keep your waistline intact.
World's top 7 eco-friendly resorts From handcrafted driftwood bungalows in Indonesia to remote rain forest lodges in Peru, National Geographic has circled the globe in search of the world's best eco-friendly resorts.
Summer vacation on a shoestring budget This summer’s travel forecast calls for high airfares and newly increased fees from major airlines. Groan if you must, but don’t give up on your summer vacation just yet. The key to planning an affordable family vacation this summer, and every summer, is making common-sense choices that keep costs under control. Here are six time-honored strategies for getting away on a dime.
Top 10 hotels in France When it comes to culture, France has always been in the vanguard. And while the country is rightly celebrated for its contributions to food, film and fashion, savvy travelers know that French influence also sets standards around the globe for hotels. Whether you crave classic or contemporary, intimate or extravagant, you'll find a hotel on this list that's just right for you. Attributes range from royal histories and unforgettable settings to sumptuous spas and exceptional restaurants, making each property its own distinctive haven.
6 gifts for the jet-setter mom Showing your appreciation for the mom that’s always on the go is never easy but this year we’ve put together a list of some of the hottest new gifts for the most travel-aficionado mothers out there.
America’s top 10 weight loss resorts If you’ve ever had a diet fail because it wasn’t practical long-term, you may want to try a weight loss resort. From no-nonsense health clinics to luxurious spa-like experiences, these resorts are a far cry from the fat camps image that has been around for decades. Most weight loss resorts encourage healthy living and eschew unrealistic and impractical diets. So whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain knowledge about nutrition and health, here are 10 award-winning resorts that can help.
