Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Ghana Parliament Passes Gender Bill For Women Several Ghanaian Men Go Mad!
Wednesday, 31 July 2024 By: TB Obwoge It makes one so confused when people leave their countries to immigrate to countries where their are laws created to protect others. For example the many Africans that immigrate to countries where homosexuality is not only legalized but there are laws to protect the LGTBQ community.
By IwriteMywrongs2 years ago in Viva
The Importance of Rest and Recovery in Fitness: Tips for Preventing Overtraining
In the world of fitness, an emphasis is often placed on pushing oneself to the limit and constantly striving for improvement. While dedication and hard work are essential components of any successful fitness regimen, the importance of rest and recovery should not be overlooked. Overtraining, or pushing oneself too hard without allowing for proper rest and recovery, can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. In this article, we will explore the significance of rest and recovery in fitness, as well as provide tips for preventing overtraining. •The Importance of Rest and Recovery in Fitness: •Rest and recovery are crucial elements of any fitness routine, as they allow the body to repair and rebuild itself after strenuous physical activity. When we exercise, we put stress on our muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system, causing micro-tears in muscle fibers and depleting energy stores. It is during periods of rest and recovery that our bodies have the opportunity to repair these tissues, replenish energy stores, and adapt to the stress of exercise. •Without adequate rest and recovery, the body does not have the chance to repair itself properly, leading to a variety of negative consequences. Overtraining can result in decreased performance, increased risk of injury, suppressed immune function, hormonal imbalances, and even mental health issues such as burnout and depression. In extreme cases, overtraining can lead to a condition known as overtraining syndrome, characterized by chronic fatigue, persistent soreness, and a decline in overall health and well-being. •According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, overtraining can have a significant impact on athletic performance. The study found that athletes who overtrained experienced a decrease in both strength and endurance compared to those who allowed for proper rest and recovery. Additionally, overtraining has been linked to an increased risk of injury, with overtrained athletes being more prone to musculoskeletal problems such as strains, sprains, and stress fractures. •Expert Opinions: •Dr. Michael Fredericson, a sports medicine specialist at Stanford University, emphasizes the importance of balance in fitness training. He states, "While it's important to challenge yourself and push your limits, it's equally important to listen to your body and allow for adequate rest and recovery. Overtraining can do more harm than good and can ultimately hinder your progress in the long run." •Dr. Fredericson also recommends incorporating rest days into your workout routine and paying attention to warning signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue, decreased performance, and changes in mood or motivation. By being mindful of these signs and adjusting your training accordingly, you can prevent overtraining and optimize your performance and overall health. •Real-World Examples: •One real-world example of the negative effects of overtraining is the case of professional tennis player Rafael Nadal. In 2014, Nadal experienced a series of injuries and health problems due to overtraining and pushing himself too hard on the tennis court. His coach, Toni Nadal, recognized the importance of rest and recovery in preventing further injury and fatigue, and worked with Rafael to incorporate more rest days and recovery strategies into his training routine. By taking a more balanced approach to his training, Rafael was able to recover from his injuries and return to peak performance on the court. •Tips for Preventing Overtraining: 1. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel during and after workouts. If you are consistently feeling fatigued, sore, or unmotivated, it may be a sign that you are overtraining and need to take a step back. 2. Incorporate rest days: Allow for at least one or two rest days per week to give your body time to recover and repair itself. Use this time to engage in gentle activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga. 3. Prioritize sleep: Get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support recovery and recharge your body for the next day's workouts. 4. Use active recovery: Instead of completely resting on rest days, engage in low-intensity activities such as swimming, cycling, or hiking to promote blood flow and recovery. 5. Stay hydrated and nourished: Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for supporting recovery and replenishing energy stores. Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel your workouts and aid in recovery. •In conclusion, rest and recovery are essential components of a successful fitness routine and are often overlooked in the pursuit of achieving fitness goals. By prioritizing rest, listening to your body, and following the tips outlined in this article, you can prevent overtraining and optimize your performance and overall health in the long run. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a race, and taking care of your body is just as important as pushing it to its limits.
By Amily Brown 2 years ago in Viva
Day 31 of My 40 Day Fast: I Realize the Impracticality of Women Staying in the Home
One of my previous posts, What Would Happen if Women Stayed Home, has me in reflection. Women can’t stay out of the workforce because a lot of us have to work, myself included. You can read what I wrote by clicking on the story below.
By Neelam Sharma2 years ago in Viva
The complexity of feminism and representation in Hulu's "The Other Black Girl"
The Other Black Girl is a 2023 series based on the 2021 book of the same name by Zakiya Dalila Harris. It explores black representation in the workplace as well as the complexities of it through the story of Nella Rogers (Sinclair Daniel) intertwined with others. She is an assistant and becomes an editor. On the way, she learns the value and misfortune of representation at Wagner Books. Nella is inspired by Kendra Rae Phillips (Cassi Maddox) who is the only black person and black woman pictured in the "hall of white people". She worked at Wagner as the editor in 1988 and inspired Nella, especially with her work on "Burning Heart" with her best friend, Diana Gordon(Shakirah DeMesier). She wants to be able to edit books and tell stories someday so that "a nerdy, little Black girl who didn't grow up with kids who looked like her could imagine a bigger world" to "feel less alone". Nella worked as Vera Parini's (Bellamy Young) assistant and Vera valued her. However, their relationship turned sour as they continuously clashed about her opinion of Shartricia, a black female character in Colin Franklin's (Brian Baumgartner) book. Shartricia is the only black character within the crack epidemic and she is written in a way that includes every harmful stereotype. Nella believes she is unfavourable, especially from a white author. Vera receives her feedback but orders her to keep it hidden because they need to be diplomatic to save the company as his work contributes to a large portion of the company's profits. This represents the silenced and underrepresentation of diverse voices at Wagner where there had been only one black person in an influential position in history.
By 'Vive Akugha2 years ago in Viva
The feminist episode of 2024's 'Good Times'
Netflix took a chance to create a spin-off of 1974's beloved sitcom, Good Times. This 2024 series created by Stephen Curry, Seth MacFarlane and Norman Lear is called the same name or "Good Times: Black Again" according to the title sequence. Instead of James, Florida, James Junior, Thelma, and Michael, we get Reggie, Beverly, Junior, Grey, and Dalvin. Reggie is James Evans's grandson and the series explores the Evans descendants through a modern adult comedy series. There are 10 episodes and in the 3rd episode called "Grey's Anatomy", they explore feminism. In this 3rd episode, Grey (Marsai Martin)gets her first period and it's a big deal. Her mother, Beverly(Yvette Nicole Brown) is anxious about what this means in Grey's life as this marks the beginning of her adulthood. She informs Grey of what she can expect now while making her opinion of tampons known. Grey mentions the white girls in commercials saying it makes you feel like you don't have a period but Beverly believes tampons are a gateway to other activities and exploration. She wants to prevent Grey from sexual curiosity at a young age as her mother did for her.
By 'Vive Akugha2 years ago in Viva
The feminist force in 'Òlòtūré'
Òlòtūré is a 2019 movie following the life of Òlòtūré who goes by Ehi to work. Òlòtūré (Sharon Ooja) is a journalist in an undercover role as a sex worker to garner information about the tragic and abusive industry of sexual exploitation in Nigeria. She goes through various trials and tribulations as Ehi while trying to maneuver around several problems. Ehi lives in Sandra's (Omawumi Megbele) house with other sex workers but is a friend and roommate to Linda (Omowunmi Dada). She learns of an opportunity to go to Europe from Linda. Ehi expresses her distress after running barefoot from a customer. She hopes the men would be different in Europe but after Linda negates that possibility, she focuses on the monetary value. Linda admits she was told about this person by a friend as she was in Benin City. She left for Lagos in hopes of her and her sister travelling to gain betterment for their family once in Europe. Linda agrees to help her despite the secretive nature of the lady.
By 'Vive Akugha2 years ago in Viva
Palm Royale's realistic feminism problem
Kristen Wiig is Maxine Simmons in Apple TV+'s 2024 show, Palm Royale. Maxine is dedicated to joining the distinguished Palm Royale club and The Shiny Sheet to improve her social standing to where she believes she and her husband belong. Maxine tries to seamlessly include herself in the upper class by associating with the 4 ruling ladies of Palm Beach. This includes Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janey), Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb), Raquel Kimberly-Marco(Claudia Ferri), and Mary Jones Davidsoul(Julia Duffy). However, she encounters issues along the way. Maxine utilizes a weak moment of Dinah's to get closer to her. She concocts a car jam between them which startles weeping Dinah still sad about her lover's quarrel. Dinah's determination to compensate Maxine leads them to Dinah's physician. In the clinic, Dinah and Maxine talk. Dinah's poor opinion of Maxine is made known before she opens up to Maxine about her affair and pregnancy. Maxine views Dinah's need for a speedy abortion as an opportunity to gain her help for entry into the Palm Royale. She needs one initial sponsor and a payment to pass the first round which motivates her to help Dinah.
By 'Vive Akugha2 years ago in Viva
Zambia's Abortion Issue Highlighted As Man in Zambia Suing Wife For Having Abortion
Sunday, 28 July 2024 By: TB Obwoge Women all over the globe are subjected to the whims of what men want them to be or to do. Why are men this way when it comes to women? Many seem to think their religion or cultures dictate how they should treat women, sadly mostly think women and children are only property, nothing more nothing less.
By IwriteMywrongs2 years ago in Viva
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations for Adventure Seekers
If you're an adventure seeker looking to explore new and thrilling destinations, you've come to the right place! This travel guide highlights the Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations for Adventure Seekers around the world. From soaring mountains to rugged coastlines, these destinations offer a wealth of experiences for those craving excitement and exploration. Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime as we take you through these exhilarating and awe-inspiring locations. 1. Queenstown, New Zealand •Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is a mecca for thrill-seekers. With its stunning landscapes of mountains, lakes, and rivers, this South Island gem offers a wide range of activities for adrenaline junkies. From bungee jumping and skydiving to jet boating and white-water rafting, there's no shortage of ways to get your heart racing in Queenstown. After a day of adventure, relax in one of the town's cozy lodges or indulge in a delicious meal at one of its many restaurants. 2. Banff National Park, Canada •Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America, Banff National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through pristine forests, paddle across crystal-clear lakes, or ski down world-class slopes in this pristine wilderness. Be sure to visit iconic attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for picture-perfect views that will leave you in awe. After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the park's charming lodges or treat yourself to a gourmet meal in Banff town. 3. Patagonia, Chile and Argentina •Spanning both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a rugged and remote region that promises boundless adventure. Trek through glacier-covered mountains, kayak along fjords, or spot wildlife in its untamed wilderness. Visit Torres del Paine National Park for its iconic granite peaks or take a cruise through the icy waters of Tierra del Fuego. Stay in cozy lodges or camp under the stars for a truly immersive experience in this wild and majestic landscape. 4. Interlaken, Switzerland •Nestled between two stunning lakes and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Interlaken is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of paragliding over the Swiss Alps, bungee jumping from a towering bridge, or canyoning through icy mountain streams. In the winter, hit the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding. After a day of excitement, unwind in one of the town's cozy chalets or enjoy a fondue dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant. 5. Moab, Utah, USA •Located in the heart of red rock country, Moab is a paradise for adventure seekers. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, hike through deep canyons, or mountain bike along rugged trails. For the ultimate thrill, try your hand at rock climbing or embark on a white-water rafting trip down the Colorado River. After a day of excitement, relax in one of the town's cozy inns or dine at a local eatery for a taste of authentic Southwestern cuisine.
By Amily Brown 2 years ago in Viva
Day 29 of My 40 Day Fast: What Would Happen if Women Stayed Home?
Some women are born with a purpose, and they will be called to fulfill their destiny. They may contribute to the world in a significant way, or even make a ground-shaking discovery. The reality is most of us are out here doing administrative work, and it’s unfulfilling.
By Neelam Sharma2 years ago in Viva
