Amber Brenza

Almost a decade after suffering her first of two brain aneurysms, Emilia Clarke wrote a letter to thank her healthcare providers in the U.K's National Health Service (NHS).

Last spring, the Game of Thrones actress revealed in New Yorker that how she survived <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a26898414/emilia-clarke-brain-aneurysm-game-of-thrones/" id="e229d581-016c-33bc-ac34-ec2dca757a2f"> two life-threatening brain aneurysms </a> while filming the HBO series.

In a new book edited by Adam Kay, titled <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-NHS-Stories-Thank-Edited/dp/1398701181" id="9aefac58-7963-3f1e-acfd-7d4ccb4f0c26"> Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You </a> , Emilia wrote a letter to express her gratitude for her caregivers during her three weeks in the hospital. (Other contributors to the book include Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Emma Watson, and Malala Yousafzai.)

Emilia gave a special shoutout to one nurse in particular in her letter: "The nurse who suggestedafter everyone else in A&amp;E struggled to find an answer when I was first admittedthat maybe, just maybe I should have a brain scan. She saved my life."

She also thanked her anesthetist, her brain surgeon, the nurses who bathed and clothed her while she was incapacitated, and the hospital cooks. She closed by thanking the nurse who allowed her mother to stay in her hospital room. "In all those moments, over those three weeks, I was not, not ever, truly alone," she wrote.

In April 2019, Emilia opened up to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/emilia-clarke-on-game-of-thrones-and-her-near-death-experience/" id="92808a0a-73f5-3ec3-a466-85e26d284bbc"> CBS This Morning </a> about her ordeal, and shared some never-before-seen photos from after her brain surgeries.

In the CBS interview, Emilia recalled the day in February 2011 when her first aneurysm ruptured: "Basically I was in the gym, the most excruciating pain, like an elastic band just went, like, snap in my head," she said. "An enormous amount of pressure suddenly, and then very very very quickly, I realized I couldn't stand and I couldn't walk, and in that moment I knew I was being brain damaged."

Emilia Clarke Shares New Pics After Brain Surgery

Emilia suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding in the space that surrounds the brain. But miraculously, she was back to work on season two of Game of Thrones just six weeks later.

Two years after that, Emilia was back in the hospital with another aneurysmand this time, it almost killed her, she said. "With the second one, there was a bit of my brain that actually died," she said, explaining that "if part of your brain doesn't get blood to it for a minute, it will just no longer work. It's like you short circuit. So I had that."

Emilia said that her greatest fear after her second stroke was that she had lost the ability to act. "That was a deep paranoia, from the first one as well. I was like, 'What if something has short-circuited in my brain and I can't act anymore?' I mean, literally it's been my reason for living for a very long time!"

Her recovery period from her second brain surgery was also more difficult than her firstboth mentally and physically. "With the second one, I found it much harder to stay optimistic," she said. "I definitely went through a period of being down, to put it mildly."

Emilia said her character on Game of ThronesDaenerys Targaryenhelped her through the toughest times. "You go on set and you play a badass and you walk through fire and that became the thing that saved me from considering my own mortality," she said.

As of now, Emilia is "completely in the clear," and she's putting all of her energy into her new charity, <a href="https://www.sameyou.org/" id="80ea28dc-b6e9-396f-a167-4fe36189baad"> SameYou </a> , which focuses on neurorehabilitation. "I really, really am going to put my heart soul an back into transforming aftercare for brain injury recovery.

Honestly, all of this makes Emilia (and Dany) seem even more badass now, right?

Emilia Clarke Thanks Healthcare Workers Who Helped Her Survive 2 Brain Aneurysms

Selma Blair made a pretty big change according to her Instagram today: The 46-year-old actress shaved her head.

In a new post shared Friday afternoon, Selma shared photos of her son, Arthur Saint Bleick, shaving off her hair with an electric razor. The caption simply read, "People. #selmablair #arthursaintbleick. Back to my roots."

It's unclear why Selma chose to shave her head (or how much she shaved, exactly), but one commenter wrote, "Hair is SO HARD to deal with when you can't lift your arms above your head," to which Selma agreed. "Yup," she responded.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BytK0sTnRAG/" id="f2db6cce-6d60-350e-ae60-52e21653b1a7"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BytK0sTnRAG/" id="c435d999-6a35-3c7b-ae5b-f3a9bde175ca"> People. #selmablair #arthursaintbleick . Back to my roots. </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/selmablair/" id="dbebfe70-b488-373e-af1d-23e369df92e9"> Selma Blair </a> (@selmablair) on Jun 14, 2019 at 2:46pm PDT

Selma was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2018, and made her diagnosis public in October 2018 in a very emotional Instagram post. "I have <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/multiplesclerosis/" id="6fc0f74e-a143-35a0-a96c-efed633652b5"> #multiplesclerosis </a> ," she wrote. "I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it . And I laugh and I dont know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best."

Since making her diagnosis public, Selma has been incredibly open with the struggles she's had to endure, including sensory and motor skills, as well as fatigue. "You want to sleep. You always want to sleep," Selma wrote in her initial Instagram post.

Recently, Selma also revealed she started losing her hair. On Instagram in April, Selma shared that her eyelashes were falling out. "My right eyelashes all fell out except 3 corner ones," Selma wrote.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBVh7Nn5x9/" id="9efe43d3-14c0-3fde-acad-5c2ae24b33de"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBVh7Nn5x9/" id="97a98724-a172-39ba-a0ce-833c9dda804a"> Thank you universe list , partial: thank you to @jaime_king and @artfleurla for making sure I have the most lovely and original floral arrangement every week. This is a huge act of love to do for someone who is housebound, people. Major. Heartbreakingly touching. I hide in them and breathe. 2. I am trying to remember to breathe. I cant believe people do this easily. I hold my breath accidentally for oodles of time. Always have. That is problematic. 3 . @aftermovie had an la premiere this evening. I have been unable to be in crowds easily lately and couldnt go. Didnt even realize it was tonight as that is how in a different zone I am, but I am so proud of you @gagebetterton and @annatodd and @josephinelangford and @hero_ft and the rest of you gorgeous ones. 4. Thank you to @thejenniferbeals for last minute attempt to get me there. Sometimes we get so much support , but if there is an option , home is apparently where a body in need needs to be. 5 thank you @busyphilipps for super yummy food tonight. And @sarahmgellar for figuring out this lifesaving #mealtrain for us. 6. My son is here. Love Very small list of crappy random. 1. My right eyelashes all fell out except 3 corner ones. Happened in end of August. Havent regrown! 2 just started falling out in left eye so there goes my profile posing. . I guess immune system figured it has bigger kid to spank. Or its a weird coincidence. Or meds. Im going to bed. With a lack of lashes but an abundance of love and beautiful flowers. #jaimeking #artfleurla #bloom #aftermovieapril12 #itsallyellow </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/selmablair/" id="dbebfe70-b488-373e-af1d-23e369df92e9"> Selma Blair </a> (@selmablair) on Apr 8, 2019 at 9:10pm PDT

That began in August, but only recently they started falling out in her left eye, as well, she said. "I guess [my] immune system figured it has bigger kid to spank," she added. (FYI: MS isn't now to cause hair loss directly, but it could be attributed to treatments for MS, Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, a neurologist and neuroscientist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27087815/selma-blair-multiple-sclerosis-eyelashes-falling-out/" id="d961b55a-bbac-3e54-a221-78422885d96d"> previously told Women's Health </a> .)

While her newest Instagram post showing her shaving her head is still new, Selma's already received an outpouring of support and good wishes. "Wow, beautiful, cute, tender, and strong picture," one commenter wrote. While others chimed in hoping to see the finished product ASAP.

Sending all the good vibes to Selma-for whatever reason she chose to shave her head, it's clear that if anyone can rock the shaved look, it's her.

Selma Blair Shares Photo Of Newly-Shaved Head

Selma Blair Shares Photo Of Son Shaving Her Head On Instagram

When <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/a27468063/maren-morris-workout-health-interview/" id="7c5a870e-3aec-3aa2-a249-5d32e477acd6"> Maren Morris </a> lost 20 pounds a year ago, she did it for "clich" reasons-but she's glad she initially made that choice.

In a new video for Women's Health, Maren, 29, opens up about her weight loss, what she eats every day, and the fad diet she's tried (but wasn't a fan of).

"It feels really clich, but before my wedding a little over a year ago, I decided to start using a trainer," she says, referencing her wedding to singer Ryan Hurd in March 2018.

But Maren says she wasn't aiming to lose weight. "I'd always worked out really intermittently and done yoga and hot yoga but had never really used a trainer before, and I really wanted to get toned," she says. "I didn't necessarily want to lose weight, I wanted to feel strong, so I definitely do feel strong now, which is nice."

Maren also opened up on Twitter about her weight loss a few weeks ago. "5 years and 20 lbs ago with Karina in San Francisco," she wrote in the tweet. "Havent been back here since this pic was taken at the Golden Gate Bridge and am so excited to play here finally!"

5 years and 20 lbs ago with Karina in San Francisco. Havent been back here since this pic was taken at the Golden Gate Bridge and am so excited to play here finally! <a href="https://t.co/Pf03WLgP4C" id="e6a3f9bc-b970-3733-a85b-bdcd7d1bc3de"> pic.twitter.com/Pf03WLgP4C </a> - MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/1109998897961668609?ref_src=twsrc^tfw" id="34ff0cc2-49fe-3ab1-a144-6f206ded952c"> March 25, 2019 </a>

But when someone criticized Maren's choice to lose weight, she shot back, making sure to say she did so in a healthy, sustainable way. "I lost weight because I exercise now and didnt back then," Maren said, "which is a completely normal and healthy lifestyle change."

uh, chill. I lost weight because I exercise now and didnt back then, which is a completely normal and healthy lifestyle change. - MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/1110232611132047362?ref_src=twsrc^tfw" id="a8894e73-ac41-36e8-aae8-edaa85aa7f06"> March 25, 2019 </a>

And even though Maren says she lost weight mainly through exercise, the country singer's been upfront about trying different diets, like Whole30-even when it hasn't worked out for her. "I've done Whole30 before," she says in her new video for Women's Health. "I really understand it, but I don't think it's for me."

Maren says she felt more changes than she actually saw on the diet. "Ultimately, I felt amazing after the month when I did it with my husband," she says. "I think we felt insane energy from it, but I don't know if I saw physical results," though she says she'd try it again.

Beyond that, Maren's eating strategy is pretty simple-she has the same breakfast every morning while on tour: "I just make three egg whites, a piece of whole wheat toast, and some blueberries-and coffee, always," noting that she likes to eat most of her carbs in the morning to have energy throughout the day.

Maren looks pretty amazing, so yeah, I'll have what she's having.

Maren Morris Reveals How She Lost 20 Pounds

Maren Morris Reveals Exactly How She Lost 20 Pounds Before Her Wedding

<a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a27126972/demi-lovato-new-haircut-instagram/" id="7589fb3f-0db0-3223-a6e8-e34a002eddc3"> Demi Lovato </a> took a break from looking amazing in her <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a27482786/demi-lovato-bikini-jiu-jitsu-instagram/" id="30c013ce-e63c-3fde-a891-9ca594deb254"> leopard-print bikini </a> to get a very special tattoo Wednesday night in honor of her "Mimaw."

Demi shared her new ink on Instagram, with three different shots of her tattoo by artist Dr. Woo, of Hideaway @ Suite X in Los Angeles. But Demi's tattoo isn't just any average tattoo. "This is for you Mimaw," Demi wrote in her Instagram caption. "You at 26 on my arm while Im 26, and forever."

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxhFgukBvLM/" id="4ca36d47-7e45-3a18-a4c4-c2d2f2c9fb20"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxhFgukBvLM/" id="52327f6c-c061-33fa-af8c-594ec2edd72f"> This is for you Mimaw. You at 26 on my arm while Im 26, and forever. I love you more. Thank you @_dr_woo_ for making her come back to life for me.. its stunning and the most meaningful tattoo I have ever gotten. </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ddlovato/" id="aa3649ca-e8f1-3371-a784-52e71523f261"> Demi Lovato </a> (@ddlovato) on May 16, 2019 at 1:37am PDT

Turns out, that super-special tattoo on Demi's forearm is of her great grandmother who died in 2016-almost exactly three years ago, to the day-at age 93. <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a27456480/demi-lovato-body-bikini-bora-bora-instagram/" id="6f5c6748-9e4e-3171-a25a-4deb4f46f1f0"> Demi </a> wrote two touching posts on Instagram celebrating her "Mimaw" following her death. "This morning I lost my world and the world's most special woman," she wrote. "I miss her more than words can describe."

In the same post, Demi shared that she also lost her great-grandfather and her great-uncle (her great-grandmother's husband and son, respectively) around the same time-acknowledging her great-grandmother's strength in dealing with those two devastating losses.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGAyDh6uKoj/" id="c7ae030d-603e-38e4-ad6a-32936a31cb58"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGAyDh6uKoj/" id="e08bc3d7-d487-3fc0-af38-7fad43345f11"> This morning I lost my world and the world's most special woman. I miss her more than words can even describe. There is an emptiness in my heart that only her spirit can fill and I pray that I will feel her by my side every single day until we meet again. I attribute my strength to her.. She held on when she lost the love of her life.. The one she was married to for 53 years. She smiled even though she lost a son just this year. She told everyone she loved them every single chance she got and she joked even when her strokes left her unable to speak properly. The smile that she had not only could light up a whole room but it most definitely lit up the entire nursing home. She was my great-grandmother but we were so close that I never knew it was possible that anyone could have the bond that we shared even 70 years a part. The pain I feel is almost unbearable but because of her strength I will power through it. The love and support I have received has been empowering and so special to me.. I love all of you so much and I am forever grateful for the prayers, texts and fan art my Lovatics have made me. Thank you. Mimaw, I hope you are with Papa now.. I hate that I can't hear your voice but I love that you are no longer in pain. I love you so much and I miss you more than anyone could ever imagine. I'll miss your smile, your wittiness, painting your nails and your kisses. I really do love you more. Rest in peace and most importantly rest in the Lord. #RIPMimaw </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ddlovato/" id="aa3649ca-e8f1-3371-a784-52e71523f261"> Demi Lovato </a> (@ddlovato) on May 29, 2016 at 6:02pm PDT

This also isn't the first of Demi's meaningful tattoos. In January, Demi shared another tattoo by Dr. Woo-that time of her beloved dog Buddy, who died in 2015, according to <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/demi-lovatos-tattoo-of-her-dog-buddy-is-a-sweet-tribute-to-her-late-pup-15915135" id="2a7ca296-b380-3e5b-a42b-85694d432d43"> E! </a> . The tattoo features a photo of Buddy, a maltipoo who she shared with her ex-boyfriend Wilmer Valderamma, along with the words, "Buddy was here."

In her newest Instagram, Demi thanked Dr. Woo for giving her yet another tattoo that's close to her heart. "Thank you @_dr_woo_ for making her come back to life for me," Demi wrote. "Its stunning and the most meaningful tattoo I have ever gotten."

Demi Lovato Gets Touching Tattoo Of Her 'Mimaw'

Demi Lovato Just Got The The Most Touching Tattoo Of Her Great-Grandmother

In her videos, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27410119/dr-pimple-popper-cyst-behind-ear-instagram-video/" id="77ac8455-b647-3b44-a292-8fed49eea9c4"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> typically focuses on one type of bump like a huge <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27311087/dr-pimple-popper-neck-lipoma-youtube-video/" id="d4fcad86-19d9-3f2f-a0ba-676917c3d1d9"> lipoma </a> or a <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27405327/dr-pimple-popper-cork-slow-motion-blackhead-instagram-video/" id="3d981c78-6255-3b3d-a80b-a8e9a27ba6dc"> super-stubborn blackhead </a> . But dermatologist Sandra Lee MD's newest video is a two-for-one deal.

In her latest Instagram video, shared Thursday evening, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27418752/dr-pimple-popper-eyebrow-pilomatricoma-youtube-video/" id="fecb0bd0-ba9e-3704-acdc-848239f567c2"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> goes after two different types of pimples on an elderly man's face. "Were throwing it back to #blackheads and sebaceous filaments," Dr. Pimple Popper wrote in her caption, adding that they're "like chocolate chips and strawberry seeds." (She's still on that comparing-pimples-to-food train, apparently).

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxQN6jYB5DA/" id="3939849d-a5de-3314-afb0-8ff63ecbe839"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxQN6jYB5DA/" id="2b22ed9b-8b01-321e-a856-c960b37b2a0e"> Were throwing it back to #blackheads and sebaceous filaments- like chocolate chips and strawberry seeds! #drpimplepopper #tbt </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpimplepopper/" id="b70ba417-84e9-3663-a0b8-13cdff5b2b07"> Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS </a> (@drpimplepopper) on May 9, 2019 at 12:27pm PDT

You probably already know what a blackhead is (a clogged hair follicle filled with oil and dead skin), but what the heck is a sebaceous filament?

Here's the thing: They can look a lot like typical blackheads, but everyone actually has sebaceous filaments (they reside in the lining of your pores to help control the flow of sebum or oil), per Dr. Pimple Popper's website, <a href="http://www.theprettypimple.com/blackheads-vs-sebaceous-filaments-whats-difference/" id="e6337638-aab3-3a9e-a268-8ffdc25718d8"> The Pretty Pimple </a> . Most of the time, they won't become a nuisance-but the filaments become visible when the lining of your pore fills up with sebum, which can happen in those with extra oily skin or bigger pores.

Anyway, back to the video: Dr. Pimple Popper starts off with the large blackhead on a man's cheek that comes out almost immediately when she takes a comedone extractor to it. You know that chocolate chip Dr. Pimple Popper mentioned in her caption? This is it.

After pushing around on the man's face a bit more, Dr. Pimple Popper moves on to his nose to tackle the sebaceous filaments (a.k.a., the strawberry seeds). Dr. Pimple Popper uses her trusty blackhead tweezers for these (they have a rounded edge to help pick out sebaceous filaments and blackheads easier), and covers the man's entire nose, pushing on and pulling out sebaceous filaments (you'll see the gunk collect on her tweezers).

Unfortunately, Dr. Pimple Popper doesn't make any jokes during this video (though she does mention the man is her "most ornery" patient-which is relatable). But it's a good one to watch with the sound off and zone out to. Consider it your daily meditation, Dr. Pimple Popper-style.

Dr. Pimple Popper Pops Two Types Of Pimples

Dr. Pimple Popper Tackles 'Chocolate Chip' And 'Strawberry Seed' Pimples In Her Newest Video

Jenna Jameson just celebrated one year on the keto diet, and she celebrated by doing the most Jenna-Jameson-on-keto thing: Posting a <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a27254310/jenna-jameson-keto-diet-weight-gain-perfect-weight/" id="88b5fecd-0846-3c92-ad7a-5d3b0246f501"> before-and-after </a> photo.

In her newest Instagram post, shared Wednesday, Jenna shared photographic proof of how successful she's been on the keto diet in the past year (she's lost about 80 pounds on keto, FYI-her " <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a27254310/jenna-jameson-keto-diet-weight-gain-perfect-weight/" id="e3f74ba3-5da1-30fc-aaf9-ff2137d7570f"> perfect weight </a> " now is 125 pounds.

"Today I celebrate 1 year of being #keto," Jenna captioned the post. "I have absolutely never felt better!"

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7sqyrB-Hr/" id="bbc6c3aa-9d64-3b2f-ade9-2e2303324f4d"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7sqyrB-Hr/" id="f1b5d9ea-75ec-3665-add7-306e4f96d3db"> Today I celebrate 1 year of being #keto I have absolutely never felt better! Combining #sobriety, the keto lifestyle and intermittent fasting is the perfect trifecta for me when it comes to a healthy sustainable fitness journey. Thanks everyone for supporting me and joining me in my quest for ultimate health!!! Love you! #beforeandafter #beforeandafterweightloss #ketolifestyle #intermittentfasting #fitnessjourney #weightlosstransformation </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennacantlose/" id="72bdc5d6-0f57-34b6-a7de-05caa5264fee"> Jenna Jameson </a> (@jennacantlose) on May 1, 2019 at 1:08pm PDT

Jenna decided to give the diet a try after giving birth to her daughter Batelli, who just turned two years old this year. Her main goal was to just be able to play with Batelli: "I was lethargic and struggled with the easiest of tasks like walking in the beach sand with Batelli. I felt slow mentally and physically," she wrote in her first-ever post about the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22529684/jenna-jameson-keto-diet/" id="8f376b44-92f3-3dce-a364-c1fb920cd30b"> keto diet </a> back in July 2018.

At that point, she had been on the keto diet for just four months, and was already seeing major changes. "Its not only given me physical results," she wrote. "I feel happier, smarter, and much more confident."

Of course, keto isn't the only thing Jenna can thank for her weight loss: The 45-year-old former adult film star also swears by <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a22591029/jenna-jameson-intermittent-fasting-on-keto-diet/" id="a4e166b0-3511-3498-ae13-5ea913e0905a"> intermittent fasting </a> , and credits her <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a22800317/jenna-jameson-meditation-sober/" id="9d07108a-af67-3201-aede-b98675a03dfd"> new sober lifestyle </a> to her success as well. "Combining #sobriety, the keto lifestyle and intermittent fasting is the perfect trifecta for me when it comes to a healthy sustainable fitness journey," she wrote in her newest Instagram post.

As for any plans to stop keto now that she's at her perfect weight, Jenna said previously that she plans to live that keto life indefinitely-so you can rest assured knowing that you'll keep seeing those amazing before-and-after pictures on her Instagram.

Jenna Jameson Celebrates One Year On Keto Diet

Jenna Jameson Says She's 'Never Felt Better' After Celebrating 1 Year On The Keto Diet

A Kentucky middle school student died suddenly from a strep infection, according to a coroner's report on Friday.

Lilliana Schalk, a 13-year-old student from Highlands Middle School in Northern Kentucky, died following a cheerleading competition in February, according to <a href="https://www.wlwt.com/article/coroner-strep-infection-caused-sudden-death-of-13-year-old-nky-cheerleader/27287414" id="d518b4d6-d4f7-3eaa-aed7-ca8163872cfb"> WLWT5 </a> .

Lilliana reportedly fell ill during the competition-her father took her to the emergency room after she she complained of pain in her pelvis and said her hand went numb, according to <a href="http://www.fox19.com/2019/02/26/funeral-arrangements-announced-year-old-nky-cheerleader/" id="f29306f0-7297-38b3-af32-51232d86f473"> FOX19 </a> . There, her condition quickly deteriorated.

The newly-released coroner's report confirmed Lilliana died of a disseminated bacterial infection-or one that migrates to other places in the body-as a result of Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.

According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/index.html" id="9a65c1c8-7ec2-3068-af83-c8151faf8810"> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention </a> , group A Streptococcus can cause many different infections that range from minor illnesses, like strep throat, to very serious, very deadly diseases like necrotizing fasciitis or rheumatic fever.

It's unclear what exactly Lilliana was suffering from, but according to her father, she wasn't showing any warning signs, other than a hamstring injury and a "little cold," per <a href="https://www.wlwt.com/article/coroner-strep-infection-caused-sudden-death-of-13-year-old-nky-cheerleader/27287414" id="d518b4d6-d4f7-3eaa-aed7-ca8163872cfb"> WLWT5 </a> .

"Apparently, an underlying Strep infection overwhelmed her immune system with little or no warning, and catastrophic results," the Schalk family said in a statement, reported by WLWT5. "We knew this report was coming and honestly have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand it changes nothing for us. But, on the other hand, we wouldn't wish this nightmare on anyone and maybe this report might help prevent a similar outcome for someone else. Lilliana would surely help if she could, and this is just an extension of that spirit."

Highlands Middle School held a vigil for Lilliana following her death, and two cheerleading scholarships have also been set up in her name at both Highlands High School and Premier Athletics, Lilliana's private cheerleading team.

Middle School Student Dies Of Strep Infection

Kentucky Middle School Cheerleader Dies Of A Strep Infection During A Competition

If you're a seasoned <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27285238/dr-pimple-popper-never-ending-cyst-instagram-video/" id="ed262cfd-b76f-30d1-ad67-81adec4b63b0"> Dr. Pimple Popper watcher </a> , you know pimples can show up pretty much anywhere on your body: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a26751169/dr-pimple-popper-season-finale-episode-chip-on-shoulder/" id="e48dd00b-cfa1-3b81-a993-815bb88359ff"> shoulders </a> , necks, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27099398/dr-pimple-popper-unicorn-pilar-cyst-instagram-video/" id="63bacb4e-ba4e-3046-acfa-7c7748e5e4b1"> even foreheads </a> . But Dr. Pimple Popper showed off a cyst with an unusual home today: a woman's cheek.

I know, a cheek doesn't sound that unusual, but when you see it, it looks like the woman has a gum ball in her mouth. And honestly, it goes downhill-or uphill, depending on how much you love <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27274403/dr-pimple-popper-dilated-pores-of-winer-blackheads/" id="ea751469-bc99-3450-ad00-b326c948629a"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> -from there.

In the video, posted to Instagram Friday afternoon, Dr. Pimple goes after a cyst on a woman's cheek. "This <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/cheeky/" id="f8d51dfe-bcbb-3dd0-a0aa-24dd5e51fe54"> #cheeky </a> cyst is giving stuffed green olive martini vibes," she wrote in the caption.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuzlHPBarR/" id="0c73a3f9-4b8d-333e-a163-26f8b02d474f"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuzlHPBarR/" id="acef0dc9-d7c6-3150-ad12-48eb7a55e63c"> This #cheeky cyst is giving stuffed green olive martini vibes! #cheers #cyst #drpimplepopper </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpimplepopper/" id="b70ba417-84e9-3663-a0b8-13cdff5b2b07"> Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS </a> (@drpimplepopper) on Apr 26, 2019 at 1:02pm PDT

The video opens up with the cyst already cut open and Dr. Pimple Popper pushing on it with both of her hands. When she finally realizes she's not getting anywhere with the cyst, she calls in some reinforcements: her scalpel. "I'm gonna rupture it a little bit here on top," she tells the patient.

After slicing the cyst, Dr. Pimple Popper starts pushing again, and eventually green-tinted mush starts oozing out. "It's a cyst!" Dr. Pimple Popper shouts. "Oh, you're gonna go on our St. Paddy's Day special. It's a slight tint of green."

Dr. Pimple Popper goes on to identify the exact type of cyst-or at least the type of cyst she thinks it is: "I think this is a pilar cyst because the wall is a little thicker," she says. "It's the kind you get on your scalp." (FYI: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27058221/dr-pimple-popper-twin-peaks-pilar-cyst-youtube-video/" id="d837e046-a228-3d38-a9d7-ec4b4e9797e5"> Pilar cysts </a> are made up of excess keratin and shed skin tissue, are often found on the head, scalp, face, and neck.)

Once the mush comes out (let's be real, that's the only way to describe that excess keratin and skin tissue), Dr. Pimple Popper tries to pull out the cyst's remaining sac, which looks huge, tbh.

The video cuts out before she totally frees it, but damn, I bet that woman feels a million times better with out that "olive" in her cheek anymore.

Dr. Pimple Popper Just Squeezed Out A Green Cyst That Looked Exactly Like An Olive

Jenna Bush Hager announced Monday that she's pregnant with her third child, but Tuesday, on <a href="https://www.today.com/parents/what-ectopic-pregnancy-signs-symptoms-look-out-t152690" id="1848e01f-8df9-3940-af78-8205ae31c2c6"> TODAY with Hoda &amp; Jenna </a> , she revealed becoming a mother hasn't always been easy

While talking to Meredith Viera (who's filling in for Hoda Kotb while she's out caring for <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27164715/hoda-kotb-new-baby/" id="abec3e50-a90e-351a-a693-6159d6c2a3ae"> her new baby </a> ), Jenna revealed her first pregnancy was actually an ectopic pregnancy.

"Before I had Mila [Jenna's first daugther], I had a pregnancy in my fallopian tube," she said, adding that she realized it while she was on trip to California. Jenna took a pregnancy test after she "started to feel sick" that confirmed her pregnancy, but she got another story when she saw a doctor.

"I got to the doctors office and she said 'Yeah youre pregnant, we gave the blood test, but we cant find the baby,'" Jenna recalled. "I had no idea what an ectopic pregnancy was. They looked up and the baby was in my fallopian tube." To which Meredith replied, "Oh that's so dangerous!"

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnHPBGgASR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="7069ce43-8f59-3e45-a823-9309f196ab04"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnHPBGgASR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="6a7e035c-14f6-302a-a746-33d0c8eabf2a"> Jenna opened up about a frightening pregnancy complication she had before getting pregnant with her first daughter, Mila. See what she had to say about the common and potentially dangerous condition at our link in bio. (: @photonate) </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hodaandjenna/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="019ec253-d3d2-3d82-a5f3-d3b2096ab557"> TODAY with Hoda &amp; Jenna </a> (@hodaandjenna) on Apr 23, 2019 at 1:16pm PDT

<h1> Wait, what exactly is an ectopic pregnancy? </h1>

The <a href="https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ectopic-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false" id="a62c7332-2d03-3272-ada0-7826625f1dda"> American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists </a> (ACOG) describes an ectopic pregnancy as one that occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, most of which-about 90 percent-occur in a fallopian tube, like Jenna's.

An ectopic pregnancy can feel like a typical pregnancy at first, with symptoms like a missed period, tender breasts, and stomach upset, but as an ectopic pregnancy grows, more serious symptoms can develop, like sudden severe pain in the abdomen, shoulder pain, and weakness or fainting-especially if the fallopian tube ruptures and causes internal bleeding.

Some women are more likely to experience ectopic pregnancy, including those who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy, or previous pelvic or abdominal surgery. Women with pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis also have increased risk for ectopic pregnancies, along with women who smoke, are older than 35, and have a history of infertility or have used in vitro fertilization.

The only way to treat an ectopic pregnancy is by terminating the pregnancy through medication or surgery, per the ACOG. In Jenna's case, she went through emergency surgery to treat her ectopic pregnancy. "I went into emergency surgery and I had my fallopian tube removed," she said.

Overall, Jenna said her experience was "very isolating" but she shared her story to show that "there's joy and there's pain." Here's to hoping other women hear Jenna's ectopic pregnancy story and realize they're not alone.

Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Ectopic Pregnancy

'TODAY' Co-Host Jenna Bush Hager Reveals She Had An Ectopic Pregnancy

On the most recent episode of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27179698/how-did-gypsy-rose-get-caught/" id="457f0f10-3f59-3c56-a00c-6bc04023c4e0"> Hulu's </a> <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27179698/how-did-gypsy-rose-get-caught/" id="49bd0e31-c9c6-31d8-a050-26fbe9f7b089"> The Act </a> , viewers got a glimpse into Gypsy Rose Blanchard's early childhood-and apparently her mom Dee Dee was an overbearing and overprotective mother from the start, and it all started with <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27104298/gypsy-rose-real-illnessses-the-act-hulu/" id="eb7ede39-b939-3492-a8fc-d7b5a4fbc78e"> Gypsy Rose being diagnosed </a> with "failure to thrive."

I'll back up a sec: This episode-the sixth of the seriesstarts out with Dee Dee giving birth to <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27129715/real-gypsy-rose-blanchard-tv-interview/" id="5cea9b2b-6b11-3902-add9-481bb4626dd8"> Gypsy Rose </a> back in 1991 in Louisiana. Fast forward a few months later when Dee Dee is sitting at home with her mother, Emma Pitre, and Gypsy Rose, and Dee Dee begins to think something's wrong, medically, with Gypsy. "I just know something's wrong," Dee Dee says, before finally deciding to take Gypsy in for a checkup.

At the pediatrician's office, Dee Dee is told that Gypsy has "failure to thrive"-which sends both Dee Dee and her mother into a panic. "It's a creepy name, but it's not too bad," the doctor says. "Basically, it just means she's underweight and she's smaller than she should be a two months."

The doctor assures <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a27126417/gypsy-rose-blanchard-engaged/" id="3e15ccda-b6bd-3952-ae47-c30240164939"> Dee Dee </a> that "infants grow out of it all the time-especially if the parents get a system in place." The doctor sends Dee Dee home with a list of everything she needs to know (like instructions on feeding her more), along with a supplement and a high-calorie formula. But overall, the doctor tells Dee Dee she "can rest easy."

<h1> Wait, wait, wait-what exactly is "failure to thrive"? </h1>

If you're thinking of that Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey movie, that's not it (that's Failure to Launch, FYI). Failure to thrive actually refers to children whose current weight or rate of weight gain is much lower than that of other children of similar age and gender-like the doctor in The Act said-according to the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000991.htm" id="2fcc9eb6-0248-32c6-ad95-c8ead672301a"> U.S. National Library of Medicine </a> (NLM).

Tons of things can cause failure to thrive, per the NLM, like medical issues (issues with the organs or metabolism, among others) or environmental factors (poverty, lack of an emotional bonds, poor eating habits, etc.).

Initially, failure to thrive is diagnosed when the child appears smaller than other children of a similar age, but as it develops further, it can manifest in mental and physical delays in development, as well as constipation, excessive crying, excessive sleepiness, and irritability, per the NLM.

Treatment options will depend on the severity of a child's failure to thrive, but can include increasing the child's calorie intake, correcting any vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and treating any medical issues, per the NLM. While failure to thrive can affect overall growth and development if it lasts a long time, development can continue normally if it's caught and corrected early.

Basically, the doc was totally right: Gypsy had a good chance of being totally fine after having failure to thrive-that is, if Dee Dee hadn't taken over and started diagnosing her with a host of fake illnesses. Kind of seems like a perfect storm, right?

What Was Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Failure to Thrive?

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Was Diagnosed With 'Failure To Thrive'—But What Is That?

Dr. Pimple Popper-a.k.a. <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27058221/dr-pimple-popper-twin-peaks-pilar-cyst-youtube-video/" id="c5abe073-c75f-3da0-ab92-f4e892690fd1"> dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD </a> -is notorious for having lots of handy tools at her pimple-popping disposal: comedone extractors, scalpels, forceps. But sometimes, all she really needs are her fingertips.

In a new Instagram video, she tackles a cyst that's way too big for her typical tools, so she has to pop it manually. "When the #cyst is too big for the extractor, you just gotta #squeeze it," she captioned the post.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwU7YXPBZVH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="906ef262-eea2-3820-aaa9-304f980ac073"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwU7YXPBZVH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="22df6e8f-f099-3e91-a2f1-150c723ff541"> When the #cyst is too big for the extractor, you just gotta #squeeze it! #bigone #drpimplepopper </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpimplepopper/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="8e752be1-876d-3aba-ab82-830f67b85efb"> Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS </a> (@drpimplepopper) on Apr 16, 2019 at 11:51am PDT

The video shows a closeup of...somewhere on a man's body (eventually we find out it's behind his ear-the hardest spot to get to for at-home pimple poppers). After Dr. Pimple Popper places an incision on top of the cyst's surface (it looks like a <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27099398/dr-pimple-popper-unicorn-pilar-cyst-instagram-video/" id="2f7b9ac6-ec85-3992-ad17-c40ffcb7e810"> huge whitehead </a> , tbh), she realizes her tools won't cut it for this one. "This is too big for my extractor, I'm just gonna have to squeeze it," she says in the video.

Upon further examination, Dr. Pimple Popper also realizes what she's working with: "It's like a <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a26911760/dr-pimple-popper-milia-instagram-video/" id="760d8d4b-9d56-3a53-ac6e-cf4716fcb8b5"> milia </a> that became a cyst," she says. (FYI: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19951651/dr-pimple-popper-eyelid-milia-video/" id="e8b77dda-7bad-3dc8-ab4e-606ceeec5888"> Milia are essentially hard, white cysts </a> that grow under the skin, but they're typically small-this one, however, apparently grew into a full-size cyst.)

As Dr. Pimple Popper manhandles the cyst, she explains to the patient that she's hoping to completely remove it so he doesn't have to deal with it again. "You have to take out this little sac that it's contained in, so that's what we're gonna do today, take that out for you so you don't have to deal with it hopefully anymore," she says.

After a little hard work-and, okay, a little extra help at the end from her comedone extractor-Dr. Pimple Popper completely removes the cyst. All in a day's work, amirite?

Dr. Pimple Popper Pops Huge Cyst With Her Fingers

Dr. Pimple Popper Just Popped A Cyst That Was Too Big For Her Extractor

Earlier this week, Selma Blair revealed on Instagram that her <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27087815/selma-blair-multiple-sclerosis-eyelashes-falling-out/" id="8d3274d2-e54a-3165-a53e-fbf211067aec"> eyelashes have started falling out </a> due to multiple sclerosis. Now, Selma's opening up about another <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19996617/7-early-signs-of-ms-to-know-about/" id="2c51226f-6d82-38bc-a29a-e06c1a71bb1f"> MS symptom </a> : memory loss.

In a new Instagram post Thursday, Selma shared a throwback photo of herself that was apparently part of a book. "This was from a book to raise money? Awareness? For brain cancer," she wrote, clearly trying to remember something she couldn't exactly put her finger on.

"I have my own memory problems," she continued. "I might forget what I am looking up in the middle of it. Or I would give you more info on this book. So. I keep typing." Selma also revealed that she doesn't remember thinking she looked good back then. "My face looks so good," she wrote. "I don't think I ever thought so." (Cue the shocked look on my face.)

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHsMq5nIyp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="d91efd2b-597b-3069-a738-720cfcf2ca0c"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHsMq5nIyp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="0505a7ec-f3eb-3494-ad75-ff8571142175"> This was from a book to raise money? Awareness? for brain cancer. I have my own memory problems. I might forget what I am looking up in the middle of it. Or I would give you more info on this book. So. I keep typing. I never saw this picture until my friend @johnmcilwee sent to me on Saturday. My face looks good. I dont know if I ever thought so. Go look back at a younger you on plain old film or Polaroid to feel like Isabella Rossellini or some beauty. #tbt </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/selmablair/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="da4e602a-519b-3c12-ad93-dda9d2de9974"> Selma Blair </a> (@selmablair) on Apr 11, 2019 at 8:24am PDT

This isn't the first time Selma's mentioned her memory issues related to MS. In her very first Instagram post about her <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a24063886/selma-blair-ms-diagnosis/" id="b74b554a-11a0-356a-ac22-95af2a0a25bc"> diagnosis in October </a> , Selma gave a rundown of her symptoms: "I am disabled," she wrote. "I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I dont know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best."

<h1> Are memory problems common in those with MS? </h1>

Yep. Cognitive changes are a key symptom in people with MS, per the <a href="https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Cognitive-Changes" id="d0f335c4-0844-3739-a7b1-e9cb11714a3b"> National MS Society </a> (NMSS)-more than half of all those diagnosed with MS will develop problems with cognition (a.k.a., high-level brain functions that include the ability to learn, remember, focus, and understand, among other things).

According to the NMSS, cognitive changes are often the first symptom of MS, and are often only weakly related to other MS symptoms. That means, per the NMSS, that one person may have no physical limitations with MS but experiences significant cognitive impairment, while others who have extreme physical disabilities can be unaffected cognitively.

Those with MS can experience cognitive issues if their disease is on the more progressive side and if they're in an exacerbation-both issues that Selma has said she has dealt with.

While it's unclear how much medical treatment for MS can aid memory and cognitive issues, cognitive rehabilitation, like learning or memory exercises, can help slow the disease's cognitive progression. In some cases when a certain cognitive function is completely gone, MS patients can use tricks (like making to-do lists or eliminate distractions) that can help when certain cognitive functions are lacking.

It seems as though Selma might be working on cognitive rehabilitation by looking back at these old photos; here's to hoping it can help her deal with her cognitive changes.

Selma Blair Reveals 'Memory Problems' With MS

Selma Blair Opens Up About 'Memory Problems' Caused By Multiple Sclerosis

Another day, means another pilar cyst for <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27042733/dr-pimple-popper-comedone-compilation-instagram-video/" id="c87dd358-795d-3655-a55f-360eb9652b12"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> to work her magic on.

In her newest Instagram video (that actually leads you to a longer YouTube video), Dr. Pimple Popper goes after not one or two, but three pilar cysts on a woman's head. And uh, things get a little messier than expected.

The Instagram video comes with the caption, "This <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/pilarcyst/" id="4881e1c1-c60e-3b3d-a4bc-8a6e2d206278"> #pilarcyst </a> is proving that no one is safe from a POP," which is basically code for "get ready to be super grossed out."

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv4spiyB7ec/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="bade916c-dc0b-37f2-a737-c7536ef3fc84"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv4spiyB7ec/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="48820d1a-57fd-3ce1-a2a7-865acfc57c89"> This #pilarcyst is proving that no one is safe from a POPHead over to #youtube to see Twin Peak Pilar Cysts.. Plus 1! #surprise #drpimplepopper </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpimplepopper/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="8e752be1-876d-3aba-ab82-830f67b85efb"> Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS </a> (@drpimplepopper) on Apr 5, 2019 at 12:43pm PDT

But the YouTube video (aptly titled "Twin Peak Pilar Cysts Plus 1") is where the real magic happens. <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27054254/dr-pimple-popper-epidermoid-cyst-instagram-video/" id="55284fb2-4862-334e-a46e-0a8001512035"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> starts out by slicing down the middle of one of the woman's pilar cysts (which, btw, are most commonly found on the scalp and are filled with keratin).

Apparently, the woman has had a few pilar cysts before this-and hasn't had great experiences with them. "I think the other doctor cut around them and one took two years to fully heal," said <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27042551/dr-pimple-popper-bodyguard-lipoma-youtube-video/" id="e4da9631-a3eb-3e6c-a9aa-826cde20bb1a"> Dr. Pimple Popper. </a> Yikes.

The woman is also wearing headphones during the procedure, likely to drown out any uncomfortable noises, per Dr. Pimple Popper.

The first cyst comes out pretty easily. "It was like a little buffalo mozzarella," said Dr. Pimple Popper. And after she stitches up that hole, the doctor moves on to the other two cysts-and she's definitely got her work cut out for her.

"This one feels a little bit like it's softer," said Dr. Pimple Popper as she inspected the second pilar cyst. As soon as she cut it open and began to press on it, the cyst started oozing-so clearly, Dr. Pimple Popper was right.

But the third cyst was the video's grand finale. Everything starts out pretty standard: Dr. Pimple Popper creates an incision on top of the cyst and begins to push it out. But when she's almost halfway done, the cyst explodes all over Dr. Pimple Popper's splash guard and gloves.

"What is pimple popping without having a real pop?" Dr. Pimple Popper said, clearly unfazed. "That's where you get the sound effects from." (Yes, if you listen to the video with the sound on, you will hear a very distinct pop.)

But after that surprise, it's business as usual. Dr. Pimple Popper stitches her patient up and sends her on her way. Not all heroes wear capes, you know?

Dr. Pimple Popper Pops Three Huge Scalp Cysts

Dr. Pimple Popper Just Popped Three Totally Different Pilar Cysts On A Woman's Scalp

Let's be honest: Vanessa Hudgens is about as trendy as they come, so of course she's on two of the trendiest diets out there: intermittent fasting and keto.

Back in November, Vanessa, 30, revealed to <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a25012428/vanessa-hudgens-intermittent-fasting-workout-routine/" id="b4979999-17a8-3cab-a5ed-30755ce5f9a7"> Women's Health </a> that a month before her interview, she started intermittent fasting. Her reason? She saw how well it worked for a friend. "Homeboy is aging backward," she said.

Now, in a new interview with <a href="https://people.com/health/vanessa-hudgens-keto-diet-intermittent-fasting/" id="68102c48-2e3a-30d7-aeb6-e82d0b9b1813"> People </a> , she opens up even more about how she juggles the two diets.

"Ive been intermittent fasting a lot, because for me, I love pasta, I love pizza, and when Im not eating carbs I feel like a little piece of me dies," she told People, adding that she eats during a six-hour period each day (from noon to 6 p.m.), and then fasts for the other 18 hours.

"Intermittent fasting is great, because when I am fasting-those first two weeks are definitely rough, Im not going to lie, but after that I feel more grounded and powerful in my workouts," she said. "I get the nutrients that I need when I eat, but then I also eat what I want."

But really, eating for just six hours each day can be rough-that's why Vanessa switches to the keto diet sometimes to change things up. "If you have the right ingredients to keep you on track, I think its amazing," she said, talking about the keto diet. "Im always making sure Im getting those healthy fats in, so I eat a LOT of almond butter. You feel really energetic and supported on the keto diet.

Still, juggling two pretty intense diets is definitely a challenge. And while Vanessa says it works for her, it might not be everyone's thing. "I feel like its a recipe that works for me," she says. "Everyones different of course, but for me, thats whats been the most beneficial so far."

Vanessa Hudgens Does Keto And Intermittent Fasting

Vanessa Hudgens Is On The Keto Diet—And She Does Intermittent Fasting, Too

<a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/the-act-8cc910fe-b59e-46a5-9966-16c4e0ed208d?&amp;cmp=10882&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=SEM&amp;utm_campaign=CM_SEM_TheAct&amp;utm_term=+hulu%20+the%20+act&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw1pblBRDSARIsACfUG11Huj6LT0gIOeFPIe6Y9WHjyxflQZKOQgKe6nK81aeXxWnx5P-7vP0aArydEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" id="79a41551-e58b-3798-a3fd-4e4ba3547dff"> Hulu's </a> <a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/the-act-8cc910fe-b59e-46a5-9966-16c4e0ed208d?&amp;cmp=10882&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=SEM&amp;utm_campaign=CM_SEM_TheAct&amp;utm_term=+hulu%20+the%20+act&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw1pblBRDSARIsACfUG11Huj6LT0gIOeFPIe6Y9WHjyxflQZKOQgKe6nK81aeXxWnx5P-7vP0aArydEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" id="512d5e2b-e68b-3886-a544-6d8fcca819a6"> The Act </a> has had a laser-like focus on <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a26678552/the-act-hulu-munchausen-syndrome-by-proxy/" id="e84d836e-0cab-3763-ace7-e117b0029e9d"> Gypsy Rose Blanchard's </a> fictional health problems, fabricated by her mother Dee Dee. But now, it seems that Dee Dee had health issues of her own-and they're rooted in facts.

In the fourth episode of The Act-a creative telling of the true story of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a26767233/gypsy-rose-blanchard-true-story/" id="81f4edee-3ee8-348e-ae01-512411f7ddb1"> Gypsy Rose </a> and Dee Dee-Dee Dee is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In one of the first scenes of the episode, Dee Dee is seen having her finger pricked to test her blood sugar levels.

"Your blood sugar shouldn't be this high," says Dee Dee's doctor. "As I've repeatedly told you, Ms. Blanchard, you need to be getting in at least 30 minutes of walking a day to start managing this."

Clearly, this isn't a new issue for Dee Dee. "We're going to have to put you on insulin, and you're going to have to check your own blood sugar several times daily, at least until we can get you under some control."

When Gypsy (who's with Dee Dee at the appointment, obviously) asks if that's bad, the doctor replies: "It's not great. Your mom is really sick." The doctor also tells Gypsy that, in the worst-case scenario, Dee Dee could die. "Type 2 diabetes can be fatal," she says.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvo4gQilIrm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="022bad80-a042-3fde-af59-b2fc37d85c44"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvo4gQilIrm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="591f071e-736b-310d-ad26-f39b478d3b83"> Being a mother is an impossible love, and the worrying never ends. </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theactonhulu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="dc3c3c9e-1a31-3a2d-a441-da50fbc1ad94"> The Act </a> (@theactonhulu) on Mar 30, 2019 at 9:15am PDT

A troubling diagnosis? Definitely-but it seems like Dee Dee plans to use it to her advantage. When told that she'd need to give herself daily insulin injections, Dee Dee calls on Gypsy to help. "I'm sorry, Gypsy baby, but I'm gonna need you now-every single day," she says.

Throughout the episode, Dee Dee becomes progressively sicker. She's seen feeling woozy and lightheaded at the mall, and eventually faints in front of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27021102/gypsy-rose-neighbor-lacey-real-person-the-act/" id="ef2a4b23-4646-38e7-af18-0655f3fb4c63"> Gypsy's friend Lacey </a> . Gypsy also needs to prick Dee Dee's finger to take her blood sugar levels when Dee Dee starts to feel sick.

"Is 72 low?" Gypsy asks, and Dee Dee replies, "Real low; but I'll be okay, just stay with me. (FYI: Dee Dee also uses this moment to ask Gypsy to sign papers-which is actually paperwork to become Gypsy's power of attorney-in order to "protect" her.)

<h1> Whew, that's a lot. First, did Dee Dee have diabetes in real life? </h1>

So apparently there is some truth to Dee Dee's type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

According to a search warrant obtained by the <a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/06/24/authorities-seize-blancharde-home/29230145/" id="3f450064-ef17-3d12-afd6-43a5118bfb1f"> Springfield News-Leader </a> , which reported on the case when it occurred in 2015, authorities were told that Dee Dee was diabetic and had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The same search warrant also stated Gypsy's conditions-"a muscular disease that prevents her from walking," as well as leukemia and her need to use oxygen at night-which later turned out to be false.

<h1> Define diabetes for me again?? </h1>

Diabetes means your blood glucose levels (a.k.a. blood sugar levels) are too high, according to the <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/low-blood-glucose-hypoglycemia" id="e91b99d4-7e6f-33bb-a2f0-293ad32499fd"> National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) </a> . This happens when your body doesn't make enough (or any) of a hormone called insulin, which helps the glucose from food get into your cells in order to be used for energy. When glucose doesn't reach your cells, it stays in your blood, per the NIDDK.

In Dee Dee's case, she has type 2 diabetes, which means her body doesn't make or use insulin well. It's the most common type of diabetes and typically occurs in middle-aged or older people. It's often caused by lifestyle factors (poor diet and lack of physical activity) and genes.

And Dee Dee's doctor was right: Type 2 diabetes can be managed through physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day), taking insulin or other diabetes medication, and checking blood glucose levels regularly, per the NIDDK. Type 2 diabetes can also be fatal. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to a bunch of problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, among other issues.

<h1> So if diabetes means your blood sugar levels are high, why were Gypsy and Dee Dee talking about low blood sugar? </h1>

Right, so, low blood sugar (a.k.a. hypoglycemia) happens when the levels of glucose in your blood drops too low. According to the NIDDK, for many with diabetes, that number is 70 milligrams per deciliter or less (but the NIDDK says that number can vary, so it's best to check with your health provider to find out your own level).

According to those standards, Dee Dee's reading of 72 isn't necessarily "real low," though, again, nothing can be said for certain since optimal blood glucose levels can vary per person.

Still, Dee Dee's symptoms definitely mimicked someone suffering from mild or moderate hypoglycemia (like confusion and disorientation, weakness, and tiredness, per the NIDDK).

In those with diabetes, hypoglycemia can occur if you take your insulin or other diabetes medications incorrectly, along with not eating enough carbohydrates, skipping or delaying meals, increasing physical activity (if you're not also adjusting your medications accordingly; physical activity also lowers blood glucose), per the NIDDK.

In all, it appears Dee Dee did actually have diabetes, but it's unclear just how severe-and whether she was exaggerating symptoms just to keep Gypsy even more indebted to her.

Did Dee Dee Blanchard Really Have Diabetes?

Dee Dee Blanchard Has Diabetes In 'The Act'—But Did She In Real Life?

<a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27029944/dr-pimple-popper-forehead-milia-instagram-video/" id="5608ab2e-58f8-3791-a88c-18fbba691ffd"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> knows sometimes you just need a quick little pop to get you through your day-and she always delivers.

In her newest Instagram video, <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27005526/dr-pimple-popper-brain-lipoma-youtube-video/" id="0a9eacef-c6e7-3d89-ab88-9f9b58b379fd"> dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD </a> shares a quick-hit compilation of a few "good ol' fashioned #pops," according to the caption. You can hear the doctor talking in the short clips, but her pimple pops are the main focus. She also used the hashtag "#comedones" to describe the pimples she was tackling.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvz7PlkB-hn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="e8cf0285-d101-35af-a9a7-d5b837403720"> View this post on Instagram </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvz7PlkB-hn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="ed45969f-8716-39eb-a774-ca37829ed7f4"> Just some good ol fashioned #pops#comedones #drpimplepopper #acne </a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drpimplepopper/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" id="8e752be1-876d-3aba-ab82-830f67b85efb"> Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS </a> (@drpimplepopper) on Apr 3, 2019 at 4:13pm PDT

Comedones are just your average, run-of-the-mill blackheads and whiteheads. According to the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003236.htm" id="1506e961-87e5-3a2a-a257-cc8933bc179c"> U.S. National Library of Medicine </a> , "comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture." They're found at the opening of pores and often have a solid core in the middle of a small bump. Blackheads are open comedones, while whiteheads are closed comedones. The more you know, right?

The comedones compilation goes through three different (super satisfying) pimple pops. Each one is a little bloody, tbh. That's because sometimes <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27021804/dr-pimple-popper-coin-purse-pilar-cyst-instagram-video/" id="6a17f214-b95f-3d5c-aca5-1b6fcf0eb374"> Dr. Pimple Popper </a> needs to slice the skin a bit to help the pimple come out.

"I make that nick and they come out like little nuggets," she said in one of the clips. Dr. Pimple Popper also uses a comedone extractor-a metal tool with rounded edges to ease the pimples out without damaging the surrounding skin-in all of the clips

The last clip also appears to be pretty darn satisfying for Dr. Pimple Popper herself. "Yeah! Good," she said. I mean, same.

Props to Dr. Pimple Popper once again for fighting the good fight and making sure her patients have great skin (and helping us indulge in our moderately gross taste in Instagram videos).

Dr. Pimple Popper Shares 'Good Ol' Fashioned Pops'

Dr. Pimple Popper Shared A Compilation Of Some 'Good Ol' Fashioned Pops'

Listen, there are tons of things you can't have on <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19434332/what-is-the-keto-diet/" id="aaa7a5e9-0d09-31d0-a500-e52a6c4915a4"> the keto diet </a> - French fries, bread, ice cream-but that doesn't mean you need to go without one of life's simplest pleasures: condiments.

Lucky for you, Kraft-Heinz is always coming out with brand-new ways to make your ordinary food taste not-so-ordinary. This time, they've paired two of the most beloved things: ketchup and ranch-aptly named "Kranch."