Photo From Mattel

I've read plenty of fun facts about what Barbie's measurements would be if she were a real woman—but nothing quite as specific and thorough as this post on Never Say Diet:

For example, if Barbie were a real woman, her feet would be a child's size THREE!

Don't worry, there's much more where that came from...

• If Barbie were a real woman, her bra size would be 39 FF and she'd have to crawl to support her top-heavy frame.
• If Barbie were a real woman, she wouldn’t have room in her arms to have all her bones.

And my favorite "if Barbie were real" fun fact:

• If Barbie were a real woman, her neck would be twice the length of a normal neck and it would only be able to hold either a trachea or an esophagus, leaving her to choose between eating and breathing.

Yikes! Good thing Barbie isn't a real woman! (Check out Never Say Diet for even more measurement info.)

Have you heard any similar "if Barbie were real" facts?

Related Posts:

Barbie's 50th Birthday: Is She Bad for Body Image? 

Can A Fat Barbie Teach Healthy Lifestyles? 

Thin and Sexy With Big Boobs is Not In!

Being afraid of the gym is natural; but taken too far, it could stop you from being healthy and getting in shape. Here are a few steps for trying to overcome gym phobia:

• Join a gym close to home. The closer the gym is to your home, the more likely you are to go to it. I used to live within walking distance of my gym. Now, it's a 20-minute car ride away. Guess what? I'm coming up with a lot more excuses not to go to the gym these days.

• Buy cute gym clothes. It sounds superficial, but trust me, it really works. If you love your hot gym outfit, you are less likely to pay attention to your body's imperfections.

• Get a tour of the gym in off-peak hours. Most gyms should offer free tours of the premises including tips on how to use the equipment. Knowing the layout of the gym can help you to plan your workouts in advance so you're not standing there, wondering what to do next.

• Workout with a friend. A friend can not only provide encouragement and support but can also distract you from whatever it is at the gym that makes you uncomfortable. And don't they always say, "Safety in numbers?

• Wear headphones and listen to your favorite music. This is a distraction technique that I have perfected. Plus, listening to music makes the workout much more fun.

Are you scared of the gym?

Related Posts:

What Do You Do If You Don't Like the Music at the Gym? 

Gym Confessions: Girl, You Stink

Gym Confessions: Panty Problems That Crack Me Up

Photo From ABC.com

FitCeleb.com reports that Kelly Osbourne has lost a whopping 20 pounds since being on Dancing With the Stars!

So, how'd she do it?

Kelly lost weight through pilates, following a healthy diet, giving up sugary sodas, and, of course, the grueling hours of training and dancing that it takes to be on the show.

I am so excited for her! She looks healthy and fantastic!

Doesn't Kelly look great? Are you rooting for her on Dancing With the Stars?

Related Posts:

Tyra Banks Loses Weight and I'm Disappointed 

OctoMom: I Lost 145 Pounds in Nine Months 

'The Biggest Loser': I Can't Believe It

Map of flu shot locations in my city.

Do you know where to find flu shot providers in your area?

Google has developed the Flu Shot Finder, a new mapping tool to show you vaccine locations for both seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu. How does it work?

Click the finder link above, then enter your address. The map will show you locations in your area: The red syringe graphic indicates seasonal flu shot locations, and the blue syringe indicates H1N1 flu shots.

Now, if only the map would show locations for the new electronic holy water fonts—that would really be cool!

Will you use Google's new Flu Shot Finder?

Related Posts:

Vaccinated Without Consent: A Mom's H1N1 Story

Swine Flu Vaccine: Demand the Babysitter Get It?

CafeMom's Swine Flu Guide

In an effort to combat the spread of H1N1 flu, an Italian has invented an electronic holy water dispenser, which functions like the automatic soap dispensers found in public restrooms. (Click link to view.)

This is good news for me whether it's flu season or not—those communal holy water fonts always grossed me out!

So how does it work? Churchgoers wave their hands under a sensor and the machine spurts out holy water. See? Awesome!

Some churches have banned traditional holy water fonts—in which churchgoers dip their hands into communal fonts full of water—because of an increase in deaths related to the swine flu.

But these sanitary dispensers would allow churchgoers to continue their holy water traditions.

What do you think of this invention? If you go to church, are you grossed about the traditional holy water fonts full of water like I am?

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Avoid Germs With a Sanitary Door Handle 

The Secret Spots Where Germs Lurk

Restaurant High Chairs Are Gross!

We all have stress in our lives, sometimes more so than others, so here are some "stressful" links I love:

Why we crave fatty foods when we're stressed. — Fit Sugar

However, there are a few of us that are stressorexic. — Lil Sugar

Upside of stress? Say what?! — That's Fit

For a lot of us, family holiday gatherings equal stress. Learn how to keep your cool. — Parent Dish

Are you a stressed mom? These Momversation panelists talk out the stress. — Momversation

10-second stress busters. — Woman's Day

Related posts:

Test Your Stress Level

Do You Feel Holiday Stress?

1-Minute Stress Buster

Photo From Amazon.com

I can't tell you how many copies of the Position of the Day Playbook I got at my bachelorette party (a lot, thanks to my "helpful" girlfriends).

Apparently, someone thought couples shouldn't have all the fun and created a chart of sexual positions for the lonely with very similar graphics. Click the link to view.

What's your favorite solo position?

Related Posts:

10 New Sex Positions To Keep You Busy

Best Sex Position for an Ugly Day

Photo From NBC.com

Not too much to say about The Biggest Loser this morning, except that I'm surprised, sad, and concerned for the person sent home (SPOILER alert).

Last night on The Biggest Loser, Ali Sweeny surprised the contestant with the news that there would be two lines at the end-of-the-week weigh-in: a red line and a yellow line. The contestant who lost the least amount of weight would fall below the red line and would be immediately sent home. The next two contestants who lost the least amount of weight would fall below the yellow line and, as usual, one would be voted off the show.

At the weigh-in, Daniel fell below the red line and was immediately sent home. I was sad, because I like Daniel, but felt that it was time for him to leave. And, in the update he seemed to be doing very well.

(Side-note: Some of the boards are buzzing about a potential romance between Daniel and Rebecca, and after watching her tearful response last night, I wondered as well. What do you think?)

And even though Shay lost a whopping 17 pounds last night (and broke the record for the fastest woman to 100 pounds on The Biggest Loser), she fell below the yellow line along with Amanda (who lost 5 pounds). I didn't see this coming, but Shay got voted off at the end.

I was surprised because of all the contestants, I felt like it is most important for Shay to be there. I realize it is a game and Shay is a threat to the other contestants because she can lose the most weight; at the same time I'm wondering if she has enough support at home to continue her journey.

And I'm worried: Why didn't they show an update for Shay?

What did you think of last night's episode of The Biggest Loser?

Related Posts:

'The Biggest Loser:' Good Riddance or Bittersweet? 

The Biggest Loser (Group)

'The Biggest Loser:' Did You Bawl Your Eyes Out?

Photo by AshBayGrammy

Here on CafeMom, we talk about abortion, but mostly just to say whether we agree with it or not. Rarely, does someone "TALK" about abortion...until now. Thanks to AquarianPath for being courageous enough to come forward with her story...

Below is an excerpt from a journal post by CafeMom AquarianPath.

 Yes, I've aborted before. It wasn't an easy decision. My husband and I made it together.

No, I don't regret what I did. But the reality is something that I don't expect other people to understand or comprehend, empathize or sympathize with.

So, here I am opening myself up and making myself vulnerable. Why? Because it's ok. Not everyone will get it...I always try to remain as open and honest as possible. Even if it hurts. I refuse to be like the horribly mean-hearted people who only look on the surface of an individual, judging them when they have no right. So yes, I'm afraid to open up, but here's my story:

I miscarried in January 2006. I lost my brother in February 2006. I wound up with a tubal pregnancy in April 2006. Then my oldest son had a severe break down and was hospitalized. We were supposed to get PCSed [permanent-change-of-station] to Dover, Delaware, but that was put off because of my son's illness. My uncle died in July 2006.... and I ended up pregnant again. I aborted because I panicked. I honestly couldn't do it.

We were transferred to Dover in September 2006, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2006. I went through the most horrific and terrifying battle of my life. It changed me and how I viewed the world....and how I viewed myself and the abortion...

I knew the cancer wasn't from the pregnancies or the abortion. Because I had been having symptoms of cancer since I was pregnant with my second son back in 2004-05 (bleeding from the nipple, and pain in the breast after I gave birth to my second son). So the cancer was already there when I miscarried, terminated, and aborted.

However, I still can't help but feel that I was punished. Does that mean I regret aborting? Not exactly. I regret I was in that situation and I was a coward. But I still felt that it was the right choice. Confused? Yeah,I was too. This is what you get when you look behind the facade and see the raw complexities of human emotions...

Click this link to read the rest of her journal post about abortion.

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A Mom Confronts the Possibility of Down Syndrome 

A Romantic Comedy About Abortion

I'm always so inspired by hearing other women's stories of how they've lost weight, increased their fitness, and adopted a more healthier lifestyle, aren't you?

Mom_love07 has graciously agreed to share her weight loss journey with us. She's a 21-year-old mama to daughter, Addison, 2, and lives in Illinois. Her goal? To be more active and lose 100 pounds in one year. Each week we'll check in with her to see her progress and give her words of encouragement! But first, let's hear a little bit about why she's embarking on this important journey...

CM: How much do you currently weigh?

I weigh 240 pounds exactly.

What is your goal weight? 

My goal weight is 140 pounds.

How long do you expect it will take you to lose this weight? 

I am honestly not sure. I know it will take a bit, so I am going to say a year.

What is your strategy for losing weight?

My strategy for losing weight is: being more active. I have been walking a lot more with my daughter; but because it is getting colder, I am going to have to find a new way. I have also started doing sit-ups and lifting weights. I am only doing a simple arm curl now with a 10-pound weight.

I am not exactly "dieting," but instead watching what I eat and how much I eat of it—basically watch my portions. And, I will be eating every two hours, with my last meal being between 6 pm and 7pm—that way I don't let myself get too hungry, and then gorge on something that isn't good for me.

Oh, and for 30 minutes a day I am going to turn on the radio and just dance with my little one. This week I am also going to check out the Fitness videos on the On Demand and try a few out.

Have you always been overweight? What are your reasons for wanting to lose weight now?  

According to the standards and charts that govern those, I would have been considered overweight because of my height to weight ratio. I have been about 5'6" since the beginning of high school. And before I became pregnant, I weighed between 130 and 140 pounds, but I never considered myself overweight then.

I want to lose weight because I want to be more healthy. I want to know that I will be there for my daughter and be able to do all those things with her that she may want me to do. I also want to lose weight before I even think about having another child. I do not want another one for a good three to four years, but if I don't lose this weight now then it will be even harder.

I am sick and tired of being overweight. And after I had my daughter, I only weighed about 200 and was losing some. But these past two years held many unseen challenges—family deaths and weddings and such—and things became overwhelming for me, and I gained the weight then.

What do you think will be the biggest motivator for helping you to lose weight?

My biggest motivator will be my little girl. I am doing this, first, for myself, but, second, for her. I am not setting a good example for her. And as I said I want to be around for her for along time.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you on this weight-loss journey?

The biggest challenge will probably be those times when I weigh myself and seem to not have lost anything even with my hard work. I also think the holidays will be tough, too. Also, because it is getting colder out, I will have to do more inside, and it will just be easier to not do it.

Thank you to Mom_love07 for taking us on her journey! I'm so excited for her and know she will do great! You go, girl!

Let's offer some words of encouragement and support to get her started!

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I exercise first thing in the morning, so I rarely eat before working out: first, because I don't have time, and second, because eating so early in the morning makes me nauseous.

But some fitness exerpts recommend eating before exercising because they say it can give you more energy and help you to last longer, especially during a hard workout...

It is possible to "train" yourself to eat before working out. I actually did this last summer when I was training for a race. I was getting light-headed during some of my longer morning runs and found that if I ate a small, healthy snack before running, I felt stronger and felt better. 

But I had to start with teeny tiny portions, and work up from there. My first few runs post-eating were not pretty, but I got better as the summer continued.

Here are few good foods to eat before exercising (recommended to me by my local running store):

• Small banana
• Small apple
• 1 cup non-fat or low- fat yogurt
• Juice
• Half a slice of wheat toast spread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• Small handful of trail mix (with nuts, raisins, etc.)

Do you eat before working out?

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Photo by Jleighbum

CafeMoms in the Running Moms group recently challenged each other to go one whole week without coffee (or other caffeinated drink like tea, soda, etc.).

So why would they willingly choose to put themselves through this?

True, it is suspected that caffeine dependency may cause increased cholesterol levels, impaired fertility, headaches, and other health-related problems. But, generally, for most women, there doesn't seem to be too many dangers of drinking coffee in a moderate amount; doctors recommend we drink no more than 4-5 cups per day.

However, some moms in the Running Moms group said that reducing caffeine (or giving it up all together) had the following effects:

• Helped them to sleep better.
• Gave them more energy.
• Made them less stressed and jittery.
• They felt better overall without caffeine.

Typically, I drink herbal tea instead of coffee (which makes me way too jittery). So giving up caffeine for a week or longer wouldn't be a big deal to me. But I know many women who can't make it through the day without their cup of joe.

What do you think? Could you go a whole week without caffeine?

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Coffee Good for Your Health?

Photo by Peajewel

Okay, maybe my headline is a little melodramatic. But ever since the health care reform legislation passed the House on Saturday night, groups all over CafeMom have been buzzing with lively discussion. Some moms are happy. Some moms are scared. Some moms haven't had a chance to learn what exactly is included in the bill (and it's no wonder; the bill is almost 2,000 pages long!).

See this poll at CafeMom.

So what happens now with respect to this bill becoming law? First, the Senate must pass its own version of a health care bill. Then, a congressional committee will merge both bills into a consensus plan, which would then need approval from the House, the Senate, and President Obama himself. Whew.

What follows is by no means a comprehension explanation of the House plan, but rather a few highlights from the bill that are generating the most debate:

• The House bill would extend coverage to 36 million people now without insurance.

• The bill would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could "shop" for the best coverage.

• The bill would create a government health insurance program; in other words, the government will sell health insurance, competing against private insurance companies.

• The bill would restrict insurance company practices from not covering pre-existing conditions or dropping people when they become ill.

• It would require most Americans to obtain health insurance or face penalties.

• It would offer federal subsidies to help people who can't afford it buy insurance from private companies or from the government. Anyone earning less than $88,000 for a family of four would qualify for a subsidy.

• It would block the use of these federal subsidies for insurance (private or sold by the government) that covers elective abortions. Another way to understand this is that the bill would bar any insurance plan (even private insurance plans) that are purchased with government subsidies from covering abortions.

Do you think the House health care bill is a good thing or a bad thing?

Related Links:

What are you thoughts on the health care bill that was passed? 

Health Care Reform Bill Passes 

Health Care Is Not Fair (Especially for Women)

Photo by AshBayGrammy

This week Maine rejected a law that would have legalized gay marriage. In response, JoyeAustin wrote a heart-felt open letter to the voters of Maine. Here's a brief excerpt:

Below is an excerpt from a journal post by CafeMom JoyeAustin.

You got suckered.

You were misled.

You allowed ignorance to halt a hugely progressive step forward towards true equality.

Ever since our governor signed our new gay marriage law into effect earlier this year, the "Christian" groups have been running campaigns to have it repealed at the ballot. Unfortunately, they were successful. They accomplished this through fear mongering and lies, incomplete information and twisted sensationalism.

For example, they claimed that second graders would be taught about gay marriage. I have a couple questions about this. First of all, anti-gay marriage voter, WHY does this scare you so much? Marriage is marriage, a union of two people. Teaching gay marriage is the same as teaching about straight marriage, and refusing to teach it doesn't mean it will cease to exist. It exists whether you like it or not.

Click this link to read the rest of her letter to the voters of Maine.

Related Posts:

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Lesbian Moms in Connecticut Can Marry

See this poll at CafeMom.

In May of this year, the Maine Legislature passed a law that would have legalized same-sex marriage. However, the law was put on hold after conservatives launched a petition drive to repeal it in a public referendum. Almost 53 percent of Maine voters voted to throw out the law; 43 percent voted to uphold it.

Gay marriage is currently legal in five states: Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Maine would have been the sixth.

Would you vote for or against same-sex marriage in your state?

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How Would It Harm YOU If Gays Were Allowed To Marry? 

Lesbian Moms in Connecticut Can Marry 

The "Gay" Talk

Photo From SesameStreet.org

Have you heard the Internet rumor about Cookie Monster giving up his cookies and turning into the Veggie Monster?

It's definitely an urban myth, but that's not stopping it from getting tons of attention this month as Sesame Street celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

The famous blue overeating Muppet isn't giving up cookies for good, but his recent shift to healthier eating habits had some moms up in arms...

A few years ago, Sesame Street made changes to Cookie Monster to make him more "healthful" in an effort to combat childhood obesity. He no longer scarfs down cookies. He is a spokesperson for the American Egg Board. And the official Sesame Street Web site lists Cookie Monster's "Likes" as "Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables."

In other words, Cookie Monster still eats cookies; he just eats a lot less of them and chooses fruits, veggies, eggs, and other healthy food instead.

CafeMoms recently discussed Cookie Monster's healthy lifestyle, and most thought it was just plain stupid. A few choice excerpts that made me laugh:

• Dorothy24: I was raised on Sesame Street! Cookie Monster was my favorite...I still eat healthy. What's next? Making Oscar the Grouch to be nice and clean? Being dirty and living in garbage is unhealthy, too!
• Barefootbchbum: Whose job is it to make sure their kid doesn't eat five million cookies a day: Cookie Monster or Mom and Dad?
• Knightquester: I loved him as a child and my kids did, too, and we weren't cookie addicts...Parents make kids fat, not a fictional puppets on the television.

Do you eat healthy DESPITE growing up with Cookie Monster? Or do you think Cookie Monster should be more healthful?

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Maybe TV's Not Completely Evil After All... Phew!

See this video at CafeMom.

The H1N1 flu pandemic has everyone panicking about the spread of germs. And opportunistic entrepreneurs are cashing in on the action!

I, myself, am terrified of door handles in public restrooms—they're so unsanitary! Perhaps, that's why I think this new sanitary door handle is a great idea!

You open the door with your forearm instead of your hand, keeping your hands germ-free. It's certainly a less wasteful alternative to using a paper towel to cover the handle when you open the door.

Between this new door handle and the sleeve sneeze, our forearms will be getting a workout this flu season.

What do you think? Is the Sani-Handle a stupid or useful invention?

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Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty

Remember Tyra Banks' "Kiss My Fat A**" moment that aired few years ago on The Tyra Banks Show?

Now, the famous model/actress/talk show host is telling critics that they can kiss her fit behind: She's shed almost 30 pounds since her angry 2007 outburst directed against tabloids that printed unflattering photos of her in a bathing suit and called her "fat."

So, how did she lose so much weight?

According to People.com, Tyra lost weight by working with a nutritionist, keeping a food diary, and switching up "unhealthy eating habits for healthier eating habits."

Tyra says that even though she's slimmed down, she doesn't want to lose her famous curves: she's maintained her 34DD boobs and (her words) "round booty."

I think she looks great, but I can't help but be a little sad that she seemd to cave to the pressure to be thin that she was so vehemently against a few years ago. Oh well, I guess what's important is that she's healthy and happy.

Do you think Tyra looks great?

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Photo by DawnMarie1018

If you've eaten too much Halloween candy (I know I did!), check out these healthy links I love:

These ten women had amazing weight-loss transformations...so inspiring! — Woman's Day

Fall off the fitness wagon? It happens. But you can get back on. — That's Fit

A week-long "emergency diet" is currently holding my attention. — Yahoo! Shine

Learn how to splurge without damaging your diet. — Health

Did you eat too much candy this week?

Related links:

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Leftover Halloween Candy: Ideas For Your Sweet Stash

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Really, people? (Barring an emergency) what could possibly be so important?

Some sexperts believe that our fast-paced, multi-tasking lifestyles are ruining our sex lives. (They're not saying there's anything wrong with quickies—who doesn't love a quickie?) But by only having fast, "efficient" sex, we may be missing out on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits that sex can offer.

The solution? Slow Sex, which can be described as slowing down in the bedroom and losing yourself in the moment instead of sprinting to get it over already. Besides helping you to connect to each other, slow sex can ultimately be more satisfying for both partners.

Here are some tips for how to have Slow Sex:

• "Slow down" outside the bedroom. Take a few minutes to make time for flirting, touching, stolen glances, conversation, etc. so that your partner (and your desire for him/her) will be on your mind throughout the day.
• Remove objects from the bedroom that can distract from sex: for example, phones, TVs, laptops, etc. Also, remove less tangible things that can make sex more stressful—orgasm quotas, deadlines, time limits, etc.
• Make time for foreplay before sex: massage, stroking, eye contact, breathing in unison, etc.

Do you have Slow Sex? Or are you lucky these days if you even have time for a quickie?

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Photo From NBC.com

I've spent all this season of The Biggest Loser hoping a certain person would get voted off the show. But in the end, that particular person didn't seem to be as bad as I had previously thought...WARNING: MAJOR SPOILER.

Tracey was eliminated in last night's episode of the The Biggest Loser, when the contestants visited Washington D.C. (including the White House!) with Bob and Jillian to help other people lose weight. She and Liz fell below the yellow line during the weigh-in, but Amanda, Daniel, Danny, and Rebecca all decided to vote her off because of how she had acted in the beginning of the game.

Personally, I haven't trusted—or for that matter really liked—Tracey, simply because of how she played the game in the beginning.

But last night's episode showed a new, shall we say, softer side of Tracey. I loved seeing her with her kids and husband at the end, and she looked absolutely fabulous! Her transformation was truly amazing. Now, she smiles so much more. She just seems like a nicer, and more important, happier person. And, she's training for a marathon in December. Go Tracey!

*Sigh.* I love The Biggest Loser.

What did you think of last night's episode of The Biggest Loser? Were you happy to see Tracey go?

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As it turns out, my favorite smell might just inspire me to act more fair, charitable and generous than I would normally toward others. That's according to new research, which shows that clean smells promote moral behavior. Not sure if I buy it, but if it is true, I'm going to start wearing strong, "clean-smelling" perfume so that everyone around me acts ethically!

In two experiments, participants in a room spritzed with a clean smell—in this case, citrus-scented Windex—acted more "fairly" and "charitably" than compared to participants in a plain-smelling room. Researchers believe this is because people associate physical cleanliness with moral cleanliness.

Instead of using intrusive security measures like surveillance, workplaces, retail stores and other organizations could encourage people to follow the rules and act ethically simply by manipulating the odors of the environment. How could we use this to our advantage at home?

Do you think there's a connection between clean smells and "clean" behavior? What's your favorite clean smell?

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Photo by AshBayGrammy

There's an alarmingly high statistic floating around CafeMom of late:

Forty-two percent of women claim they would lie about contraception in order to get pregnant, regardless of the wishes of their partners.

In other words, women so desperately want a baby that they tell their partners are on birth control when, really, they aren't.

Most CafeMoms say they are not part of this 42 percent. In fact, they think this statistic is way too high...take our anonymous poll, then tell us what you think about the topic...

See this poll at CafeMom.

The statistic is actually from an study done a few years ago in the United Kingdom. But it's getting more attention recently now that a male birth control pill is being developed.

My opinion? Of course, there are women who lie to their partners in order to get pregnant. (And whether or not this is the right thing to do is not for me to decide.) But I'm wondering if this number have been inflated in order to convince men that because women are so untrustworthy and baby-obsessed they should definitely take (read: buy) the male birth control pill in order to "protect" themselves.

Agree? Disagree? Do you think a lot of women lie about birth control in order to get pregnant?

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Do you get migraines? If so, I can definitely empathize: They can really be excruciating. Getting migraines is bad enough. But now there's new research showing that for women who suffer migraine headaches with aura AND smoke  AND use oral contraceptives, the risk for stroke may be doubled.

The fact that there is a connection between migraines with aura (or visual disturbance) and stroke is nothing new. Researchers have long known that migraine with aura is associated with a twofold increased risk for stroke compared to people without migraine.

What was unknown, however, is who is most at risk. Women are up to four times more likely than men to get migraines; moreover, one-third of females with migraines also experience aura before or during a migraine.

Now, experts now believe that in addition to being a female experiencing migraines with aura, being under 45, smoking, and using oral contraceptives that contain estrogen are all factors that can increase a person's risk of stroke. 

If you fall into this category, doctors say there is no reason to panic. But modifying the risk factors within your control (smoking and oral contraceptives) is recommended.

Do you get migraines? How do you deal with them?

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I should be careful with my accusations, however, because new research suggests that bad driving is genetic. So, if my sister is genetically programed to be a bad driver, then I might be one, too!

A new study suggests that individuals born with a certain variant of a gene might be worse drivers than their counterparts.Thirty percent of Americans have this particular gene; therefore, if it is, in fact, the case that this gene variant causes bad driving, then 30 percent of Americans would be categorized as "bad drivers."

Isn't it scary to think that there are so many bad drivers on the road?

In the study, participants were asked to drive 15 laps on a simulator that required them to learn the nuances of a track with difficult curves and turns.Those with the particular gene variant performed 20 percent worse on the simulation test compared with those without the gene variant.

The problem with the study? It only tested 29 people, which is too small of a sampling to draw any decisive conclusions. In other words, more tests need to be done.

And in the meantime, there's good news. The gene variant in question doesn't only cause bad driving. Rather, it is thought that people with this gene variant maintain their usual mental sharpness longer than those without it when neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and multiple sclerosis are present.

Are you a bad driver? Do you blame genetics?

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Teen Drivers. Mom Worriers.

Texting While Driving

Do You DWB? (Drive While Breastfeeding)