About Health: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

3 Ways to Get Fit with a Jump Rope

3 Ways to Get Fit with a Jump Rope

Blast fat, build muscle, and improve cardio—all with a $10 tool.

If you haven't jumped rope since grade school, you're missing out. This kid-friendly piece of fitness equipment is portable, simple to use, and takes the work out of working out. No wonder it's earning rave reviews among trainers these days.

"Jumping rope is my all-time-favorite best-bang-for-your-buck workout," says Leanne Shear, a personal trainer and cofounder of Uplift Studios in New York City. "It offers a huge burst of cardio; improves endurance, stamina, and speed; and the great part is, it's a very intense workout that requires very little time." Shear also touts it as a supplemental exercise for those times when you're not in the mood to go for a run or hit up yet another cycling class. "It's also good to do a minute of jumping rope between strength-training sets," she says. "Just five to 10 minutes a day is enough to start seeing benefits."

MORE: The 7-Move 7-Minute Workout That Blasts Fat Fast

Ready to give it a try? Before you do, note that jumping rope can be harder on the body than you remember from when you were a kid. "Make sure to stretch, especially your quads, hamstrings and calves," says Shear. Once you're appropriately limbered up, grab a rope and give these three variations a try.

Classic jumping rope: With your fit spread hip-width apart, jump rope with both feet, moving the rope around your body with your wrists and keeping a fast but steady pace. Your hips should remain level as you jump.

One-foot jumping: Do the same move as above, but hop on one leg, then the other, which helps improve balance and strengthen leg muscles. "I alternate a minute on one leg, then a minute on the other," says Shear.

Lateral jumps: Jump rope fast with your feet together, but add in a side-to-side motion. "This works the lateral muscles of the legs and also gets in a little shot at the obliques," says Shear.

MORE: The Ultimate Boot-Camp Workout

What A Sexual Dry Spell Does to Your Body

What A Sexual Dry Spell Does to Your Body

Miranda Kerr says her dry spell has a surprising effect on her muscles.

It's true: Even Victoria's Secret models experience dry spells. Recently divorced Miranda Kerr told GQ UK this month that lack of sex is starting to affect her bod: "One thing I've noticed is now that I'm having less sex my body isn't as toned. The more sex I have, the more defined my arms and stomach get."

Sigh. If only scoring Miranda's fit body was as easy as a little sexercise. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your typical romp isn't exactly a substitute for the gym. But we're still curious: Can having less sex really affect your body?

MORE: Have You Seen Kylie Minogue's "Sexercize" Video?

"Going without sex might decrease libido, but it's not going to make someone less toned," says Lauren F. Streicher, M.D., author of Love Sex Again. That said, going through a dry spell could affect your body in other ways. Streicher says that regular sexual activity can increase blood flow down below, which can increase lubrication and elasticity—so you might not get these benefits if you're temporarily abstinent. Plus, it turns out that having sex really can boost your workouts, so maybe that's why Miranda's feeling less toned than usual these days. Still, Streicher says you won't lose muscle definition from not having sex.

MORE: The Better Sex Workout

So as annoying and disappointing as a dry spell might be, rest assured that it won't wreck your fitness efforts.

MORE: 9 Reasons Why Fit Women Have Much Better Sex

4 Things You Can Do on Your Lunch Hour to Promote Weight Loss

4 Things You Can Do on Your Lunch Hour to Promote Weight Loss

Besides eating a healthy meal

No matter how crazy-insane your workplace might be, your lunch hour is your time—to chill out, fuel up, and take a well-deserved timeout from the all-consuming work world. And even if you don't actually get a full 60 minutes (these days, fewer people do), you can still make time during your break for easy weight-loss moves. These four tips will keep you on course to reach your goal weight or maintain your current fit, healthy shape. Unless your boss has literally chained you to your desk, you can do these!

Do a Metabolism-Boosting Workout
If you can spare 20 minutes in the middle of the day, you can rack up fitness results. All it takes are some full-body, high-octane moves that utilize lots of muscle groups, plus free weights that are slightly heavier than what you're used to—so you score bigger results in less time. Try this ultimate lunch-break workout—it'll help you torch calories without leaving you too sweaty and red-faced.

Meditate Away Stress
De-stressing is always a good idea—but it's extra important when it comes to shedding pounds because knowing how to manage stress has been shown to affect how many pounds you lose. Even just five minutes of closing your eyes and breathing deeply can help. No need to cross your legs and start chanting; it’s all about doing whatever helps you block out physical and sensory distractions. These myths about meditation will help you get started.

Pick Up a Healthy Snack for Later
Pop into a convenience store or supermarket, and purchase healthy, no-prep-required snacks to stash in your desk drawer or office kitchen area. Having them ready for when you're low on fuel and desperate for a snack—say during the 3 p.m. witching hour or while working late—will keep you from going on a vending machine bender and packing on pounds.

Take a Selfie
Seriously—before you get back to your desk, go somewhere private (with a flattering background!), and snap a selfie. Experts say that looking at selfies can be a great stand-in for weighing yourself regularly—seeing evidence of your slim-down will help keep you motivated, and if you do happen to start veering in the wrong direction, you'll notice before it seems too intimidating to take off the extra pounds. (And as an added bonus, you won't become fixated on an arbitrary number.)

MORE: 3 Ways to Get in Bikini-Body Shape Fast

The Best-Ever Reason to Work Out Today

The Best-Ever Reason to Work Out Today

Ride this #MotivationMonday inspiration all the way to the gym.

There are tons of great reasons to sweat: Because exercise impacts both your body and mind. Because it reduces stress. Because it ups your energy level during the day and helps you sleep better at night.

But, just in case you need one more push to work out today... If this applies to you, it's the best motivation of all:

To happiness! And check out these superstar Instagrammers getting their own #MotivationMonday fix:

Feeling motivated yet? Find even more ways to experience joy here.

Today is the Last Day to Sign Up for Health Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Today is the Last Day to Sign Up for Health Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Find out if you need to head to HealthCare.gov, stat.

It's last call at HealthCare.gov. Today is the last day to get private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, located at HealthCare.gov.

If you do not currently have health insurance (or you've been buying coverage on your own and want to change your plan), your open enrollment period for purchasing a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace ends at midnight tonight. If you do not sign up by tonight and you remain uninsured, you will be subject to a fine on your 2014 taxes (either $95 or one percent of your annual income, whichever is higher), which will increase each year. Plus, you won't be covered, and you' ll be putting yourself at risk for incredibly expensive medical costs in the event that you do get sick.

Worried about glitches or super-long wait times? As long as you start your enrollment today (by starting your application online or by getting in line at the call center or an in-person enrollment center), you will have the opportunity to finish that enrollment process at a later date if you're not able to do so today. "Starting tomorrow, they can go into the system and apply for a special enrollment period," says Mayra Alvarez, associate director of minority health for the Department of Health and Human Services. This is for those people who have attempted to enroll and weren't able to—particularly due to circumstances outside of their control, says Alvarez.

To date, over 6 million people have enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace—but you're not alone if you've been procrastinating. Over 2.5 million calls have come into the call center in the last few weeks alone, says Alvarez.

The fact is, not having health insurance kills thousands each year. So if you need insurance and you haven't signed up already, head to HealthCare.gov now to get started.

Still not entirely sure if you need to sign up? Click here for 8 things you need to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace and check out the frequently asked questions about ObamaCare.

The Best Post-Pregnancy Yoga Poses

The Best Post-Pregnancy Yoga Poses

Hilaria Baldwin and Giada demo the moves that help new moms feel strong and slim.

You've heard that yoga is an awesome workout when you're expecting—all that bending and posing helps keep your core toned and reduces stress, too. But yoga also deserves props as a great mind-body exercise that can help new moms get their pre-baby body back.

Take it from rock star yoga instructor Hilaria Baldwin. Mrs. Alec Baldwin, who launched her inspiring #YogaPostureOfTheDay posts back in January (just months after delivering), recently gave a postnatal yoga demo to Giada De Laurentiis for Giada Weekly, the star's digital magazine.

"Yoga tightens your muscles—the activation and the stretch—and the breathing supplies more oxygen to the muscles," said Hilaria. She spotlighted three poses as being the best for post-pregnancy: plank, cobra, and sphinx (which Giada and Hilaria are pictured doing above): "Plank is really great," she said. "I did a lot of that as well as cobra pose and sphinx pose. I also like a variation on plank called dolphin plank. You balance on your forearms with your feet and heels together, then bend your knees one at a time or dip your hips from side to side. Try to keep your heels together and stay stationary."

For more helpful tips on getting in shape post-pregnancy, check out these stories:

How Long Does It REALLY Take to Lose Baby Weight?

Jenna Dewan Tatum Lost Her Baby Weight in 7 Weeks—Here's Her Secret

Jessica Simpson Gives Refreshing Advice About Dropping Baby Weight

How Kim Kardashian Dropped the Baby Weight So Fast

Before You Judge the Post-Baby Body Instagram Woman...

The Secret to Dropping More than 30 Pounds Fast

The Secret to Dropping More than 30 Pounds Fast

Tap into the power of negative training.

Almost everyone who's lost weight has eventually put the weight back on. Why this cruel reality? It's simple, really: During the first months of any diet, your body loses both fat and muscle. Then, when you gain back the weight, you add back only fat because it's much easier to gain fat than it is to gain muscle.

"That's the dirty little secret of most popular diet plans," says exercise researcher Ellington Darden, Ph.D., author of the new Women's Health book, The Body Fat Breakthrough. "They don't combine muscle-maintaining exercises with the calorie reduction. More muscle is your ticket to a better body."

It's no secret that muscle is more metabolically active than fat, so by having more lean muscle on your skeleton, you'll burn more calories even at rest. Fortunately, Darden says he discovered a super-efficient way to build muscle while losing weight: It's called "negative training," and Darden tested it on more than 100 people at Gainesville Health & Fitness in Florida a few years ago. The technique involves doing the lowering part, or "eccentric phase," of a resistance exercise very slowly. But Darden gave this old-school bodybuilding trick a tweak: He found that by using heavier weights and doing just one and a half reps very, very slowly, you can achieve remarkable results from just one or two short workouts per week.

MORE: 7 Pushup Variations You Need to Try

To get a taste of what Darden calls "negative-accentuated training," grab two dumbbells, and stand upright with your arms straight and the weights resting against your thighs. Do a quick bicep curl to get the weights to your shoulders; that's the starting position. Now very slowly lower the dumbbells—that's the negative phase—taking 10 to 20 seconds to let them lower to your thighs. Then immediately curl the weight very slowly to your shoulders (again, it should take 10 to 20 seconds)—that's the positive phase of the lift. Finally, without pausing, do another negative movement, taking a final 10 to 20 seconds to lower the weights to your thighs. So the idea is that you'll do the negative movement for twice as long total as you do the positive movement. (Eventually, you'll want to increase to 30 seconds for each phase of this exercise.)

By doing one and a half reps of a lift, you can complete a workout in just 20 to 30 minutes—and feel like you've exercised for more than an hour. The moves are simply that tough, which is why you'll need several days for your muscles to recover.

The negative-accentuated style of weight training results in 40 to 50 percent greater stress being put on your muscles, compared to more conventional training methods, says Darden. This stimulates key hormones that boost muscular growth and oxidize fat-cell content at a faster rate. "It may be that the higher level of stress put on your muscles, combined with just the right amount of carbohydrates, decreases insulin responsiveness in fat cells to make them shrink," says Darden.

MORE: How to Lose 15 Pounds Without Dieting

In addition to emphasizing this unique lifting strategy, Darden's plan also includes nine other "Fat Bombs," or small lifestyle changes that help people gain muscle and lose weight—as much as a 30 pounds in 30 days. Among those strategies are drinking plenty of cold water to stay full and burn calories through thermogenesis, walking nightly after dinner to boost body heat and trigger increased fat loss, and following a meal plan made up of roughly 50 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent fat.

People who tried the plan during its test phase swear by it: "I burned multiple layers of fat from my waist (12 inches off) and am stronger and fitter than ever," says 42-year-old Melissa Norman, who lost 52 pounds in 24 weeks.

For the complete weight-loss plan and more of Ellington Darden's tips, check out The Body Fat Breakthrough at your favorite retailer:

MORE: 7 Research-Backed Breakfast Tips for Faster Weight Loss

5 Healthy, Tasty Greens to Mix Up Your Salads

5 Healthy, Tasty Greens to Mix Up Your Salads

Score more flavor, texture, taste—and good-for-you nutrients—by switching up your salad base.

Spinach. Romaine. Kale. If you love salad but basically rotate these three go-to greens day after day, you're not just deadening your taste buds—you're also depriving yourself of the full range of vitamins and minerals other kinds of salad greens have to offer. To expand your lunchtime horizons, take a trip down the produce aisle and try these alternatives, suggested by Brittany Kohn, R.D., of Stephanie Middleberg Nutrition in New York City.

Microgreens
You know about baby carrots and baby broccoli; microgreens are their leafy counterparts. Sold in a big bag typically containing a mix of arugula, red cabbage, radishes, and herbs, these delicate greens are harvested early, which boosts their nutritional profile big time. They can contain up to 40 times more antioxidants and beta-carotene than a serving of adult mixed greens, says Kohn.

MORE: 4 Food Rules for Strength Training

Mache
This soft, tender leaf has a mild, slightly sweet, almost nutty flavor. It's great on its own or tossed with heartier, crunchier greens, says Kohn. Key nutrients include mega amounts of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Even better, a cup has a third more iron than the same amount of spinach.

Frisée
Frisee might look a little strange, but it's packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid. It's bitter, which makes it a good green to add to a mixture of other types of lettuce, and it has a crunchy stem that lends texture to your salad, says Kohn.

MORE: The Easiest Healthy Homemade Lunch Ever

Radicchio
This burgundy leaf adds a pretty color to your typical green salad. It's got a bitter edge and a spicy taste when raw, punching up the flavor of the entire dish. (When cooked, the taste mellows and becomes slightly sweet, so it's also great as a pizza topping or in pasta.) Besides containing lots of B vitamins, a serving of radicchio scores you calcium, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus, says Kohn.

Escarole
The broad, pale, smooth-textured leaves on a head of this veggie have a slight kick but aren't overwhelming. Escarole also helps you rack up your intake of iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and potassium, says Kohn.

MORE: 9 Genius Tips to Make At-Home Salads Taste So Much More Amazing

Study: Marinating Meat with Beer is Good for You!

Study: Marinating Meat with Beer is Good for You!

Finally, a science-backed reason to bring a six-pack to your next cookout.

Usually, you consume meat and beer separately. But you might want to start combining them—at least when it comes to grilling. A new study that appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society, suggests that soaking meat in a brew marinade might make it healthier.

It has to do with carcinogenic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are found in higher concentrations in foods cooked at super-high temperatures, such as smoked and charcoal-grilled meats. Past studies have linked PAHs to a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, and previous research has also shown that beer or wine marinades may cut levels of other carcinogenic compounds in meat. With this in mind, researchers tested the idea that marinating meat in beer before cooking it might reduce the formation of PAHs.

MORE: Could Fried Food Increase Your Alzheimer's Risk?

For four hours, researchers soaked supermarket-purchased pork loin steaks in three different types of brew: pilsner (a pale lager), black beer (a dark lager), and nonalcoholic pilsner. The results: Compared to non-marinated pork loin, the black beer marinade reduced the formation of PAHs by 68 percent, the pilsner by 36.5 percent, and the nonalcoholic brew by 25 percent.

The researchers aren't exactly sure why dark beer may make meat healthier to consume, but they suspect that the antioxidants in it (yup, it has some!) may inhibit PAH production. More research needs to be done, but in the meantime, consider it a decent reason to soak your steaks in dark suds next time you play pit master at a cookout. And while you're at it, check out these other ways to grill safely.

MORE: How to Grill: Bobby Flay's Grilling Tips

I'm the Marathoner Who Brought You #HottGuysOfTheNYCHalf—Here's My Story

I'm the Marathoner Who Brought You #HottGuysOfTheNYCHalf—Here's My Story

Can't get motivated to run a marathon? Feel free to steal this hilarious tactic.

You know in movies when the lead character walks away from a massive explosion in slow motion? That's sort of what it feels like to watch your story go viral. My name is Kelly, and I'm the one who brought you #HottGuysOfTheNYCHalf. It all started when my friend took the photos that I live Instagram-ed during the race and created a Buzzfeed Community article. Four hours later, I had completed my first phone interview with Good Morning America. So how did I manage to run a half marathon and post to Instagram at the same time? Here's a play-by-play of what actually happened that cold NYC Half day.

Thirty minutes before my alarm, I woke to a stomach full of butterflies. I went about my race day rituals, trying to ignore my anxieties about how I would perform. The NYC Half was my fifth half marathon, but I wasn't always an avid runner. I actually just started running Thanksgiving Day 2012. At that time, I had just been rejected by the guy I was dating, and I was feeling depressed and restless. The gym was closed so I got up to go for a run, but I didn't even get to the end of my street when, out of breath, I had to walk. (So I suppose I really should say I went for a walk.) But my best friend Irene encouraged me to stick with it, and two months later I ran my first half marathon (albeit undertrained and chafing in places I didn't even know existed). It was the most incredible thing I've ever done and I was hooked—which brings us to the NYC Half.

Thanks to the Polar Vortex and the amount of snow that was dumped on Manhattan this winter, I hadn't trained as much as I had hoped. I spent most of my training with my arch nemesis the treadmill so I rarely ran over four miles. But despite the nerves and butterflies, I was giddy with excitement. I ate breakfast, got dressed, put on some sunscreen and my trusty waterproof Covergirl mascara and took the subway to Central Park.

MORE: What's a Runner’s High, Exactly?

Ready, Set...Smile!
The sun was just beginning to rise over Manhattan's skyline and thousands of spandex-clad runners sporting trash bags and foil blankets huddled tightly together to keep warm. I was doing a pre-race dance (to Beyoncé) to keep warm and trying to calm my nerves when all of the sudden I noticed a handsome runner standing behind me. If there's one thing you can count on at a race, there will be handsome men of all shapes and sizes running. Single and ready to mingle? Pick up running! I went to take a very creepy selfie with said hottie to text to my sister when I thought, "What if I find a different hot guy and take a selfie for every mile of the race?" Thoroughly amused, I snapped my first selfie, quickly captioned it "ladies and gents, I present to you #hottguysofthenychalf," posted it to Instagram and off I went.

Once my hands and feet defrosted I began 'hottie hunting'. We hit mile one quicker than I anticipated and I tried to adjust my pace when a tall handsome gentleman passed me on my right. I sped up to get in front of him and positioned myself to grab the picture. Trying to run, take a selfie, find a filter, come up with a caption and stay out of people's way is NOT easy! It's like juggling fire. [Disclaimer: I have never juggled fire. This is an assumption.]

Catching a selfie with a hottie in Times Square was impossible. I couldn't handle the excitement that had come over me as I experienced Times Square without having to fend off the vendors asking me "if I like comedy" or having to dodge the awkward Elmo and Cookie Monsters. Unfortunately, I ended up with blurry photo after blurry photo. I cut my losses, posted a blurry hottie photo, and ran towards the West Side Highway—and toward a man wearing the shortest pair of running shorts ever worn in 30-degree weather. Instagramming him was obviously a no brainer. A few miles later, I approached a man whose locks were flowing in the breeze like a Disney prince—snap!

As we passed The Freedom Tower I set my sights on my twelfth hottie, an overwhelmingly handsome blonde man sporting an Equinox gym tee. I sprinted after him into The Battery Park Underpass, but I couldn't catch him! Every time I got in front of him, he'd sprint past me; now that I think about it, maybe he was onto my selfie game. I lost track of how far into the 12th mile I was and wanted to make sure I had enough energy to power through the finish. Luckily, there was another Instagram-worthy hottie to my right.

MORE: 6 Surprising Ways to Prepare for a Race

The #Winning Strategy
Suddenly I realized that I had been so entertained and preoccupied with chasing hot guys, I didn't even have to time think about being cold or tired. I typically have a hard time breaking my stride when I run a race, so having the welcome distraction of finding a hot guy to take a selfie with every mile actually made me unintentionally run intervals! If there is one thing I am willing to sprint for, it's a handsome gentleman. And maybe a cupcake. Now if only I could get hot guys to run with cupcakes...

Then, in the blink of an eye, I crossed the finish line and it was all over. Catching my breath, I looked around to get my final selfie. The heavens must have opened up to me as I found two hotties (for the price of one) for a photo finish. I collected my foil blanket, medal, swag bag, and personal bag and followed the throng of runners into the Concrete Jungle. The NYC Half was the most fun race I have ever run. I laughed the entire way and I ended up running it in two hours, one minute, and one second: my second best half marathon time to date.

Are my 'hottie hunting' days over? Absolutely not! The Brooklyn Half is right around the corner and I have my sights set on breaking two hours; so there will be plenty of training, selfies, and hopefully, hotties! You can follow me at @KellyKKRoberts or keep up with me as I run New York on my new blog www.RunSelfieRepeat.com.

MORE: If You're Thinking of Running a Marathon This Year...

Nick Cannon Shares His Thoughts About Waiting to Have Sex Until Marriage

Nick Cannon Shares His Thoughts About Waiting to Have Sex Until Marriage

You might be shocked by what he says.

Your first time with someone can either be awesome or awkward, and apparently it was the former for Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey. In a recent radio interview with Power 106, Nick sounded off on the first time he and Mariah had sex:

"On our wedding night, honeymoon-style, house in the Bahamas. That's a wonderful thing. That's a real woman right there to make you wait until you get married."

Okay, hold it right there. We're happy that it was so special, but you can obviously be a "real woman" whether you wait until marriage or not. (No sex-shaming here, Nick!)

But we do give them props for their still-fantastic sex life: Nick and Mariah, who will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary next month, said that "lots of sex" is the key to their happy marriage. Looks like it was worth the wait!

To keep it honeymoon-hot all the time, check out our tips to stave off boring sex. Or try making a hot-sex bucket list with "honeymoon-style" sex at the very top (house in the Bahamas optional).

Do You Live in One of the Worst Cities for Allergies?

Do You Live in One of the Worst Cities for Allergies?

Plus, how to conquer your symptoms no matter your zip code

If you suffer from allergies, you probably know that some areas are more dreadful for your sinuses than others. Curious about the most pollenated places? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America just released its 2014 report for the 100 worst cities for allergies—otherwise known as the anti-itinerary for allergy sufferers.

The findings compared local pollen levels, over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication usage, and the number of board-certified allergists in each city. Check out which metropolitan areas fared the worst:

1. Louisville, KY
2. Memphis, TN
3. Baton Rouge, LA
4. Oklahoma City, OK
5. Jackson, MS
6. Chattanooga, TN
7. Dallas, TX
8. Richmond, VA
9. Birmingham, AL
10. McAllen, TX

Interestingly, this is Louisville's third year as the number one "allergy capital" (the other years were back in 2003 and 2009). Other cities to watch out for include ones that jumped way up on the list this year—like New York City (now #13, up from #43 last year) and Columbia, South Carolina (now #14, up from #34 last year). This could mean that these cities are seeing higher pollen counts this year, more medication usage, or fewer allergists in the area.

But even if you don't live in any of these cities, allergies can strike whenever, wherever. So start taking precautions now to prevent suffering later. Here are a few helpful tools to keep you sneeze-free this allergy season:

How to Crush the Culprits

The Best Seasonal Allergy Meds

How Can I Work Out Outside Without Aggravating My Allergies?

Your Body's Best Defense

Allergy Relief: Your Printable Guide to the Best OTC Medicines

Q&A: Should You Wear Different Underwear for Your Workout?

Q&A: Should You Wear Different Underwear for Your Workout?

Bras, sure. But what about below the belt? The experts weigh in.

The question: "I've recently seen underwear that's advertised as being specifically for exercise. Do I really need special panties for my workout?"

The experts: Sandra Lee, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at SkinPhysicians & Surgeons in California and Kenneth Mark, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University

The answer: "Breathable" and "wicking" apply to more than just workout pants. After all, you also want to keep things dry below your waistband.

All day long—but especially during sweat session—your legs, pants, and even underwear can trap perspiration around your nether region. And besides feeling (and, let's be honest, smelling) less-than-pleasant, it can contribute to irritation and even infections down there, says Mark.

So how do you do air things out…beyond striking happy baby pose? Mark suggests steering clear of 100 percent cotton undies and opting for ones designed with wicking in mind. They should say so right on the label.

MORE: The Best Shoes, Apparel, and Workout Gear for a Kick-Butt Strength-Training Workout

Under Armour, Lululemon, Patagonia, ASICS, and Moving Comfort all sell good workout skivvies with their own sweat-sapping blends, some of which are also antibacterial. If you prefer to go all-natural, Mark recommends underwear made from organic bamboo. Basically, think about what kinds of wicking tops and bottoms you like to wear when you hit the gym. Chances are you'll like the same out of your underwear.

That said, cuts are important, too. And while no two women seem to be able to agree on the thong vs. bikini debate, seamless is always a good style to avoid rubbing and chafing. "Chronic irritation and rubbing can cause abrasions that could go deep enough to cause darkening of the skin or permanent scarring," says Lee. "And sometimes if your underwear is old, the elastic becomes exposed and can potentially give you a rash, called irritant contact dermatitis."

MORE: 4 Workout Skin Tips: Prevent Red Face, Backne and More

So while you don't have to trade in all of your underwear before your next gym session, investing in some workout-worthy underwear might not be a bad idea.

MORE: The Best Sports Bra for Your Body Shape

Mdrive Reviews: Does Mdrive Work?

Mdrive Reviews: Does Mdrive Work?

What is Mdrive?

The product has been presented in a very professional and well laid out website which gives this product the impression that this is not like those low quality male enhancement pills that are only too flashy on its site. This product has been known to improve the general sexual health of men especially if they are in they are already experiencing “male menopause”. Moreover, this has also been known to augment the energy and also the vigor of men that will indeed be needed for those long hours of sexual activity. Further, it gives that renewed energy after every sexual activity.

Mdrive Ingredients:

Testofen: This is known to provide the much needed energy as it releases testosterone hormones in the body which is responsible for that additional energy and sexual support.
Setria: It has the supplementary of detoxifying the body which frees it of any harmful elements and substances that may deter in the achievement of ultimate sexual pleasure and performance.
L Optizinc: It also promotes a full advocacy on sexual health as it also helps facilitates better cell formation and cell support.
Chrome: This is also responsible for provide glucose support which is also beneficial for that extra energy.
Maca and Ginseng: This is used for the added aid in being able to have as stronger and firmer erection.
Fenugreek: It supports the levels of hormone in the body.
Cordyceps: It helps promote better cardiovascular function.

How is Mdrive Different?

Of course, all sexual male enhancements would insist that theirs is the most unique male enhancement among the rest. But this product is indeed different from all of them in such a way that it particularly focuses on promoting a healthy level of testosterone in the body. In this much, more energy will be released during the hectic sexual activity.

How Does Mdrive Work?

Since this product is considered to be a testosterone booster, it contains a special formula that is combined with other effective and natural ingredients that helps increase the vitality and the needed energy as it also promotes the good production of more volume of blood in the body.

Mdrive Pros:

The Complete Details in Mdrive are consistently provided in the label of the product.
It provides a trial use that is totally risk free
There are authentic and positive customer testimonials provided in the site.
The website is also very professional and user friendly.
This product may also be bought in some selected retail stores.
It only contains natural ingredients.

Mdrive Cons:

This product is actually as expensive as the rest of other male enhancement products.
The ingredients listed do not normally contain those usual ingredients that are present in every other powerful male enhancement products.

Does Mdrive Have any Side Effects or Contraindications?

Given the fact that is only contains all the natural ingredients that are present in Mdrive; one should be rest assured that it will not provide any harmful side effects. However, in general cases, it is still highly advisable that this should not be taken with a pregnant or lactating partner. This is also not advised to be taken by men who are having problems in the heart or any cardiovascular related concerns. Thus, it is always better to consult your doctor first before taking it.

When Does One Expect Results?

If one should take it once daily, expect a gradual change in your body as you would feel more rejuvenated and more revitalized than ever. You would feel like you can do your sexual activity far longer and better than you can imagine. A period of one to two weeks may already show some good signs of result.

Do they offer a money back guarantee?

This product offers a 60 day money back guarantee. If this product within such specified period won’t work for you, then you can return it with full refund less of the shipping fee of course.

Price and Dosage of Mdrive

This product is priced at $99.99 at 60 capsules per bottle. This should be preferably taken twice a day- one in the morning and one at night. This should be taken with meals.

Is it safe to order online?

Considering that it has its very own official website, it is very safe and even highly recommended to order online as there are no hassles and no worries.

Customer Testimonials:

“I am a new fan and have just found you. My husband has been taking M-drive for 2 weeks now (maybe even more, if he has had other boxes that I don’t know of) and I have not seen any difference in his performance at all. Thank you so much for your research & I will pass it on. I’ll visit your site more often.” - Ka te says that, in verbatim:

“I am a fifty year old cement mason with thirty three years on the job. I’ve been using Mdrive for about 2 weeks now and what a difference it makes in my day! I feel like I’m in my thirties again! Although I’m in good shape for my age, concrete work is brutal on the body. With Mdrive I find it easier to get through an 8 hour day. I’m also making gains in my workouts. It’s hard to build muscle as you get older and I already see a difference in the way I look! I’ve tried a number of other supplements but nothing compares to this. I’m going to hike to Mt. Whitney this year and it should be no problem with Mdrive. Thanks for making such a great product! Keep up the good work!” - Steven, Cement Mason

Mdrive Conclusion:

Mdrive can be safely considered as very helpful for men who want to experience the highest sexual performance and to be in their A game in bed with their partner so that their partner will not complain about some “sexual failures”. All in all, although its ingredients lack the essentials of a male enhancement, a lot of users showed great feedback on the product as it is devoted to what it does and that is to boost the level of testosterone.

Friday, March 28, 2014

This Fitspiration Is Hilarious and SO Accurate

This Fitspiration Is Hilarious and SO Accurate

If this doesn't make you want to break a sweat on #FitnessFriday, nothing will.

You know that I-can-conquer-the-world feeling you get when you see a bus a block in front of you, sprint in your high heels to make it, and board just in time? Or that life-is-good feeling after a really great romp sesh? Or, of course, that I'm-a-friggin'-rock-star feeling after completing an extra-challenging workout?

Well, this about sums it up:

Let that be your workout motivation for today and the weekend. And in the meantime, check out these awesome Instagrammers who are also getting in on the #FitnessFriday action:

Yep, that's model (and #FitnessFriday-er) Karlie Kloss:

The Best Reason Ever to Have Sex This Weekend

The Best Reason Ever to Have Sex This Weekend

An orgasm is just one of the perks.

Need another excuse to get busy tomorrow? How about saving the planet? (Seriously.) Earth hour is this Saturday night from 8:30p.m. to 9:30p.m., and Durex wants you to celebrate by turning off all your electronics and getting turned on instead. Not a bad idea, right?

If you're not familiar with it, Earth Hour is a lights-off event organized by the World Wildlife Fund. It started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has become hugely popular ever since, with over 7,000 cities participating worldwide.

Technically you're only asked to switch off your non-essential lights during this hour, but Durex has upped the ante by telling you to totally disconnect from your electronic devices. Why? A recent survey found that one in five people have used their phones during sex. Plus, a recent poll by Durex found that 10 percent of people have read a text and five percent of people have checked Facebook mid-hookup. Hey, we love to multitask as much as the next person, but not at the expense of an orgasm.

So this Saturday night, why not unplug for an hour and hop into bed instead? If you need some inspiration for how to spend that hour, steal an idea from our hot sex bucket list or try one of these super-romantic sex positions. And of course, you can always celebrate solo, too.

Check out their video here to see just how much our constant connectivity is screwing with our sex lives.

Are All Women Sexually Attracted to Other Women? Cameron Diaz Thinks So

Are All Women Sexually Attracted to Other Women? Cameron Diaz Thinks So

"It's natural," she explained. Find out why she says so.

Cameron Diaz has some thoughts about girl crushes—and not the platonic kind. She stars in the upcoming movie The Other Woman, out April 25, and she's also talking about other women. Check out what she recently said to Glamour U.K.:

"I think women are beautiful—absolutely beautiful," she told the magazine. "And I think that all women have been sexually attracted to another woman at some point. It's natural to have a connectivity and an appreciation for the beauty of other women."

While we’re not sure about that connectivity thing, research does show that a ton of heterosexual women have reported being attracted to other ladies. One 2011 study in the Journal of Sex Research found that 67 percent of heterosexual female college students reported having thought about or questioned their sexual orientation at one time. And plenty of women find other women attractive or aesthetically pleasing without necessarily wanting to have sex with them. So maybe this is what Cameron was getting at—in a totally simplified way.

Tell us: Do you think most ladies out there have been drawn to another woman? Let us know in the comments.

What's Going On With the Supreme Court and Birth Control?

What's Going On With the Supreme Court and Birth Control?

Everything you need to know about this confusing new case and what it means for you

Still not sure what's going on between the Supreme Court, Hobby Lobby, and your birth control? Here's a primer: This week, arguments were made before the Supreme Court regarding the Affordable Care Act's birth control mandate (that all company health insurance plans cover all FDA-approved methods of contraception at no cost). The government has already made exceptions for religious institutions and religious non-profits. Now, two for-profit corporations—Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp.—are seeking exemptions, too.

Both corporations are family-owned companies with Christian owners who object to certain forms of birth control—namely, the IUD and emergency contraception, which they believe to be abortifacients. They're hoping for an exemption under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), which states that the government shall not substantially burden a person's exercise of religion unless it is the least restrictive way to further a compelling governmental interest. Earlier in March, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said that these for-profit organizations would not eligible for exemptions based on the religious beliefs of its owners. However, the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit previously said that corporations have free speech rights under the First A mendment, per the Citizens United ruling in 2010, according to the New York Times. That brings us to this week's hearing, which focused on whether or not a for-profit corporation could be exempt under the RFRA if that company holds the religious beliefs of it's owners.

MORE: NuvaRing Manufacturers to Pay $100 Million in Lawsuits

The Medications at Stake
First, let's address the birth control methods in question: the IUD and emergency contraception. The company owners believe that both methods prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, which they consider to be a form of abortion. In reality, emergency contraception primarily works by delaying ovulation (so that the sperm and egg wouldn't meet in the first place—even after you've had sex), says board-certified gynecologist, Mary Jane Minkin M.D. While both types of emergency contraception (Plan B and Ella) note on the packaging that they may also affect implantation, studies have not been able to prove this, says Jessica Arons, president and CEO of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project.

On the other hand, the IUD primarily works by inhibiting sperm from reaching the egg to fertilize it, says Minkin. However, we do know there are times when an IUD is inserted after you've recently had sex that it could affect implantation, though this isn't how it works on a regular basis. Either way, medical experts confirm that these medications are not the same thing as abortion.

MORE: 10 Birth Control Myths—Debunked

What Happens Next
During Tuesday's hearing, Justices struggled with several very complicated questions: Can a for-profit company have a religion? Can they refuse to cover medications based on their beliefs? If these companies do get an exemption, how many other companies would want it, too? Could employers only oppose certain birth control methods, or could they also object to covering other medical costs like vaccinations or blood transfusions if those procedures or medications go against their beliefs, as well?

"It's hard to predict how they might render the decision and how broad it will be," says Arons. "It may really depend on where the person works and be up to the whim of the employers, with no requirement for that to be based on actual science or evidence." If the Supreme Court rules that these companies do not have to cover all forms of birth control, it's likely that other companies can come forward and ask to be exempt, says Arons. In that case, it isn't just women who work for Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties that need to be concerned—any woman may encounter this issue. When birth control is not covered by health insurance, it can cost well over $100 a month in some cases. A ruling on these consolidated cases is expected sometime this summer.

MORE: Free Birth Control Doesn't Lead to Risky Sex

5 Ways to Use Breathing Techniques to Get a Better Workout

5 Ways to Use Breathing Techniques to Get a Better Workout

Because your muscles can't do anything without oxygen

"Don't hold your breath!" It's something we've all heard before while working out…and for good reason. "When you hold you breath, the energy in your cells plunges and you feel fatigued during your workout way before you should," says Belisa Vranich, Psy.D., creator of the OXYGEN breathing class at WILLSPACE in NYC.

But that doesn't mean your regular ol' breathing pattern will do. You actually need to think about and control your breath during your workout for peak performance. And when it comes to breathing, one method does not fit all workouts. So check out these expert tips on how to breathe during your favorite workouts:

During Weight Lifting
"Inhale on the less strenuous phase of the exercise, and exhale on the more demanding phase of the exercise," says personal trainer Mike Donavanik, C.S.C.S. If you're hitting heavy weights, though, Donavanik recommends the Valsalva maneuver: You inhale on the easy part, hold you breath for just a short second as you approach the hardest part of the exercise (commonly called the "sticking point"), and once you've completed it, you exhale per usual. The maneuver helps you tighten your core muscles and maintain proper form. However, it does briefly increase blood pressure. So if you have any cardiovascular problems, the move isn't for you.

During Cardio
"Continuous breathing will help you to increase nitric oxide, an important gas that relaxes the arteries and keeps the blood flow that you need to sustain your rhythmic activity," says exercise physiologist Marta Montenegro, C.S.C.S. Instead of breathing in an even pattern, though, try inhaling for three seconds and then exhaling for two, suggests Budd Coates, M.S., author of Running on Air: The Revolutionary Way to Run Better by Breathing Smarter. While it takes some serious concentration at first, research shows that the greatest running impact occurs when your foot strike coincides with the beginning of your exhale. So by keeping a 3:2 breath tempo, you'll minimize your chance of injury.

During Plyometrics
Like we learned with the Valsalva, briefly holding your breath helps stabilize your body, which comes in handy during explosive moves. "Imagine that you are doing a jump to box," says Montenegro. "Hold your breath when you make contact with the floor so that your body is more rigid, which will help with the rebound."

During Stretching
Stretching is all about loosening up—so focus on inhaling deeply. It relaxes your muscles so you can get a better stretch and lower your risk of pulling anything, says Montenegro. The exhale will follow naturally.

During Recovery
Ever finished a set of squats, thought "that wasn't so bad," and then started huffing and puffing? That's because your body needs oxygen to replete its energy stores. So in between sets of exercises, practice diaphragmatic breathing, says Donavanik. Diaphragmatic breathing allows you to get more oxygen into your lungs—and to your muscles—per breath so you can hit your next exercise hard. To do it, focus on filling and emptying your abdomen with each breath rather than raising and lowering your chest.

4 Healthy Coffee-Flavored Snacks

4 Healthy Coffee-Flavored Snacks

Everyone's buzzing about this #FlavorOfTheMonth.

Calling all coffee addicts! You already drink multiple cups a day—but now you can get your java fix in snack form, too. Check out these delicious (and good for you!) products that taste just like a cup of Joe:

Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond Growers Roasted Coffee-Flavored Almonds
These almonds don't simply taste like coffee—they also come with a caffeine boost. Each ounce contains the caffeine equivalent of two ounces of coffee (along with 160 calories, six grams of protein, three grams of fiber, and 35 percent of your daily vitamin E requirement).

MORE: The Perks of Coffee Drinks

Dannon

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Nonfat Yogurt Caramel Macchiato
The next time you're craving an afternoon pick-me-up, grab some of this yogurt instead of a sugar- and cream-filled coffee concoction. It tastes indulgent, but each cup contains just 80 calories—and 12 grams of protein!

Simple Squares

Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar in Coffee
These tasty bars are free of all the stuff you might be trying to avoid—refined sugars, gluten, wheat, dairy, and soy—and high in everything you want more of: Each one contains three grams of fiber, six grams of protein, and a reasonable 230 calories.

Arctic Zero

Arctic Zero Frozen Desserts in Coffee
If you've ever eaten an entire pint of ice cream in one sitting (no judgment!), then you need to know about Arctic Zero frozen desserts: Each pint is just 150 calories! So if you know you're not going to be satisfied with a puny portion, this is the perfect dessert for you. As an added bonus, each pint also packs eight grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein.

MORE: 4 Better-for-You Chocolate Treats

Powdered Peanut Butter Has 85 Percent Fewer Caloriesâ€”Have You Tried It?

Powdered Peanut Butter Has 85 Percent Fewer Caloriesâ€"Have You Tried It?

A nutritionist chimes in on one of the newer health foods popping up on store shelves.

First there was chunky and creamy. Then there was reduced-fat. And now there's powdered peanut butter—and it boasts way less (like 85 percent less!) fat and calories than traditional spreads.

The product is made by squeezing the oils out of peanuts and then dehydrating them. You add a little bit of water to the product, mix, and then use it like your standard spread. It's pretty simple. In fact, the brand for one powdered peanut butter, PB2, lists fewer ingredients than even natural peanut butters. And that's not the only brand making low-fat powdered peanut butter these days, either: We found at least two other companies that have their own versions.

MORE: New Food Rules: What's OK to Eat

Since the idea of getting your peanuts in powdered form is enough to make any peanut butter-lover wince, we decided to ask an expert about the product.

"I like to use it whenever I can," says Lindsay Martin, M.S., R.D., a registered dietician at Hilton Head Health weight-loss resort. "A lot of people enjoy peanut butter—whether it's as a spread or an ingredient in Thai cuisine. Powdered peanut butter lets you eat it more frequently without overdoing it on fat."

While a two-tablespoon serving of your run-of-the mill peanut butter will set you back about 200 calories and 16 grams of fat, two tablespoons of PB2 contain 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat (although it's worth noting that once you mix the water in, you'll only have one tablespoon of spread—but still!).

That's not to say that all of traditional peanut butter's fats are bad. Peanut butter is rich in healthy unsaturated fats, which boost satiety to help you eat less later—perhaps explaining why in one International Journal of Obesity study, people who regularly ate peanut butter lost an average of nine pounds over an 18-month span.

MORE: Stop Cravings with These Peanut Butter Breakfasts

They key is actually sticking to a standard serving size. "Just taking the knife and going to town like most people do can lead to consuming too many calories and grams of fat," says Martin, who recommends getting 25 to 30 percent of your daily calories from fat. It's also worth mentioning that while peanut butter generally contains some saturated fat, all of the varieties of powdered peanut butter we looked at were saturated fat-free.

Otherwise, powdered peanut butter really isn't that different from the regular stuff. It's still rich in protein, folate, niacin, and vitamin E, all of which help to keep you healthy and trim. "It's not going to be as creamy as traditional peanut butter, but it still gives you that taste and is very satisfying," says Martin, who uses PB2 in peanut dressings, oatmeal, and as a traditional spread. "You can make it as thin or thick as you want," she says. "Play with it to figure out how you like it." If you're not into the texture, you can combine it with regular peanut butter—it'll still cut fat and calories from your PB&J habit, says Martin.

Have you tried powdered peanut butter? Tell us what you think of it—and how you like to eat it—in the comments below!

MORE: Popeye Peanut Butter Hummus

3 Ways to Get in Bikini-Body Shape Fast

3 Ways to Get in Bikini-Body Shape Fast

Get a jump-start on swimsuit season with these proven weight-loss tactics.

Now that it's officially spring, it's time to start prepping for warm days, strappy sundresses, and, dare we say it—summertime! While the idea of shedding the winter weight might seem daunting, Ellington Darden, Ph.D., offers three totally doable tips from his new book, The Body Fat Breakthrough, that will help you get the beach body you want this year.

Need proof that Darden's program works? More than 100 people completed it in Gainsville, Florida, and on average, they lost 30 pounds in 30 days. "Fat loss and muscle gain are two benefits of my breakthrough program," says Darden. "Equally important is to achieve both of them simultaneously—doing so creates a synergistic action."

Try them for yourself to get you to your body summer-ready ASAP:

Accentuate the Negative
We're not talking about your attitude here. The biggest secret of Darden's success is a technique called negative accentuated training. "In the strength-training lexicon, positive refers to the raising or lifting part of the repetitions," he says. "Negative means the lowering phase of a repetition."

Think about a push-up: Darden says that falling to the floor only to heave yourself back up isn't an effective use of your gym time. For a negative accentuated push up, lower yourself to the ground in a slow and controlled manner—you should spend twice as much time lowering as you do lifting.

How to do it: Get a stopwatch or clock to time yourself. Start in a plank position, and take a full 20 seconds to lower to the floor. Pause at the bottom, and take another 20 seconds to push back up. Then, since this is negative accentuated, take another 20 seconds to lower back down to the floor, ending with your chest at the floor. Forty seconds of lowering and 20 seconds of lifting make this a killer exercise, but there's good news: You only need to complete a few reps to see results, so you won't need to spend hours at the gym.

MORE: 7 Pushup Variations You NEED to Try

Drink More Water
From keeping you hydrated to improving your skin, water comes with a ton of health benefits. But Darden loves ice-cold H2O because it'll boost your metabolism to burn more calories. "Think about it—the water goes in at 42 degrees and goes out at 98.6. Your organs have to use extra calories to warm the water." There's no other food that you can eat or drink that will burn calories rather than tack them on.

MORE: 10 Ways to Drink More Water

Perk Up Your Posture
Darden has been training women for 20 years, and this is one of his favorite tricks for looking leaner instantly: "Stand tall, and get your head on the ceiling," says Darden. Keeping your chin up and shoulders pulled back enhances your height, which helps create the illusion of being leaner. Standing tall comes with an added bonus, too: "Good posture burns more calories, and it gives you more confidence," says Darden. To practice good posture, imagine that there's a string connected to the top of your head. As you sit, stand, and walk around, let this string pull you upward while your shoulders remain relaxed.

MORE: Better Posture: 6 Ways to Straighten Up

For the complete negative accentuated workout and more of Ellington Darden's tips, check out The Body Fat Breakthrough at your favorite retailer:

MORE: 6 Reasons the Scale Won't Budge

The Easiest Way to Make Veggies and Hummus Portable

The Easiest Way to Make Veggies and Hummus Portable

Finally, a health blogger shares a how-to that won't end as a Pinterest fail.

We love veggies and hummus—but we hate the mess that undoubtedly ensues when you try to eat the power snack on the go. Until now.

Blogger À La Graham recently wrote a genius post about packing veggies and hummus in a jar to make them portable. Why haven't we been doing this all along?!?

Here's how to pull it off: Line the bottom of a mason jar with your favorite spread, cut some veggies (they should be slightly shorter than the jar), and then stick them straight in. The arrangement will keep your pre-cut, pre-dipped veggies standing straight up in the jar mess-free (it works best if you use enough veggies to basically fill the jar).

Courtesy of alagraham.com

Thanks, À La Graham! Now check out five other fruits and veggies you've been eating wrong.

The Meal That Can Help You Weigh Less

The Meal That Can Help You Weigh Less

Get your spoons—and your skinny jeans—ready!

Soup used to just be something you just ate when you were sick in bed or chilled to the bone. But according to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it's also something you should eat when you want to lose weight.

For the study, researchers surveyed more than 20,000 adults and found that, on average, soup eaters weighed less and had smaller waists than those who didn't get their slurp on.

Why? As it turns out, people who eat soup also tend to have better overall eating habits. Researchers found that soup-lovers consumed fewer calories and grams of fat per day. Previous studies suggest that soup is highly satiating and can reduce hunger throughout the day. For instance, in one 2007 study, people who ate chicken soup as an appetizer before an all-you-can-eat pizza meal consumed 20 percent fewer calories than those who dove straight into the buffet.

But soup is good for more than just cutting calories. In this new study, people who ate soup also consumed more protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals than those who didn't get with soup.

Unsurprisingly, though, the soup eaters did have higher intakes of sodium. The easiest way to cut salt (and not flavor!) from your bowl? Make your own soup. To help you start a healthy soup habit, we've rounded up our favorite healthy and filling soup recipes. Check them out. And if you're feeling super committed to soup, read about one staffer's attempt at a soup cleanse.

Gingered Sweet Potato & Carrot Soup

Tortilla Soup

Roasted Vegetable Soup

Cauliflower and Mushroom Soup

Coconut-Lime Shrimp Soup

MORE: 7 Research-Backed Breakfast Tips for Faster Weight Loss

You Won't Believe This Vintage List of Things Men Don't Like About Working Women

You Won't Believe This Vintage List of Things Men Don't Like About Working Women

Even Don Draper would find this ridiculous.

Feministing recently posted a list of 20 things men don't like about women in the office, pulled from a 1945 book by Thomas D. Horton called What Men Don't Like About Women. (Straight to the point, that Horton guy.) Check out this sexism-drenched atrocity:

Courtesy of Feministing

We honestly don't know whether to laugh or to cry. So let's try to think some of these through, instead:

1. Their initial impoliteness. Delayed impoliteness it is—expect it by end of day.

6. Their strange gratitude. Like chocolate, gratitude in literally any form whatsoever is a good thing.

9. Their messy tidiness. WHAT DO YOU WANT?! MAKE UP YOUR MIND.

13. Their misapplied femininity. Is this a fancy way of saying "smudged eyeliner"? Because that annoys us, too!

20. Their impertinent questions. Example: "Why the hell does this list exist?"

In all seriousness, sexism and double standards in the workplace are still a real issue today—just take a look at this Dove commercial that highlights gender inequality in the workplace. It's unfair—but it's a fact of (work) life. For tips on how to get ahead, check out "How to Succeed in Business…As a Woman."

MORE: Beyonce Speaks Out About Gender Inequality

20 Things Men Will Never Understand About Women

20 Things Men Will Never Understand About Women

The Women's Health Guy Next Door admits that he's completely and utterly confused by our gender.

I can't recall exactly how old I was when I learned that I'd probably spend the rest of my life trying to understand women. The lesson started with a simple proposition beneath the jungle gym: "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." And afterward, there was a lot of confusion. I mean, I knew hers would be different, but where was it? Had I been tricked? I upheld my end of the bargain! I showed you mine! Where are you hiding yours?!

Then with some help of a naked magazine I acquired shortly before my 12th birthday, I came to realize that I hadn't been tricked at all. Women's bodies—like the inner workings of their minds—do not reveal themselves quickly. And that's okay, the mystery has proven to keep us men interested, but I'd by lying if I said it isn't a little frustrating at times. So while I'm no longer as stumped by the female body, I still struggle to understand some of the finer points of the female personality. Here are a few things that men just don't understand about women. And ladies, please feel free to explain any of these to me in the comments below!

You take everything out of one bag and put it into another bag…and you do this all the time? Seriously, why not just have one purse?

Somehow, all the important stuff always goes to the bottom of that bag. Shouldn't your keys be easier to find? Are you sure that's your purse? You didn't steal another woman's purse, did you? DID YOU?!

It takes you six months to choose a haircut. Bridges are built in less time.

You try on everything. Every size, every style, every time. And that's why there's a boyfriend couch in every department store.

Also, how is shopping a social activity? I once shopped with a guy friend, and afterward, we vowed to never do it again. We won't even talk about it. It's just too uncomfortable.

For that matter, how is peeing a social activity? When guys pee, it's like one minute of meditation. And we don't want anybody there to screw that up.

What are you always talking about with your friends on the phone? Didn't you just see Jennifer two days ago? Since then, you've done nothing but work and sleep. What could you two possibly have to catch up on?

Your eyelash curler—What. The. Hell. It's a murder weapon, right? Be honest: You only keep it around in case you suddenly have to defend yourself.

Why it takes you so long to get ready for bed. Have you not mastered the process yet?

Why it takes you so long to get ready to go out. Hey, if you don't want to go to dinner, just say so. Are you up there talking to Jennifer again?

MORE: What Men and Women Think of 6 Different Sex Positions

Why you need so many throw pillows. You don't even use them! They're just piled up everywhere, like the padded walls of an insane asylum. This is probably half the reason it takes you so long to get ready for bed.

You like to talk after sex. Whether it was 30-minute marathon sex or a 3-minute sprint, we're pretty exhausted. Meanwhile, you're all revved up and ready for a serious conversation. How do you do it? (Check out 10 more things men are thinking during sex.)

You admit that romcoms are cheesy and predictable, yet you watch them anyway. The leading man confronts his philandering past, the leading lady confronts her reservations about guys like him, and then they fall in love. Adorbs.

You wear heels even on nights when you know you'll be walking a lot. I'm just saying—you can only expect so much sympathy.

MORE: What Men Really Think About Sex on the First Date

Chocolate—it's good, but it's not THAT good. Why don't you and chocolate just get a room already?

Tampons. I mean…I don't….that just seems so uncomfortable.

My god—that closet. We'd say you were a shoe hoarder, but it turns out you're also a skirt hoarder, a blouse hoarder, a scarf hoarder, a sock hoarder… In short, your closet puts ours to shame.

What's the deal with sparkly accessories? Do you think you're going to lose your heels if they're not covered with glitter? It's okay—you can buy new heels.

Your voice gets soooo high when you see puppies. This should be studied.

Two words: internet cats. C'mon—how much time can you really spend on cuteness? (Apparently, a lot).

Click here for more musing from the Women's Health Guy Next Door.

MORE: 5 Signs He's Falling In Love With You

This Incredibly Moving Video Shows a Deaf Woman Hearing for the First Time

This Incredibly Moving Video Shows a Deaf Woman Hearing for the First Time

Prepare yourself for an afternoon sob.

Imagine what it would be like to go forty years without hearing a single word. For Joanne Milne from Gateshead, England, that silence is finally over. Milne was born deaf and recently registered blind as a result of Usher syndrome. Last month she received bilateral cochlear implants and had to wait four more weeks to see if the surgery was successful. Her friend was able to record the amazing moment where Milne first hears with her new implants.

Watch the extremely moving clip below:

"The switch-on was the most emotional and overwhelming experience of my life and I'm still in shock now," Milne told The Journal. "Hearing things for the first time is so emotional from the ping of a light switch to running water. I can't stop crying and I can already foresee how it's going to be life changing." Wow—you cannot get more awe-inspiring than that!