Women have long been taking birth control (for 50+ years now!) -- ingesting drugs, wearing patches, sticking things up their vaginas so they won't get pregnant. Men have traditionally had two options: the condom or a va…

I love henna tattoos. I think they're so beautiful. I used to think all henna tattoos were harmless until I found out about black henna.

Heat waves in the summer are inevitable. With record-breaking, scorching temperatures burning through the country, it's important to eat properly, drink properly, and keep cool during these burning temperatures.

The other day my coworker was discussing her latest massage. She said it was amazingly relaxing and refreshing, but there was one thing missing. "I kind of wanted her to massage my gluteus, but I was too shy to ask!" sa…

Peanut butter has always been a high-calorie, high-protein superfood. It keeps you full, it's high-quality protein, it's super tasty on everything from a spoon to celery to apples to bread, and can last for a really, re…

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has suggested that her severe migraines and anxiety is triggered by the high heels she wears at speeches and appearances. And many people agree. Wearing heels put tension on the foot and…

After reading how high-tech gadgets can make me sick, I've decided to take one mental health day and escape all electronics-- my phone, my laptop, the television, etc. My plans for that day would be:

Have you ever woken up with the events of the previous nights hazy, choppy, or completely gone? Curious what happened in your brain?

Once and a while a movie comes a long and it's a real tear-jerker... so moving that you can't control your crying and wiping your tears away with your sleeves.

A few months ago, when I heard through the grapevine that a friend of mine had started the Paleo diet, I had no idea what it was. I could make a guess, but I decided to hop on Google and do some research to satisfy my…

The new "Got Milk" campaign recently launched their billboard and websites based on the study that calcium reduces PMS symptoms. It sympathizes with men for dealing with women at their "time of the month." The ad sugge…

Well, add another reason to get your 8 hours to the list. Turns out, when you don't get enough sleep, not only does it impact your health and mood, it also impacts your sense of judgment.

I remember looking at pictures of emaciated girls before my worst stages of my eating disorder. I remember wanting those lean arms, that skeletal back, flat concave stomach, long stilt like legs. It symbolized control.…

I had checked the "I would like info relating to diabetes" box when I signed up for Sparkpeople, a nutrition and eating habits tracking website. A few minutes ago I received an email from Sparkpeople with an update on a…

We all know that lowering our blood pressure is good for our health, and potentially, the length of our lives.

A couple nights ago I walked around the park with a friend, and came home with a mosquito bites all over my legs! Luckily, Yahoo had some easy solutions to soothe them!

The other night my boyfriend and I were arguing about as to whether or not women would be able to be part of the Navy Seals. I think women are definitely physically capable, but my boyfriend disagreed. In fact, the mad…

A new study shows that a woman's risk for a number of cancers rises with her height. And here I was, thinking that the biggest hazard of being tall was bumping your head on low-hanging ceilings. Scientists studied 1.3…

I am seeing so many positive examples of women (who look like me) who are losing weight. As far as I know, they are losing it the old fashioned way: exercise and diet control. I am going to start keeping a log of these w…

Have trouble remembering things? This new study has found a trick that might work for you.

Heavy blankets... tried it. Melatonin... tried it. Baths before bedtime... tried it. As much physical activity during the day to make my 5-year-old son with autism tired... tried it. Benadryl... tried it. Soothing noise…

Aaron Pace, a young university student, tried donating blood, but was rejected by the blood bank visiting his school because he appeared to be gay. The blood bank denied him despite the fact that he is actually straigh…

I think I'm a junk food vegetarian. There, I said it. The first step to solving a problem is admitting you have a problem. Or something like that... Not all the time, mind you. (Uh oh, here come the qualifiers/rationaliz…

This past weekend I made an awesome recipe discovery that I was so excited to share with you guys after I had tried a few variations. However, I just saw this recipe posted in Glamour and I thought-- you have to try thi…

Getting a good start is an essential part of having a productive day. It's so important for me to get a few things in the morning in order to make sure I am not dragging around the office until noon when my brain finall…

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, Amy Winehouse finally met her end yesterday, where she was found dead in her London apartment. Many people belittled and cracked jokes at her expense over the years, and I must admit e…

The pro and con list of coffee never ends. Caffeine's a stimulant, so it's bad. But it's full of antioxidants, so it's good. For those out there keeping tally (or those who want to justify their recent Starbuck's trip),…

When I was little every, every spring my mother would make sure to buy me a frilly bathing suit with some Disney character on it. She wanted to make sure that I was properly covered at the beach like the rest of the adu…

Courtney Stodden, 16, recently wed Dough Hutchinson, 51. Thirty-five years her senior, she claims she's in love and in the perfect relationship. Courtney Stodden depicts the classic example of a young woman dating a muc…

People always say that in order to really lose weight, you need to cut alcohol from your diet. Alcohol is high in calories and carbs (because it's made from potatoes or grains) and that's be so even a drink or two can…

You know when you wake up in the morning and you feel like all you want to do is crawl back into bed and watch TV or read a book or sleep? If you answered "no" to that scenario, I'm incredibly jealous. The thing is, we…

People get high off marijuana, cocaine, speed, ecstasy, meth... you name it, people are doing it. For all of those drugs, there seems to be a high that comes along with the lows, so it makes sense that people are doing…

'Tis the season of water-- whether it be ocean, lake, or pool, I know everyone is trying to beat the summer heat by getting wet. That's why I thought it might be fun to uncover one of life's little mysteries-- wrinkly…

One of my close friends over on Xanga created a pulse mentioning how her depression is worsening and she doesn't know how to escape. And someone had the nerve to reply that she was simply "seeking attention" and how she…

It's summer, it's HOT, and you're going to want to break out those flip flops and sandals. Did you think to make your feet look presentable and keep them healthy? Here in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI, men and women both…

When grocery shopping, think about hitting the ATM first. A new study suggests that when using cash, one is less likely to purchase guilty pleasures, such as cookies, ice cream, and chips.

Do you always bite off a bit more than you can chew? Find yourself reaching for two many "second helpings?" The answer could be in the size of your utensils.

After reading about this, spending a night of a heavy drinking may no longer seem too appealing. According to new information published by The Journal of Neuroscience, blacking out from drinking alcohol inhibits the cre…

Considering the fact that tickling is a form of torture, this bit of news has me baffled: the world's first tickle spa has opened in Spain. Yep. Clients lie in a dark room with soothing music playing, wearing nothing b…

Ever since the Royal Wedding, Kate Middleton has been a hot topic of interest, especially her wardrobe. She's been in almost every single magazine for what she wore that week (all of which I am guilty of reading) Howeve…

A man, Anthony Garcia, in New Mexico was indicted for handing out yogurt samples tainted with semen at a grocery store in Albuquerque. Garcia was indicted for tainting samples and misinforming statement to federal inves…

In Indiana today, a piece on the news revealed that apparently it is within the law's jurisdiction to take obese children from their parents under certain circumstances. Some people saw the logic in this, and others di…

Because I'm such a light sleeper, I have a hard time regulating a sleeping schedule-- and it shows. I feel sluggish and tired so I can't fully concentrate in class. I've tried going to bed early, and I've been exercisin…

Actor Steve Buscemi, who has really shot to stardom over the past year on the hit show "Boardwalk Empire," doesn't want to alter his teeth.

Having spent over a decade in the skateboard industry, at least twice a year I would find myself in San Diego for the ASR Tradeshow. Many years back, I got clued in to where all the vegetarians and their friends in…

Plenty of my friends and even my own parents will drive themselves home or somewhere else after drinking just one glass of wine or a cup of a beer. But according to a new study published in the journal Addiction, you mi…

America may have lost the World Cup against Japan, but they doesn't mean that the US team isn't showing off a few fitness inspirations! As I watched the game that night, I couldn't help but gravitate to the goalie, Hope…

I have lots of friends who are small chested... and lots of friends who are really large chested. What to do when you you're out sports bra shopping and the options are limitless? Look for a guide first, of course! Her…

I'm going on vacation in a month and I always get my manicure and pedicure the day before I leave. The last thing I want is to worry about my nails chipping on vacation, so I'm considering a gel manicure.

Maybe this is why Harlequin novels were never on our high school summer reading lists.

Dutch artists Lernert & Sander apply 365 layers of makeup to model, Hannelore Knuts, in one day to see how much is needed to go from a natural look to an artificially outrageous one.

We all love creamy, rich fettucine alfredo. How about a health'ed up version?

Okay, I'll admit it. I am constantly looking at the "calories burned" setting while I'm on the elliptical or treadmill. I found this great article on how many calories you are actually burning while exercising.

A few of my favorite health and fitness sites have been writing about the start of their mornings, and it got me thinking: what is my perfect way to wake up? I have some days where I am still so exhausted after sleeping…

Millions of American suffer from back pain. There a medications and heat patches, but even those don't seem to mitigate the pain of some people. A new study conducted by the Seattle Group Health Research Institute might…

Fad diets come and go. Some work and some don't. Fad diets though do influence future popular diets... even if some are just terrible.

We've all been guilty of sneaking in that extra scrumptious bite when we really don't need it. However, a recent study found a certain factor that makes people more susceptible to giving in to temptation.

There's two categories when it comes to stretching: either you do it or you don't. If you're like me and fall into the latter, you might want to think about loosening your muscles before your next workout. Here's how…

I used to LOVE reading my horoscope. Wait, love is an understatement. More like I was utterly and unbelievably obsessedwith reading my horoscope every single day. This obsession lasted for about a year and a half, until…

It's pretty unheard of to hear the words "gay" and "NFL" together (unless you're talking about William or Randall Gay). But one former football star is attempting to break the stigma that professional athletes are homo…

The US women's soccer team will be competing against Japan in the FIFA World Cup final on July 17th. As if this doesn't give Americans enough of a reason to watch, researchers have found that women players are much less…

Alright, so I've been thinking about going gluten-free. Not because I have an intolerance or because I want to get healthier--I'm pretty healthy already---but, I want to be like Novak Djokovic. The tennis star, Wimbledo…

Next time you hit your elbow or knock your knee with a dumbbell, take a second to stare at the spot that hurts.

Summer is all about looking good and staying cool. What better way to beat the heat than some tasty, low-cal, cool-off snacks? Here are some of my total favorites that try to incorporate fruit and foods that would other…

On the trend of summer light menus, I've got one more great quick fix for you. As you probably know, during the summer I live with my parents. They are both extremely healthy (borderline health freaks, actually) and our…

It seems that every year Starbucks are adding new food items to their mainly beverage menu and this one is no exception. This week the company started serving new Bistro Boxes, which are all day meals and snacks set un…

Okay so we all totally associate soup with cold weather comfort food. And when we talk soups, none of this chicken soup brothy nonsense. I want a hearty soup that will fill me up and make me feel warm inside. Oh, exce…

There are those who eat a full meal before a workout and there are those who don't. So who's correct in this case?

Ear pulsating can become a very stressful condition to live with. Realizing for the first time that your ears are pulsating can be very frightening, and as the days go by all you think about is whether this awful noise…

Due to the increasing ease and availability of obtaining them, the subject of drugs has become one frequently discussed and debated across the world today, and rightly so- drugs can harm and benefit you in a variety of…

Everyone knows if you do drugs you'll end up like Matt Foley and live in a van down by the river. But if you needed another reason, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has recently released a graphic warning about wha…

A new study has come out stating that the long-term benefits of musical practice continue through life, and may include a decrease in the aging process! Guess we know how all the actors of Glee look so young for their a…

I spent most of yesterday afternoon walking around outside, sans sunscreen. I know. It was a really dumb idea, but somehow it just completely slipped my mind. Needless to say, I got a pretty bad burn on my chest and sho…

I want to introduce you to my oldest son, B. My son is a newly dairy-free and developmentally delayed handsome little boy. He makes my world go round in a crazy, dizzy, chaotic way. You see, when he turned 12 months old…

We're all familiar with the magical potions that have graced store shelves over the past few years. Rockstar, Monster, and most recently, 5 Hour Energy. For those of us who run on little sleep and need a boost to keep g…

This post is in response to "Thinspiration and Pro-ED: It's Not What You Think" I'd like to make the argument that it is just as easy to flip this around to the opposite end of the eating disorder spectrum. Yes people,…

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, fun times, and classic barbeques with friends. The only problem? A diet of burgers, hot dogs, and coleslaw isn't very conducive a skimpy summer wardrobe. Thankfully, Shape has provid…

Around campus, (especially during exam week) people look sick and tired (aka they look like zombies) because A. they haven't gotten enough sleep, B. they are stressed out or C. both- which is usually the case. Unfortu…

Towards the end of spring semester, I was sitting at lunch with some close friends and a few people with whom I'd only been acquainted. We started talking about veganism, as three of the girls at the table were vegan. O…

I regularly visited an acupuncture clinic in Tokyo called EGBOK (Everything's Going to Be OK) Clinic. I loved that place, but little did I know the treatments I was undergoing for my knee and ankle pain was also workin…

When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, there is a lot of debate. Is it calories that count? Nutritional value? A new study gives some insight on whats important when it comes to diet.

Lately, running has been defined simply as a method in weight loss, but turns out running is not only helpful in getting losing weight, but your overall health. Running is good for your mind, digestion, mood, and heart…

Aspirin, long recommended to prevent heart disease, has added another benefit to its list.

I am notorious for craving salty foods. Potato chips, french fries, etc. Honestly, the worst foods anyone can crave. I rarely crave chocolate typically. But M&M has stepped up their game. With the infamous chocolate…

I always make sure I have water on hand because I get dehydrated so quickly. Lately, I've been carrying around my Klean Kanteen, which you can purchase at your nearest EMS, Whole Foods, or even online (click here).…

Chiropractic care is something that many of you readers may or may not know about. I'm speaking from experience when I say it's definitely worth looking into. I don't mean to sound like a walking advertisement but this…

Yes, we all have that craving for dessert sometimes. Sometimes fruit will satiate our craving for sweet... and then sometimes it won't. Here are some of my (and Self's) favorite go-to fixes that won't ruin my dieted da…

All nutrition experts recommend eating breakfast to start up your body, so that you will be able to burn more calories throughout the day. Because of this, most diets say your breakfast should be the largest meal of t…

Drug addiction can happen to anyone. It doesn't discriminate based on socio or economic background, class, race or religion. The National Criminal Justice Reference Service reports that 12.8 million United States citize…

Social media is a great way to spread information about health. I'm a big fan of Twitter and I think it's really efficient in getting facts and articles out to the public in a rapid way.

Gummy worms are a childhood favorite. Especially when you went to birthday parties and dessert was "Worms in Dirt" or better known as, pudding, crumbled Oreos, and gummy worms. Working towards my masters I still enjoy t…

You may recognize her from Top Chef: Just Desserts, a show that is a huge guilty pleasure of mine. Gail Simmons is a long time food expert, and while her specialty may be in sweets, she knows how to eat right. After al…

It really amazes me each time I see someone smoking a cigarette. Even with all the campaigning and personal tragedies people have seen or been affected by with smoking, it persists. Recently, I read up on some new-to-m…

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day and I decided to take advantage of it by driving to the beach. I drove some of my friends there, including my 14 year old sister, who was meeting up some of her friends. My friends and…

Here's another installment of my morbid, yet interesting (hopefully) posts about death. Everyone dies, but at least there's chances of how someone dies.

A new study, published on June 27th in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that certain women with a risk for developing melanoma (a severe form of skin cancer) may be able to cut the odds in…

Yes, some are. When I ran across this article I was perplexed. Apparently a growing trend across America is parents allowing their teenagers to engage in sexual intercourse under their own roof. Society is becoming more…

Meet Lelu, the pug who can hold better yoga poses than me... Oh yeah, Lelu, can you do pilates? Do you work out with your pet? Image Source

Recently, the American Heart Association released a hilarious advertisement about Hands-Only CPR starring Ken Jeong. Although, the advertisement was meant to be more on the funny side, I couldn't help but take things I…

Just like my 5-8 mile run is an essential part of my start to each day, so is a huge, delicious green smoothie. It's my elixir of life. Every morning after I run I fix up an enormous green smoothie jam packed with fresh…

I love thinking that what I'm doing in my everyday life is helping me burn calories. Since I'm no good at sitting at home and doing nothing, I burn between 1900 and 2500 calories a day just by walking and hanging out! I…

My pain threshold is very low. Combine my weakness with with the queasy feeling I get when I see blood and it's not pretty when I injure myself. But if I had Riley-Day Syndrome, one of my problems would completely d…

The goal to stay healthy is one for all of us here. Not just about losing weight or toning up, but about keeping your body out of the way from harm. I've been searching for a couples ways to stay happy and healthy this…

To all of our USA-rooted Healthkickers, Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the day out in the sun, with some delicious food off the barbecue (meat and vegetables alike!) and spend time with friends and family! If you're looking…

God bless my well-meaning friends and family members, who make every effort to include my vegan-principled diet when planning their summer parties! Still, though I've been vegan for about 15 years, some of them s…

While some people may swear by the mantra "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," I have to insist that snacks are my personal saviour. When working a long day or staying active, they keep you going. However…

I'm seventeen years old. I just graduated high school, and in August I'm headed to the college of my dreams. I just got back from orientation and fell even more in love with the school. I've always had a roof over my he…

Is in hammock! Can you believe that? I remember falling asleep in my neighbor's hammock as a child, but never thinking that I could be getting the best nap. Mostly, because what ensued for me...

I don't know about you, but I always think that they look gross - the prune-y, wrinkly, old-lady-looking hands that you get after you've been exposed to water too long. Whether it's from a shower, bath, ocean swim or di…

This is a guest post from Kirbie's Cravings. It’s officially summer. I love summer. Summer means warm weather and sunshine. And best of all, summer means lots and lots of ice cream. While ice cream is an all y…

It happens. You're on the road, you're hungry, and that back lit sign comes out like a beacon... McDonalds? Wendy's? It doesn't matter, you're pulling over...

Oh come on, which one of us hasn't seen Jessica Biel's eternally ready bikini body and been jealous? Because I know that I totally am. Not that I'm not happy with my body, it just so happens that Jessica Biel has a tota…

I'm always looking for new, innovative ways to "get my drink on." Whether it's trying new, expensive whiskeys or trying local beers, I want to explore the alcoholic spectrum and see what I like best. In my quest, I come…