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What's the best treatment for back and neck pain?

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If you’ve ever lifted too many bags of groceries at once, been pulled by a dog who decided that squirrel soufflé would make an excellent afternoon snack or walked to your car with your cellphone pressed against your ear — while balancing your coffee mug and your briefcase and digging for your keys — you already know that modern life can be a real pain in the neck (or back or shoulder).

Many of us don’t want to drop an atom bomb of aspirin on our livers, so we turn to techniques like chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and massage for increased mobility and pain relief. Recently, Consumer Reports spoke with some experts and reviewed study results to determine if these therapies actually work — or if our skeptic friends are right to roll their eyes and tell us that we need to go a “real doctor.”

More: An acupuncture cynic tries it for the first time

The final verdict is mixed — though these “alternative” therapies are shown to reduce skeletal and muscular pain, there’s little evidence to support claims that they can remedy other health conditions (so, unfortunately, that Swedish massage isn’t going to clear up your sinus infection).

Chiropractors perform millions of spinal adjustments each year, and studies around lower-back pain indicate that these regular adjustments can be just as effective as exercise and over-the-counter pain medicines — in the short-term at least.

Massage therapy also has some short-term impact. Getting our muscles stretched and rubbed does more than make us feel like we’re loving the spa life on the latest Real Housewives spinoff. It can stimulate nerves that block pain signals and release endorphins. Regular massage treatments can improve your walking and mobility and help you sleep better.

More: Mysterious massage technique can cure your awful PMS symptoms

Studies also suggest that acupuncture works in a similar way — though this ancient healing technique purports to unblock parts of one’s chi, or life essence, for healing — it in fact activates those pain-blocking nerves and sends a call to arms out to endorphins.

So, booking that massage or a session with a chiropractor or an acupuncturist isn’t going to restore you to perfect health — but odds are, it’ll reduce your pain and help you relax. Just be sure that you’re seeking the care of a trained, licensed professional.


Here’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s kids hanging with Jay Z

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Gwyneth Paltrow likes posting no-makeup selfies to Instagram, and she’s never met a horizon she didn’t like. But yesterday she gave her followers a special peek into the gilded life she lives, sharing a throwback pic of kids Apple and Moses chilling with Jay Z for his birthday, and we have to say, her life (and that of her kids) looks pretty good from here. “Happy birthday #unclejay,” she wrote alongside the pic.

Uncle Jay-Z instagram 1

Uncle Jay-Z instagram 1

More: It's easier to eat like Gwyneth Paltrow than you'd think

This is not, however, the first time a member of the Carter family has appeared on Paltrow’s IG. Earlier this year, ahead of Beyoncé’s epic Super Bowl performance, Paltrow posted a shot of Jay and Bey’s daughter Blue Ivy holding hands with Apple, who looks like a total Paltrow mini-me. “#Superbowl50 jacket game,” she wrote of her daughter and Beyoncé’s daughter, who both rocked chic colorful coats that we definitely would not say no to if they came in adult sizes. Also, don’t forget the time when Apple and Blue had a slumber party for Apple’s 12th b-day.

Gwyneth Paltrow instagram 2

Gwyneth Paltrow instagram 2

Gweneth and Jay-Z's kids 3

Gweneth and Jay-Z's kids 3

MoreGwyneth Paltrow brings nearly 2,000 women to tears with sweet memory

To celebrate his 47th birthday yesterday, Jay Z threw a top-secret (and star-studded) party at République in LA, with a guest list that included Beyoncé’s mom Tina Lawson and her husband Richard Lawson, along with Kelly Rowland and her husband, Tim Witherspoon, according to Entertainment Tonight. It definitely included plenty of other boldfaced names — including, we’d wager, Paltrow herself — but the upscale eatery erected tarps outside to conceal the identities of celebs pulling up to the entrance. Sneaky.

Paltrow was definitely at Jay and Bey’s wedding back in 2008, which she attended with then-husband Chris Martin. “I love his music, and he’s a super-cool guy, and he’s genuine,” Martin told Pitchfork of Jay Z in 2011. “I respect his decisions, and we have the same feelings about trying to be true in your art. It just happens that one of us is a nerd and the other is the coolest multi-entrepreneur on the planet.”

More: Gwyneth Paltrow's Thanksgiving pic proves co-parenting doesn't have to suck

Yup. The whole fam seems besotted with Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Two months ago, Paltrow aired her feelings about her pal with a video of Bey performing on Instagram. “Oh my, BB, you just ,” she wrote. Truth. Moms who are best friends with daughters who, despite their age gap (Blue is 4, Apple is 12), seem to be pretty chummy too — the best. Oh, and happy birthday, Jay.

Beyonce super bowl video 4

Beyonce super bowl video 4

Going gluten-free sucked, but it forced me to learn self-control

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During my freshman and sophomore years of college, I dealt with the whole, "Am I really allergic to gluten?" thing. I had been experiencing some symptoms that made me feel like it was impossible to function. I got a few simple tests done, got a call, and was told to "lay off the gluten." Now, I wasn't diagnosed with Celiacs, and I didn't immediately vomit if I had a brownie, so this (in my mind) left leeway to cheat. And if your pastry tooth resembles mine in the slightest, you know that cheating would be inevitable.

More: 5 ways to travel the world and stick to your gluten-free diet

But based on what I had just gone through, I knew if I kept eating processed and gluten-filled foods, it would build back up in my system and result in another cycle of sickness and tests.

So I began that long and daunting process that is now familiar to so many others – finding out just what the hell gluten was, what I could eat, where I could eat, and how I could do it all on a college budget. The timing was convenient. The whole gluten-free trend was at its height, which was great because that meant options (and was not so great because people rarely took it seriously).

Controlling and limiting the food you eat is damn hard. There was a Starbucks across from my apartment in college, and as a college kid I often frequented the place for dates, outings with friends, and long study sessions. And that chocolate chip coffee cake was my jam.

While going through the process of changing my diet, I remember looking at the case and thinking, I could get that and it could kill me later, or I could not. Sometimes I opted for the first, but slowly, over time I always opted for the latter. And the discipline paid off in more ways than one.

The physical results kind of go without saying. I lost 25 pounds, went down three ring sizes and half a shoe size. My body quite literally shook off all that crap. I felt better and my stomach wasn't in a perpetual state of agony and my energy levels increased. But the physical benefits were only a part of it.

I learned self-control and moderation. When you have to look nearly every food you love in the eye and say, "no thanks" you learn a great deal of self-control. The desserts that were incorporated into my diet thereafter were usually smaller and a little healthier. I was able to have only one cookie (except for Oreos) or a few pieces of a chocolate bar. I grew an appreciation for good, healthy food, and a passion for being aware of what I was consuming and what fueled my body.

More: 3 boozy and gluten-free spiced-apple recipes

I also became more appreciative. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, you'll probably have to carry a granola bar or something in your purse when going to any function where food is provided. There may not be food you're able to eat, and as that does suck, it's just a crappy card you've been handed that you gotta deal with.

But on those occasions, when someone thinks to include a gluten -free option, or went out of their way to accommodate your situation, it should be seen as a big deal because they didn't need to do so. Anytime that's happened to me, I've felt grateful, appreciative, and have taken note to pay their kindness forward.

Am I saying you need to go gluten-free to learn self-control? Of course not. Actually, I hope you never encounter these pesky food problems, because paying seven bucks for bread that only tastes good when toasted truly gets old after a while. But I will say, that learning how to eat well and healthy is bigger than your meal plan. Those habits bleed over into many parts of life, and soon you'll find yourself saying, "I don't really need that pair of shoes" or you'll opt to get outside for some exercise instead of binging on Netflix.

Yes. There is a time and place for binging.

Originally published on BlogHer

More: 19 Practical gift ideas for your gluten-free friends

Finding an in-network therapist shouldn’t be this hard

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I hit “send” on several emails to potential therapists around 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 31. After bailing on New Year’s Eve plans with friends in favor of spending the evening with two uninvited guests — anxiety and depression — I figured that there was no better time to peruse my health insurance website and try to set up an appointment for the beginning of the year.

Initially, I was hopeful. There seemed like a lot of decent options. But I quickly found out that just because a therapist is listed as being in-network, it doesn’t mean that they are currently accepting new clients. Thankfully, I found one who was able to squeeze me in and was in-network, but given my pop-culture knowledge that New York City is the therapy capital of the world (some people even have multiple therapists!) this process was much harder than I expected.

More: How to find the right type of therapy for you

Turns out, it’s not just me. An article in Vice’s new health vertical Tonic discusses this obstacle to affordable mental health care, including the fact that doctors and therapists don’t always know which plans they belong to because of complex and ever-changing contracts with insurance companies.

So if insurance companies keeping provider databases up to date is the problem, shouldn’t we be able to fix it? Apparently, this is easier said than done, as insurance plans rely on providers for updates, and providers aren’t always clear on their network plans.

There’s also the fact that the current system doesn’t make it easy for therapists to become in-network providers. For Anna Eckhardt, an licensed and certified social worker trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing trauma therapy in private practice, the low insurance reimbursement per patient coupled with time-consuming paperwork to submit to insurance companies followed by a wait for payments does not make being part of insurance panels as an in-network provider very appealing.

More: An open letter to toxic couples who come to me for therapy

This becomes even more complicated for therapists like Eckhardt who have a specific niche, and therefore need constant training to develop the specific skills necessary for working with people with trauma. Between the continuous training, rent, malpractice and liability insurance and yearly dues for maintaining licenses and certifications, many therapists find that they need to charge more than what the insurance companies reimburse just to stay financially afloat.

Having said that, many providers like Eckhardt will help people submit to their insurance companies if they have out-of-network coverage.

More: Why young people need insurance, too

I’m fortunate that my late-night New Year’s Eve message turned into a great working relationship with an in-network therapist, but realize that other people aren’t as lucky. In the meantime, here’s hoping for more streamlined easy-to-navigate plans for both clients and providers.

Serena Williams wants you to take your flaws and use it as fuel for success

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Serena Williams knows exactly what women need to hear right now.

More: Serena Williams' powerful post explains why police make her nervous

In an emotional open letter posted to Instagram, Williams delivered a feminist pick-me-up that speaks to women of all ages, colors and creeds who are striving for equality in their fields.

Serena Williams equality post on Instagram

Serena Williams equality post on Instagram

"When I was growing up, I had a dream," Williams wrote. "I'm sure you did too. My dream wasn't like that of an average kid, my dream was to be the best tennis player in the world. Not the best 'female' tennis player in the world."

More: Serena Williams needs to do more than delete her Photoshopped pic

She continued, "But as we know, too often women are not supported enough or are discouraged from choosing their path. I hope together we can change that. For me, it was a question of resilience. What others marked as flaws or disadvantages about myself — my race, my gender — I embraced as fuel for my success. I never let anything or anyone define me or my potential. I controlled my future."

Williams went on to talk about what's frustrating about the pay gap that still remains between men and women in the U.S.

"As we know, women have to break down many barriers on the road to success," Williams continued. "One of those barriers is the way we are constantly reminded we are not men, as if it is a flaw. People call me one of the 'world's greatest female athletes.' Do they say LeBron is one of the world's best male athletes? Is Tiger? Federer? Why not? They are certainly not female. We should never let this go unchallenged. We should always be judged by our achievements, not by our gender."

Williams' message comes at a time when we all really need it. President-elect Donald Trump has openly displayed his misogyny since he began his campaign. The next four years are going to be a hard fight for equality for women. Let Williams' post be your inspiration.

More: Everyone cares way too much about Serena Williams' nipples

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Inspiring Feminism Quotes slideshow
Image: WENN

7 holiday decorating tips that won't blow your budget to smithereens

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You know when you see a cute decoration and then realize it's like $50 too expensive? Yeah, we hate that, too. Thank goodness it's just as easy to decorate with things you probably already have lying around your house or backyard. It only takes a few cheap staples to get your house in the Christmas spirit. Start with these eight ideas:

1. Fill vases and bowls you already own with your leftover Christmas ornaments

Leftover turkey? Winning. Leftover ornaments in random vases around the house? Also winning.

Holiday decor 1

Holiday decor 1

More: 3 simple ways to winterize candles you already own

2. Ribbon, ribbon, ribbon

Who needs fancy, expensive Christmas decorations when you can tie pretty ribbons everywhere and get the same effect? Jars. Lamps. Your Christmas tree. So many options.

Holiday ribbons

Holiday ribbons

3. Put cinnamon sticks everywhere

Don't forget, half the battle of getting in the holiday spirit has to do with scents. Holiday-scented candles and cinnamon sticks are a one-way ticket to getting in the Christmas mood.

Cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon sticks

4. Use Christmas mugs as mini vases

If you already collect Christmas mugs (or even just happen to own a few), fill them with short-stemmed flowers. Real or fake will do the trick.

Christmas mugs

Christmas mugs

5. Break out your DIY skills to make paper banners

Pinterest is crawling with DIYs that only require basic materials. If you have kids, get them in on the fun and make a Sunday afternoon of it. Bonus points for drinking hot chocolate while you craft.

Holiday banner

Holiday banner

6. Cut up old towels to make a fabric garland

If you have old Christmas towels (or can buy some at the dollar store), cut them up to make a garland for your mantel or staircase. You can also drape it near some indoor Christmas lights to give it a spotlight (just make sure they don't touch because, you know, fire). As long as you can use scissors and tie knots, you can pull off this DIY.

More: Deck your halls with these 14 DIY holiday garlands

Fabric garland

Fabric garland

7. Get crafty with pine cones

You can paint them, you can leave them rustic, you can make a wreath out of them, you can put them in vases. It's very shabby chic of you.

Pine cone decor

Pine cone decor

Keep it simple and the results be worth it - not to mention, you'll have less to put away.

Image: Becci Collins/SheKnows

This post was sponsored by Big Lots.

Are cat sneezes normal — or cause for concern?

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Get ready to talk some kitty sniffles and nose discharge. As unpleasant as it may be, it's important to educate yourself in case your furry friend ever exhibits excessive sneezing. Sometimes cats get the sniffles just like humans, but that kitty sneeze could also be cause for concern in some circumstances.

Excessive sneezing in cats

While usually totally normal (just like in humans), sometimes excessive sneezing and unusual discharge might actually be warning signs for things like cancer and feline herpes, but it's not always cause for serious concern. So don't worry; there is a much higher chance your kitty's sneezes can easily be treated, but to find out exactly what's normal and what's cause for concern, we chatted with a veterinarian.

More: It's time to stop scaring your cat with cucumbers

"If it's just a lot of sneezing and it's clear discharge and nothing else and the kitty is playful and doesn't have a fever and is eating and everything else is fine, it's probably not much of a concern," veterinarian Dr. Rhonda Casper told SheKnows. "But if there's any systemic signs of illness, you know, if they're just kind of laying there or not eating or they're running a fever — if they feel warm — then you need to be concerned."

She added, "If they are sneezing excessively, then it's probably worth getting checked out too."

Casper explained that just like a person, sneezing once or twice a day isn't a big deal, but constant sneezing means you want to get it checked out.

Signs of cancer or feline herpes

In cases of cancer and feline herpes, the sneezing is often accompanied by other symptoms.

Casper says that with cancer and feline herpes, there are oftentimes other warnings, like unusual discharge and fever rather than just sneezing, so it's important to know the signs.

"Usually there will be sneezing and it'll be a cloudy, pus-like discharge or it will have blood in it," Casper said of feline cancer symptoms. "I've seen where the nose is actually visibly deformed. They can have congestion, usually on one side, depending on what type of cancer. There is a lot of overlap between cancer and, say, a foreign body that is stuck up there and causing infection. There's overlapping symptoms, but those are the warning signs." So don't get too worried if your kitty starts having bloody sneezes; it could just have a bit of cat food stuck in its nose.

More: 10 cats vs. Christmas tree GIFs to get you in the holiday spirit

Obviously, you won't know for sure until you get your furry friend checked out, which is why it's so important to get them to the vet as soon as possible if irregular sneezing and discharge occurs.

As for herpes, Casper said symptoms can vary and some cats may never even have outbreaks, just like with the human version of the virus, but there are still some things to look out for.

"Usually with herpes, it's a transient thing like a cold sore or they might carry it and never have signs. Herpes can definitely cause really nasty nasal discharge. It's usually out of both sides of the nose."

Chronic snufflers

Casper added that repeated sneezing could be a sign that your cat is a "chronic snuffler," which is a cat with a respiratory system that is prone to infection. In this case, it can be difficult to treat and control. It can also be unpleasant.

"I've seen really nasty things. Some kitties are called 'chronic snufflers' where they just have constant infection, really hard to clear and really hard to control."

More: 25 random cat behaviors finally explained

If your cat is exhibiting any of these excessive sneezing symptoms, it's always a good idea to consult your vet as soon as possible.

Have you had any experience with excessive cat sneezing? How did your vet treat the problem?

Yes, there really is a wrong way to ask for a divorce

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My ex-husband and I had an argument about our son, who was overwhelmed after an orthodontist appointment, and recovering from a conflict he had with his dad on the weekend. He asked if he could skip dinner and go to his room.

More: Why I tell my friends not to be afraid of divorce

“I need alone time, Mom. I’m so tired and my mouth hurts from the dentist.” I said yes only to have his father balk at my inconsistency.

“We’re having family dinner; he’s going to sit with us. The child needs consistency.”

“I think he needs space tonight, he’s exhausted and over-stimulated. Why don’t we cut him a break?”

His dad flew into a rage.

In fact, my son had — with remarkable courage and sitting next to me for comfort — told his dad he was upset, did not want to fight, and was afraid of his father’s anger.

It’s hard parenting a child with ADHD. It’s hard parenting no matter what, but strategies that work with non-ADHD kids can escalate symptoms in those with special needs. But my ex likes things tidy, and has not accepted that his sons have special needs.

“When can we talk?”

“We can talk now.”

I sat on the couch across from him. He motioned me to the bedroom. Before the door was even shut he said, “I’m done.”

I waited a beat.

“I can’t do this anymore. What just happened, with the kids now, and I don’t love you anymore. I’m done.”

More: I'm happy to celebrate with my friends when they get divorced

I don’t know how long he was thinking, “I’m done, I want a divorce.” He never said a word. How long was he unhappy? When did he decide he didn’t love me anymore? Was it before the couples workshop where we both cried, talked deeply, and he said, “I feel like we’re going to make it.” Was that true? Did he know what was true? Was it before Christmas? My 50th birthday?

I wish if he'd been unhappy he'd spoken to me first, or hired a third-party mediator to help us have this conversation. Some things can never be taken back. Even if he felt the words “I don’t love you anymore” are true, he did not need to say them. It may not be the best way to ask for a divorce from the mother of your children, your wife of seventeen years, the woman to whom you have said “I love you” countless times, traveled with, allowed to care for you when sick, loved and made life decisions with. Why would anyone want to hurt her that much?

There’s no need to stay in an unhappy marriage, or any unhappy relationship. I want to be happy, and I want my children’s father to be as well. But, there are ways to end a relationship without blindsiding your partner, without hurting feelings and betraying trust so much that you obliterate it. When you say words you can never take back, you create a chasm because the betrayal is so deep. Not with another woman, but with silence, with cruelty, with pretending, with emotional lies. Would you want that for yourself? It’s scary to be real and honest. It’s scary to be vulnerable — but be mindful.

Be mindful of the other person’s feelings, even if you are hurt, angry, frustrated, fed up, and done. There was once love there, especially if there are children, and decades of history. Disentangling a relationship is complicated. Don’t make it more so by being cruel. It’s not worth it and you’ll regret it. For the sake of my children, I am going to communicate, and I will make this work. But I will never trust him again. Some things can never be taken back. People give themselves to you in love. They are resilient but their hearts are fragile. Tread lightly. Be gentle and handle with care. You’d want the same. And you deserve it.

More: My son's cat helped him heal when his dad and I divorced


The Voice needs to back off on the ballads

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Tonight's episode of The Voice was simultaneously amazing and a total snoozefest. How can that be? The answer is simple: Too many ballads.

Tonight's slower tunes included "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)" performed by Aaron Gibson, "I Will Always Love You" by Ali Caldwell and Brendan Fletcher's rendition of "Angel." And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

More: Sundance Head's big risks are paying off on The Voice

Now, we're not saying there's anything inherently bad about ballads. A good ballad can really showcase an artist's talents, especially if that singer happens to have a big, powerful voice. Also, ballads are naturally emotional. They get viewers worked up, and more inclined to vote. Viewer engagement is always a good thing, especially when it occurs because the show's songs evoke strong emotions.

Ballads on The Voice
Image: NBC

The problem isn't the existence of ballads on The Voice, but rather, their occasional excess. One ballad is powerful, but five or six? Not so much.

More: Miley Cyrus reminds us that The Voice is about more than just singing

Another problem with ballads? They give viewers a false sense of confidence in certain artists. When a contestant sings one ballad after another, viewers never determine whether that person actually possesses any versatility or nuance. There's nothing wrong with doing what you do best, but you know what's even better? A musician who can kill it while performing a wide range of genres. The Voice does force artists to mix it up a little, but some get by coasting on the same style week after week — and the show's ballad powerhouses are often a culprit of this.

More: The Voice's Billy Gilman made the right choice by ditching country music

We're not asking for a lot here. We just want a few perkier, toe-tapping tunes that get us out of our seats. This season's contestants are definitely capable of delivering that, and many already have. Even tonight's episode featured a few refreshing numbers, such as Ali Caldwell and Brendan Fletcher's version of "It's Only Love" and "Feelin' Alright" by Sundance Head and Josh Gallagher. More songs like this would be greatly appreciated.

Feelin Alright video The Voice

Feelin Alright video The Voice

The Voice is amazing when it strikes the right balance between power ballads and more lighthearted numbers, so it's time for the show to pick up the tempo.

Are you sick of all the ballads this season? Or do you think they're necessary, as that is what the show's contestants perform best? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The Voice winners slideshow
Image: WENN

Leonardo DiCaprio is schooling Ivanka Trump in the ways of climate change

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Leonardo DiCaprio is coming to the environment's rescue by turning to Ivanka Trump — who may one of the only rational mind in the new Donald Trump administration.

More: Everyone is talking about Tiffany Trump after the last presidential debate

DiCaprio and Ivanka are reportedly acquaintances. They're friends enough — not to mention DiCaprio has enough clout — that Ivanka agreed to meet with him to discuss environmental issues. DiCaprio, for his part, has been vocal about climate change issues for years.

During the meeting, DiCaprio even gave Ivanka a copy of his climate change documentary Before the Flood, according to the New York Times, who highlighted Ivanka's role in the Trump presidency in an article published on Saturday.

The NYT article suggested that Ivanka will be the most powerful first daughter in history. She already seems to have become the voice of reason in the administration and I, personally, would not object to an official nomination for her within the party. I think if anyone can keep Donald Trump in check, Ivanka might be the girl to play hardball.

More: Hilaria Baldwin writes post-election letter to her 3-year-old daughter

Plus, she's already taken on platforms for her father's presidency including advocating for women's rights and women in the workplace.

Adding the environment to her list of philanthropic efforts just makes Ivanka all the more likable.

Writes the NYT, "For a long time, Ms. Trump’s popularity owed (at least in part) to her ability to smooth out her father’s rough edges.

"Where Donald Trump was brusque, Ms. Trump was tactful. Where Mr. Trump came off self-centered and easily distracted, she was self-effacing and sharply focused, traits she displayed from her earliest days growing up on the Upper East Side."

More: Meryl Streep's Donald Trump impersonation is better than any we've seen on SNL

As someone who is skeptical of the Trump presidency, knowing that a woman like Ivanka is in my corner somehow makes me feel a whole lot better.

Do you think Ivanka Trump should have an official position in her father's administration?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Donald Trump could learn a lot from MacGyver — just hear us out
Image: CBS/WENN

Ireland Baldwin is naked again, but she's definitely taking it up a notch

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There is no doubt Ireland Baldwin is quickly becoming one of the sexiest models currently on the scene. And it's no wonder, what with her parents Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, who are icons in their own right.

More: Ireland Baldwin's girlfriend blabs to the press about romance

Thanks to her upbringing, not only is she fully comfortable in her own skin but she's also proud to flaunt it.

For her new video for the Love magazine Advent calendar, Ireland stripped down and did a sexy little dance along with it. She is shown running down the beach before taking it off all the way down to just her small undies.

Ireland Baldwin Love advent video

Ireland Baldwin Love advent video

She isn't the only celeb gracing the interwebs with her sexiness this holiday season. Rita Ora, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Irina Shayk have already taken part in the Advent calendar so far this year, with more of the most beautiful faces in the world promised in the coming days.

More: Alec Baldwin's daughter proves she's got the outspoken gene with topless pic

Ireland, who is 21 years old, has previously discussed her feelings on getting nude for projects, and she's made it clear she has no problem with it. She's even seen her mom's scandalous moments from the past, including Basinger's sexual role in the 1986 film 9 1/2 Weeks.

"I was old enough at that point to appreciate it artistically," Ireland said of the movie during an interview with Treats! Magazine.

Personally, I think at this point the shock factor of a celeb going topless has kind of waned and for the better. If Ireland wants to celebrate her body then more power to her.

It's definitely weird to think that Alec Baldwin, the man currently portraying Donald Trump in all his glory on SNL, is Ireland's father. I wonder how that conversation went. Is Alec Baldwin cool with his daughter flaunting her sexuality? Is it a don't ask don't tell policy? I could definitely see Baldwin being protective of his little girl.

More: Ireland Baldwin releases her demons in heartbreaking Instagram post (PHOTO)

Unfortunately, we couldn't include the video for you to watch because it has been removed from YouTube seeing as it violated their sexual content and nudity guidelines. But you get the idea from the tweet.

Now that is one steamy video.

Do you think Alec Baldwin and Ireland Baldwin have a don't ask, don't tell policy in the house?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

controversial mag covers slideshow
Image: Paper Magazine

There is a dark side to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

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There is one thing that happens to every woman (and some men) after watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: We feel terrible about ourselves.

More: Let's play I Spy with My Little Eye during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

So terrible, in fact, that I wouldn't be surprised if the show inspired more gym memberships than New Year's Day.

VS Fashion Show tweet 1

VS Fashion Show tweet 1

VS Fashion Show tweet 2

VS Fashion Show tweet 2

VS Fashion Show tweet 3

VS Fashion Show tweet 3

VS Fashion Show tweet 4

VS Fashion Show tweet 4

VS Fashion Show tweet 5

VS Fashion Show tweet 5

VS Fashion Show tweet 6

VS Fashion Show tweet 6

VS Fashion Show tweet 7

VS Fashion Show tweet 7

We watch these gorgeous women bounding across the runway like goddesses and instead of celebrating the female power, we turn to the mirror and wonder why we aren't enough. We see our inadequacies instead of celebrating our diverse perfection.

More: A bunch of 2016 VSFS pics — because we know you can't wait till it airs on TV

I have friends who refuse to watch the show. I know this because I thought about having a VS Fashion Show viewing party and discovered the guest count would be severely limited. The idea crumbled within the span of about an hour. They don't watch it because it leaves them feeling depressed and inadequate and, as the holidays (and holiday foods) surround us, that is the last thing any of us wants to feel.

So what gives?

Why are these ultra-skinny, perky-boobed bodies the only ones we see on the runway? Why do we feel the desperate need to compare ourselves to them? Why is that the symbol of perfection in America? Why are our psyches so controlled by our looks that we can't even watch the VS Fashion Show without falling into a rut of self-depression over the fact that we weren't "blessed" with those leggy genes?

These questions have been asked so many times that they've become cliches, yet nothing has changed. The models in the VS Fashion Show aren't getting any curvier. If anything, they're only getting thinner.

Personally, I think there needs to be a conversation change. One where we celebrate the beauty of those women on the catwalk as much as we celebrate our individual beauty.

I'm not saying I'm above those feelings of inadequacy. I watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while binging on chips only to wish I could go back in time ten years and change the habits. I get it.

But this year, when those thoughts started creeping in, I paused the show and almost leapt out of my chair. I stopped them dead in their tracks and replaced them with, "I'm beautiful." Because I am.

More: Come on, Lady Gaga's Victoria's Secret performance wasn't that awkward

The beauty of those girls on the runway doesn't minimize my personal beauty. There isn't a cap on good-looking people in this world. It's a "the more the merrier" situation. So rather than looking at those girls' stomachs and then immediately looking to my own to compare, I would like to finish my chips then go for some ice cream and then maybe prance around in front of my mirror in my bra and underwear while imagining I have wings.

How do you think we solve the beauty comparison problem of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

victoria's secret fashion show slideshow
Image: Jeff Grossman/WENN.com

Red velvet hot chocolate you can make right in your slow cooker

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Here's an easy trick for making hot cocoa extra special — turn it into red velvet hot cocoa. And if you make it in your slow cooker, you can have it warming at home while you go out to build a snowman. By the time you return, there's a bright, chocolaty treat waiting for you.

More: Dress up your brownies in red velvet and cheesecake swirls for the holidays

Slow cooker red velvet hot cocoa recipes

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 10 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Place the milk and granulated sugar in slow cooker and heat on high until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Stir in the chocolate with a wire whisk until it's melted. Stir in food coloring and vanilla. Pour into serving cups.
  3. To serve, put the slow cooker on warm or buffet to keep the hot cocoa warm. Top with whipped cream and a marshmallow.

More: No-bake red velvet cheesecake is unbelievably easy to whip up

Check out the video below to see how it's made.

red velvet hot cocoa

red velvet hot cocoa

Gigi Hadid is so good, The Fashion Awards made a category just for her

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What can make Gigi Hadid cry? Apparently, winning a major British award.

More: People either loved or hated Gigi Hadid's Melania Trump impression

Hadid was named International Model of the Year at this year's Fashion Awards, which, for all the Americans who have never heard of it, is a really big deal in the U.K.

And it's an even bigger deal because, up until this year, the award has simply been Model of the Year, and it's been won every year by a British model. This year, it was changed to International Model of the Year, and Hadid is the first American ever to claim the crown.

The award "gives recognition to a male or female model who has contributed most to the international fashion scene in the past year and has demonstrated influence beyond the catwalk," and Gigi was up against her sister, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner, among others. Gigi's win may not have been a surprise because Bella didn't even show up to the awards show, which makes it look like someone may have tipped them off about who won to avoid an awkward sister rivalry moment.

More: Gigi Hadid should have elbowed the guy who assaulted her a lot harder

Donatella Versace presented the award to Hadid, who got super-emotional as she received it. She thanked all the major players in her career, especially the ones who helped her out, she said, "when no one knew who [she] was."

"You guys know who I am, and that, to me, means so much," she said through tears.

Gigi Hadid accepts internatonal model of the year award

Gigi Hadid accepts internatonal model of the year award

Hadid's social media following, which is probably part of the reason she got the award, lit up following the announcement.

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 1

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 1

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 2

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 2

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 3

Social media response to Gigi Hadid's award 3

More: Finally! Kim Kardashian's suing the jerk who assaulted her & Gigi Hadid

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

gigi hadid sexy slideshow
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN

Inside the Instagram phenomenon of 'reborn dolls'

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“The decorating was short lived because I had to feed this hungry girl,” reads an Instagram post from @thefamilyseeds. The photo shows what looks like a baby breastfeeding in a sweet knit hat and tiny, earth-toned outfit. But it’s not quite a baby. The skin tone is a little too uniform, the pose a little too stiff. This uncanny infant is in fact a “reborn” doll — a lifelike vinyl baby doll created by and for adult women. Welcome to the surreal world of the #rebornmommy.

sleeping doll
Image: Instagram

Although the love affair between women and dolls is nothing new (think: your eccentric great aunt’s porcelain doll collection), the Instagram world of reborns is a recent phenomenon. Instagram has offered a ready-made platform for broadcasting the intricacies of such relationships for all the world to see. It’s where many women choose to showcase these dolls, their accouterments and elaborate nurseries and find a community of like-minded “mommies.” 

At first Emma Murdoch (@emmas_reborn_nursery), 19, wasn’t enthused about the realistic dolls. After researching the crafting process (during which a collector or artist assembles the dolls and paints them to appear more lifelike), though, she was intrigued. “I love seeing the different painting styles, [how] different artists work, different techniques, different hairstyles,” Emma says. She decided to paint and put together a doll of her own, a process called “newborning.”

doll parts
Image: Instagram

Reborn dolls got their start in the late 1990s. A woman took her Ashton Drake doll apart, painted it, added realistic features and added weight to the body to make it feel like a real baby, explains Kelsey (@kelseys_cradle), 21, who prefers not to give her last name. Wilmington resident Caroline, (@loving_hadley12), 31, first saw the dolls on eBay. “I've always loved dolls and babies and was intrigued by these dolls that looked like real babies.” 

More: Your Instagram knows if you're depressed or not

The #rebornexpecting hashtag features dolls that have been ordered, as if the buyer is “expecting” a child. Those who long for a reborn doll of their very own better have deep pockets (or coordinate an equally realistic baby shower) — depending on the artist selling them, the dolls can run from the hundreds to thousands of dollars. Caroline says the average cost for a doll (which are generally purchased on eBay) is in the $300 to $800 range. “I've spent a lot of money on Hadley,” she says of one of her dolls, which was $350 on eBay. “Then I paid $100 to get her touched up. Then $300 to get her completely repainted with different limbs.”

Arms up doll
Image: Instagram

Reborn Instagram posts often center on baby bargains and shopping hauls, with women sharing pacifier collections, the bouncy seat they found for a steal or a baby clothes spree. “I would say the average collector spends anywhere from $500 to $1,000 annually,” says Kelsey. Caroline shares that she spends about $40 per week on clothes and accessories for her reborn, Hadley. Based on my conversations with collectors, it seems the average reborn aficionado spends around $1,000 to $3,000 a year once dolls, cribs, clothing and accessories are factored in. Reborn mommies buy baby gear and post photos of their nursery setups, complete with cribs.

Captions often read as if the reborns are actual, living babies. “I’ve got a wiggle worm this morning,” writes @lil.babyjane of her doll Otis (who has his own hashtag, complete with middle name).

“I never say she is a doll,” posts Caroline of an outing with Hadley in a baby carrier. “What I like about the community,” she explains, “is there are people that like dolls like me and walk around stores with them like me and dress them like me and do everything I do with Hadley — just like me.”

But not every collector has such an involved relationship with his or her dolls. “I think they’re adorable and love having them to hold and look at and snuggle when I’m down, but they’re dolls,” says Emma. She thinks of her four reborns as “collectibles that you can grow really fond of.” 

More: In defense of spending $100 to buy 'just a doll' for your daughter

Actual babies are so much work; it’s hard to imagine someone putting all that effort and love (not to mention money) into something that’s not even, well, real. But maybe that’s the point. “[I] love that it's an opportunity for someone to have a positive outlet for their parenting instincts,” says Kelsey. “I don't want a baby right now because the time isn't right, but reborns have helped with ‘baby fever,’ I guess you could say.” 

Black boy sleeping doll
Image: Instagram

I asked marriage and family therapist Megan Costello her thoughts on the reborn phenomenon. “For some people who are traumatized (sexually or otherwise), relationships with other people can be dangerous and scary,” says Costello. “But these fears don't erase the human need for connection and relationship. These dolls may provide a safe way for a person to have a relationship, feel nurtured and needed and meet the needs of others.” She adds that a reborn doll could also help someone cope with loss, such as a miscarriage, or remind them of a time when life felt safe and happy. (There are several stories online of people — including reality star Courtney Stodden — using reborn dolls to deal with baby loss,.) 

Reborn collectors speak fondly of the camaraderie they’ve found online. “One of the things I love about this hobby is that we are such a diverse community,” says Kelsey. “We have men and women from all different nations, religions and ethnicities. We also have people as young as 11 and as old as 80. I've even heard of reborns being used as therapy for patients with dementia.”

Emma echoes Kelsey’s sentiments. “I love the IG reborn community,” she shares, adding that she receives positive comments on a daily basis. “It’s a really welcoming community and most people are just so kind.”

But the general public, friends and family? “I’ve never had anyone be nasty to me about it,” Emma says. “They either really love them and ask loads of questions… or they just say, ‘oh that’s cool’ and go on about things.”

Caroline posts that sometimes people are none the wiser regarding her doll’s nonhuman status. “Another mom thought she was real and I role played it out,” she writes of being out with her reborn.

So the next time you assume that infant you see in a carrier — or on Instagram — is a real, live baby, you might want to look twice.


This technique could save women 2.4 million hours of labor each year

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Even though inducing labor is one of the most common medical procedures in the world, it is still really expensive and until recently, doctors are still unsure as to which technique works best. To put that in perspective, almost one-quarter of women who deliver in the United States — nearly 1 million — have an induced labor every year.

Imagine a medical procedure experienced by 1 million men each year and those in charge of medical research saying, “nah, there’s no need to figure out which method is most efficient, they’ll be fine.” That’s right, you can’t.

More: Things that will naturally induce labor

The fact that it has taken so long is hardly surprising. So many aspects of women’s health — from period pain to heart disease — have been traditionally overlooked in medical research. After all, if men don’t have to go into labor, what’s the point of spending money to figure out how to make the process easier? (Using that logic, shouldn’t they be concerned about the baby boys being born via induced labor? No?)

More: I can't believe what I let my husband do to induce my labor

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania oversaw the largest-ever clinical trial of methods for inducing labor, which involved 500 women. The women — who all needed to have an induced labor — were given one of four different commonly used methods for induction. They found that the average time between treatment and delivery for a drug/catheter combination was the shortest of any of the methods, and could potentially result in saving 2.4 million hours of labor each year.

So why does this matter? Shorter labors mean less time for potential complications and for the mother to be in pain, resulting in better outcomes for the mother and child. If that’s not reason enough, yes — it can also reduce hospital costs.

More: What to expect when labor is induced

11 facts about the tragic Everest climb not in the movie

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2015's Everest was a grueling and heartbreaking look into the 1996 Mount Everest climb that claimed the lives of eight mountaineers. The movie is pretty realistic — and at times hard to watch — but it didn't even capture all the details of the event.

After watching the movie, we — like so many other people who were intrigued and saddened by the Everest disaster — were curious about what else went down on that fateful trip that is still considered the worst loss of life ever to occur on a mountain on a single day.

We found 11 true events that didn't make it into the movie.

Everest
Image: Universal Pictures

1. Rob Hall climbed Everest a whopping five times

Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) actually summited Everest five times before he died on the mountain in 1996, more than any other climber (at that time) who wasn't a Nepalese Sherpa. Hall's body remains on the mountain to this day.

2. Jan Arnold, Rob Hall's wife, was supposed to be on the '96 climb

Rob Hall and his wife, Jan Arnold (Keira Knightley), climbed Everest together in 1993. She would have gone again in 1996 but instead stayed at home in New Zealand because she was pregnant. Two months after Hall tragically died, she gave birth to their daughter, Sarah.

MoreEverest: Rob Hall's wife Jan Arnold reveals her feelings about the film

3. Body nicknamed "Green Boots"

Green Boots
Image: via Twitter

The above body is commonly referred to as "Green Boots" and also serves as a trail marker. This corpse is believed to be that of Tsewang Paljor, who was a member of the first team of Indians to summit Everest from the northeastern passageway. He was one of the eight who died on May 10, 1996.

4. More than 250 bodies on Everest

Because conditions are so dangerous, and there is so little oxygen near the top of the mountain, if someone dies while climbing Everest, there is no safe way to bring the body down. Most deaths are due to an avalanche or falling off the mountain.

5. Beck Weathers' eye surgery

Beck Weathers
Image: Universal Pictures

In the film, climber Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin) begins to get blurred vision and can only see a couple of feet in front of him. His vision problems in real life were because of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation on his eyes that had recently undergone radial keratotomy surgery to correct his myopia or nearsightedness.

Next Up: Beck Weathers lost more than just his nose

Originally published Sept. 2015. Updated December 2016.

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6. Beck Weathers lost more than just his nose

After being exposed in the harsh and freezing blizzard, Weathers suffered terrible frostbite. He lost the bottom half of his right arm and all of the fingers on his left hand. He also lost parts of both his feet. His nose had to be amputated but was later reconstructed from tissue from his ear and forehead.

7. Author Jon Krakauer wishes he'd never climbed Everest

Everest
Image: Universal Pictures

In the film, Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly) is a journalist invited to climb Everest so he can write an article for Outside magazine. In a recent interview, Krakauer said this to The Huffington Post, "Climbing Mount Everest was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life. I wish I'd never gone. I suffered for years of PTSD, and still suffer from what happened. I'm glad I wrote a book about it. But, you know, if I could go back and relive my life, I would never have climbed Everest."

8. Rob Hall's body found by Imax expedition

Less than two weeks after the deaths of the eight explorers on Everest, a team of filmmakers from Imax discovered Rob Hall's body on their way to the summit. They were there to shoot the 1998 documentary, also called Everest.

More: Everest: Rob Hall's daughter, Sarah, speaks out about her father

9. Beck Weathers not the first helicopter rescue that day

Everest climbers
Image: Universal Pictures

Because of the lack of oxygen, helicopters cannot fly safely up to the top of Everest. The situation was so desperate, however, Nepalese Lt. Col. Madan Khatri Chhetri took the risk and managed to evacuate a climber named Makulu Gau ahead of Weathers. The helicopter was able to take only one passenger at a time and successfully returned to rescue Weathers.

10. Home of a goddess

Buddhists believe the Goddess of Inexhaustible Giving, Miyolangsangma, lives at the top of Mount Everest. Some climbers pray to her for a safe trip up and down the mountain.

MoreDownton Abbey's creator on the secret, sexy history of tea time

11. 2014 Avalanche during shooting preparation

On April 18, 2014, an avalanche killed 16 people on Everest, twice as many as the 1996 disaster that took eight lives. The filming of Everest had to be put on hold until conditions were safe.

Everest

Everest

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

true story movies 2017 slideshow
Image: Warner Bros.

Are your child's headphones damaging their hearing?

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We trust manufacturers to tell us the truth about the children's products they market to us, which is particularly important when an item has the potential to cause our kids harm.

More: These talking dolls may be spying on your kids

Given the pleasure our little ones get from anything that blasts noise at them in some form or other, most parents have at least one set of sanity-preserving kids' headphones in their homes. When the Xbox or YouTube or Justin Bieber really isn't what you want the soundtrack to your day to be, pop the headphones on your kid and peace and quiet is restored.

But at what cost? According to a recent report by The Wirecutter, The New York Times product recommendations website, half of 30 sets of children's headphones they tested failed to restrict volume to the guaranteed limit. So while your ears may be safe from the noise, your children's may not be.

Which means assurances such as "safe for young ears" and "100 percent safe listening" shouldn't be believed without further investigation.

The headphones that performed worst when tested produced sound so loud it could damage ears in a matter of minutes.

More: If your kid is sick, think twice before getting antibiotics

Dr. Blake Papsin, the chief otolaryngologist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, didn't mince his words when responding to the results of the study. "Headphone manufacturers aren’t interested in the health of your child’s ears," he said. "They are interested in selling products, and some of them are not good for you."

One major issue here is that there is no mandatory standard restricting the maximum sound output for listening devices or headphones sold in the United States, so manufacturers aren't breaching any regulations (although they are clearly misleading consumers with their safety claims).

If your child wears headphones or you're figuring out which ones to buy, check out the Wirecutter study results in full to see how they measure up. Your responsibility doesn't stop there. The following tips will help protect your child's ears from damage.

  • Keep the volume no higher than 60 percent.
  • Encourage your child to take breaks from listening every hour to allow the hair cells in the inner ear to rest.
  • Make sure your child, when wearing headphones, can still hear what you say when you speak to them an arm's length away.

More: 13 games to boost your kid's brain power

VPR stars talk about Scheana & Shay's divorce — kind of

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Scheana Marie's Vanderpump Rules co-stars are staying tight-lipped about what happened in the months leading up to her split from husband Mike Shay.

More: The bad news just keeps on coming — VPR's Scheana & Shay are getting divorced

Scheana and Shay just announced their split a week ago following months of rumors saying they were living apart and Shay had relapsed back into his drug and alcohol addictions. On their divorce filing, Scheana wrote that the reason for the split was "irreconcilable differences," but Lisa Vanderpump has made some comments that hinted that Shay's addiction might have been more at the center of things than Scheana is admitting.

When asked about Scheana's divorce during the premiere of the new season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump replied, "Well, you’re going to see some of [what went wrong] on the end the season."

She continued, "I’m very protective of Scheana, and with what went down last year — you know, what she talked about [with Shay’s] addiction — I felt really quite incensed because I have a lot of sympathy for people with addiction. I was a little upset with the fact they entered into this marriage with [Scheana] being aware of what she was taking on. Scheana’s a great girl. She really is, and to see this fairy tale come to an end, it was quite disheartening, really."

More: So VPR’s James Kennedy went ahead and fat-shamed the women in the premiere

Another co-star, Kristen Doute, has also hinted at knowing what was behind Scheana and Shay's divorce, but without quite giving it away to fans.

During an appearance on Sirius XM with Maria Menounos, Doute said that the cameras captured the beginning of the end for the Shays.

"Obviously, there are other things that will come out on this season that were reasons as to why. She definitely had some other reasons and things that have happened between the two of them," Doute said.

More: Don't freak, but Vanderpump Rules might be losing a cast member this season

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Vanderpump Rules one-liners slideshow
Image: Bravo

So there might be link between bikini waxing and STIs

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Good news for people sporting a full bush: You're less likely to get sexually transmitted infections like herpes, human papillomavirus or syphilis than those who frequently groom their pubic hair. In fact, a new study found that pubic landscapers are three to four times more likely to get STIs than those who opt to go au naturale.

But no need to cancel your bikini waxing appointment just yet: The study didn’t find that frequent pubic grooming causes STIs, only that there is link between the two.

More: The low-down on bikini waxes

"Grooming is linked to a heightened self-reported sexually transmitted disease risk, and for those who groom frequently or remove all of their hair often, the association is even higher," said lead researcher Dr. Charles Osterberg, an assistant professor of urology and surgery at the University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin.

Osterberg noted that pubic hair grooming and removal have become more popular with both men and women following changed public perceptions of the cleanliness and attractiveness of body hair.

More: 8 things you probably didn't know about herpes

Almost three-quarters of all participants in the study had groomed their pubic hair at least once before, breaking down to 84 percent of women and 66 percent of men. “Extreme” pubic grooming — meaning full removal of all hair down there more than 11 times each year – was observed in 17 percent of study participants and meant a quadrupled risk of contracting an STI. Another 22 percent were labeled “high-frequency” groomers, meaning that they trim their pubic hair daily or weekly (coming with a 3.5-fold increased risk of STI), with 10 percent of groomers falling under both the extreme and high frequency categories.

More: Thank this woman later for her cautionary tale on bikini waxing

Some researchers speculated that the tiny cuts and scrapes that result from grooming might be how the infections are spread. Others, like Osterberg, simply point out that people who groom their pubic hair frequently probably have more sex, which unsurprisingly, puts them at more risk for STIs.

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