Almost every woman on this earth wants what is best for their unborn child, but sometimes preexisting drug addictions cloud judgement — and without proper resources, drug use can continue during pregnancy. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth and goes through drug withdrawal after on the womb and after birth, according to the Mach of Dimes.

Opioids seem to be the most common cause for NAS, whether it's the misuse of prescription pills or pills obtained on the street. It should be noted, however, that NAS can also caused by antidepressants and sleeping pills.

To find out what the dangers are to an infant with a drug dependent mother and how to help both mother and child, we spoke to experts and did some research to gain more insight.

Opioid use on the rise

It's a commonly known that a fetus feels the effects of anything consumed by its mother — that's why many pregnant women swear off caffeine and sushi — and from the moment of conception, the developing baby is susceptible to harm from being exposed to the drugs and/or alcohol in a mother’s system. And just like adults, if a fetus or infant is exposed and consequently becomes dependent on a substance, they can also go through a painful withdrawal process.

Sadly, incidents of NAS are on the rise. In a 2012 study by Dr. Stephen Patrick, a neonatologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University, via MedPage Today, researchers found that the number of mothers using opiates at the time of delivery rose five-fold during the period between 2000 and 2009.

The scary thing? It's not mainly illicit drug use that's causing the surge, but painkillers being prescribed to pregnant mothers.

"I was surprised by the number of women prescribed opioid pain relievers in pregnancy," said lead author Dr. Patrick. "This serves as a reminder that this is really a public health emergency that requires attention from multiple levels from the federal government, from state government, and from researchers," he added.

More: The Mom Whose Second Pregnancy Revolves Around Her Toddler

Addiction in pregnancy

Fighting addiction is difficult, and not always successful. Most often intervention is necessary, under the supervision of a physician in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. Going cold turkey can be very dangerous for both mother and child, according to the March of Dimes, and can result in severe problems for the baby and even death.

For some women, their pregnancy is the kick they needed to get clean — and stay clean. Sadly, for others the lure of their addictions is too strong, and they continue to abuse drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and after delivery.

"Many women want to get clean once they find out that they are pregnant," shares Patricia Newell Bennett, a board certified therapist in private practice who specializes in substance abuse recovery. "It is one of the few things powerful enough to get a woman's attention if she is addicted. Again it depends on the extent of their addiction and the treatment that is available to them... Some women are too sick to be interested in getting well, for themselves or their babies."

Finding help

When a pregnant woman suffers from addiction, it’s not enough to simply want to get clean — the mother needs to have access to support and treatment options.

We asked Lauren M. Jansson, M.D., an associate professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, about treatment for pregnant women fighting addiction.

"Ideally, women with drug dependencies can access drug abuse treatment, prenatal care and psychiatric treatment (when needed) before or during their pregnancies to be able to work on their recovery and parenting skills," says Dr. Jansson, who is opposed to the use of the terms "addicted" or "addicts" for infants and children. "Many opioid-dependent women need medication assisted treatment — which includes methadone or buprenorphine maintenance during their pregnancy — to help them to maintain their abstinence from illicit drug use and licit drug misuse. Sadly, these services are not always available, or when they are, not comprehensive in delivery or gender specific,” she adds.

Cali Estes is an addictions coach, and has been a therapist for over 20 years.

"Heavy users rarely quit; they will use before, during and after the pregnancy," she says. “In these cases usually the state steps in and places the baby in foster care. If the mother does not attend rehab and whatever requirements that are set forth for her to get the child back, the baby becomes a ward of the state. These cases are very sad and the women are the worst users."

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit the website for the National Council on Drug and Alcohol Dependence here and a look for a local treatment center with the treatment services locator here.

What about the babies?

We asked Dr. Jansson about some of the physical symptoms and characteristics she sees in her work in the newborn nursery with babies of addicted mothers.

"Women who are drug dependent face many obstacles," she says. "Those who are opioid and poly drug dependent often have infants that struggle with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a constellation of signs and symptoms of infant neurobehavioral dysregulation that occurs in the immediate neonatal period... The syndrome is variable in both expression and intensity between infants."

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of NAS in newborn babies, according to Dr. Jansson:

• Difficulties with tone and movement. Infants with these problems can have tight muscles and tremors and/or jitteriness. These problems can lead to difficulties in feeding, which can mean weight loss or failure to thrive.
• Difficulties with state regulation. These infants have difficulty maintaining a quiet alert state, which is needed to interact with their caretakers, and to be able to feed and grow. They can have problems going smoothly from sleep to awake states, and often become irritable and cry.
• Difficulties with reactivity to stimuli. Infants can have atypical responses to touch, sound, movement or visual stimulation and can become either over-stimulated and poorly reactive, or “pull down” to avoid the stimulation.
• Problems with autonomic nervous system control. Infants can have gagging, vomiting/diarrhea, color changes, fever, fast breathing or hiccupping, indicating their inability to smoothly regulate their functioning.

Babies with NAS can be treated with or without medication to help with their withdrawal symptoms. Supporting these infants through the difficult time of withdrawal takes close attention and support of hospital staff. If medication interventions are necessary, physicians have historically used morphine — though methadone and other medications can also be used.

"The goal of pharmacologic therapy for NAS is to provide just enough medication so that the infant can eat, sleep and interact,” adds Dr. Jansson. "The medication is gradually weaned off prior to hospital discharge."

A 2017 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that sublingual buprenorphine may provide benefits in the treatment of NAS babies.

"Among infants with the neonatal abstinence syndrome, treatment with sublingual buprenorphine resulted in a shorter duration of treatment and shorter length of hospital stay than treatment with oral morphine, with similar rates of adverse events," the authors wrote.

The March of Dimes also suggest the following if you are caring for a baby with NAS:

• Swaddle the baby in a blanket.
• Give the baby skin-to-skin care. It’s when you put the baby, dressed only in a diaper, on your bare chest.
• Keep the baby in a quiet, dimly lit room.
• Breastfeed, if possible.

Long-term outlook

Once these babies have worked through their withdrawal period, what is their long-term prognosis?

The effects of drugs and alcohol on the developing infant can go way beyond just the physical symptoms. Researching the long-term outcomes of substance exposed infants is difficult to do due to other co-existing factors such as continued maternal drug use, exposure to violence, poor nutrition or adequate well-baby care.

"We do understand that substance-exposed children are at higher risk for medical, developmental, emotional and behavioral concerns as they grow," shares Dr. Jansson.

"Anecdotally, the children that I have been following for over 20 years at the Johns Hopkins Center for Addiction and Pregnancy pediatric clinic have more than their share of these kinds of disabilities. But many can and do function well when their mothers are able to maintain their sobriety and parent," she says. "And that takes ongoing and multi-disciplinary support from the medical community to provide medical care for parents and children, contraceptive services for women that request them, ongoing drug abuse treatment and psychiatric care for parents, and early intervention services for children when they are needed."

When these children and their parents can receive the assistance that they need, they have the opportunity to lead happy, productive lives. And in Dr. Jansson's opinion, treating the whole family is key.

“Comprehensive, ongoing, non-judgmental and mindful care can provide these families with what they need to be healthy and productive members of their communities, and to break the cycle of addiction within families,” adds Dr. Jansson.

More: Newborn Holds Mom's Lost IUD in #MirenaFail Birth Announcement

Originally published May 2013. Updated May 2017.

Sometimes, all you need is a good eye roll to turn your day around. If anyone has earned a long, continuous, deeply felt eye roll from the American people, it’s Kellyanne Conway. The woman, the myth. She of the Bowling Green Massacre. She of the alternative facts. She, the most shameless spinner of Trumpian bullshit. You know who’s not here for it? Anderson Cooper.

More: You May Love Him, but There's No Way Anderson Cooper Will Be the Live Co-host

We should have seen it coming a mile away on Tuesday night when Cooper gave Conway the most epic eye roll of all time. He has consistently held Conway’s feet to the fire, through the whole presidential campaign to the first months of President Trump's time in the White House; why would he stop now?

More: Anderson Cooper Was Adorably Giddy Sitting Across From Scott Speedman on Live

So when Conway last night went on AC360 to meet her daily kazoo-blowing quota on the heels of the very unexpected firing of FBI Director James Comey by President Trump, Cooper wasn’t fucking around. The two sparred in a lengthy back and forth on whether or not it’s suspicious that even though Trump enthusiastically supported Comey’s handling of email-gate from the campaign trail for months, he fired him after Comey announced the investigation into the Trump administration’s ties to Russia. It’s suspicious. Like, Nixon-era suspicious. But alas, that's for another time.

More: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Have a Fight Over Kathy Griffin (VIDEO)

Conway said many things that made no sense and feel kind of like when someone is talking to you after going through a grave trauma, like, “You’re looking at the wrong set of facts,” and Cooper finally did what we’ve all been doing from our couches for what feels like years now. Enjoy the most beautiful thing since Hillary and Bill Clinton with those balloons at the DNC.

Johnny Depp is charismatic and enigmatic at the same time. Over the course of his decadeslong career as an A-lister, he’s been the heartthrob, the weirdo, the artist, the kind of rock musician and now the middle-aged former bad boy in a tailspin, apparently. (No, Cry Baby, no!)

More: 7 things to know about Johnny Depp's band, Hollywood Vampires

It’s been clear for a while that we need to talk about Kevin Johnny. About three years ago, the thread seemed to start publicly unraveling. When he left his 14-year relationship with his longtime love, French stunner (and delightful actress in her own right) Vanessa Paradis, mother to his two children Jack and Lily-Rose, it was a bit of a shock. (As much as you can be shocked by people who you don’t know, and will never know, getting divorced). Depp had long waxed poetic about Paradis, and they had one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood, so it seemed to signal a tidal shift.

More: 10 rumors that plagued Johnny Depp & Amber Heard's relationship through the years

The rumors that Depp had left Paradis for, and potentially cheated on her with, someone half his age, his The Rum Diary co-star Amber Heard, didn’t help. (He has also since married and divorced Heard in what was a very dramatic legal battle as well, with allegations of serious domestic violence). The change was cemented by Depp’s stint in Australia filming the fifth installment of Disney’s power franchise Pirates of the Caribbean. According to The Hollywood Reporter, while filming, Depp was dogged by horrendous media stalking, but also plagued by what seem to have been true rumors about his inability to show up to set on time, costing the production thousands and leaving hundreds of people waiting around for hours, as well as reports of domestic violence with Heard. And if you missed it, the curious tale of whatever drama did or did not happen with the couple’s toy dogs and the Australian government was beyond bizarre.

More: Oh boy, Johnny Depp's friend claims Depp was "manipulated" by Amber Heard

And now, Depp is allegedly finding himself in financial trouble despite being one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. He is now in a vigorous legal battle with his former team, particularly his representation by Joel Mandel, founder of The Management Group. The battle alleges some serious misconduct on both sides: Depp citing negligence, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty; TMG is firing back that Depp’s last few years have been mired by the actor’s own chaotic tendencies and manic spending ($30,000 a month on wine!).

It’s unclear how the suit and countersuits will shake out. There seems to be evidence of wrongdoing on both sides. But Hollywood is watching the battle closely because it could completely alter the way Tinsel Town does business. If Depp wins, the suit could become a precedent destroying the longstanding practice of entertainment lawyers garnishing a commission of an actor’s salary without a contract. Or vice versa.

Disney is also anxiously waiting out the feud, as Depp’s uncharacteristically controversial public persona could have partly been to blame for his last film with the mega-production, Alice Through The Looking Glass, losing Disney hundreds of millions.

Do you think Johnny Depp's in crisis!? Tell us in the comments.

A survey of 1,309 women showed 71 percent of women want more sex, as opposed to 53 percent in 2015. The survey didn’t stop there. It also found that 46 percent of women would like to have more adventurous sex and 56 percent want sex that’s better than they’ve ever had before.

More: 7 Things That Aren't Normal In Bed — & How to Handle It

The overall message that’s been confirmed by study after study is that women value quality over quantity when it comes to sex, and that if it isn’t fun and satisfactory there’s room for improvement.

A big bridge for women in sex is their confidence, according to Kindara, the makers of a fertility-tracking app.

“I believe that as women learn more about their cycles, they become more in-tune and confident with their bodies,” Raychel Muenke, Ph.D., executive vice president of Kindara, told Bustle. “This confidence could be a reason more women are speaking up to say they want more sex (and more adventurous sex). Now more than ever before women are being more vocal about what they want!”

Here are three ways you can have better sex in 2017.

More: 69 Sex Positions to Try Before You Die

Add it to your calendar

Scheduling sex may seem to lack spontaneity, but it can give you and your partner something to look forward to. Making sure you have time to spend together during a busy week is a great way to spice up your sex drive and assure your intimacy isn’t on the back burner. “Scheduling and making sexual and emotional intimacy a priority for couples is healthy,” clinical psychologist Claire Nicogossian tells Women’s Health Magazine.

Don’t fake it

Be open with your partner about what feels good for you and alternatively, what doesn’t. Making sex a pleasurable experience for yourself is just as important as satisfying your partner. Wendy Walsh, Ph.D., author of The 30-Day Love Detox, says “You should never fake an orgasm, that thing he was doing wrong — he’s now going to keep doing it.” Being honest and communicative, either by expressing it in bed or discussing it outside of the bedroom, assures your partner is knowledgeable about what you enjoy.

Feel good about your body

Love who you are naked. Appreciating your body and being confident in yourself will boost your sex life. Sex therapist Laura Berman, Ph.D., author of The Passion Prescription, tells Fitness Magazine, “Typically, when a woman looks at herself, her eyes go straight to her problem areas, She carries that feeling into the bedroom, and when her partner’s kissing her thighs, she’s busy thinking, ‘God, I’m so fat!'” Give yourself compliments and focus on what you love about yourself — rather than what makes you feel flawed.”

More: 5 Myths about female sexuality we need to stop believing

By Alicia Napierkowski

Originally published on HelloFlo.

I'm sure you're probably burned out from the constant barrage of news concerning President Donald Trump, but let's take a moment to contemplate the 2020 presidential race. Do you envision any particular candidates? Could you see one Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson running for president? Because he has sure as hell contemplated it, and if the precedent has already been set for celebrities to become presidents, then sign me right on up for this celeb candidate.

More: 12 Gifts That Are Acceptable to Give Dwayne Johnson on His Birthday

You may laugh, but Johnson as our next president is an incredibly exciting thought. In a recent interview with GQ, Johnson admitted he had contemplated running for office, but made it sound as if it were more of a lark at this stage in the game rather than any kind of concrete declaration of intent. That said, considering how beloved and seemingly kind Johnson is in public, there's no doubt he could translate those qualities along with his work ethic and love for humanity into the White House. Hell, something tells me we'll need a little more love at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue by the time 2020 rolls around; why not let Johnson be the one to spread it?

Johnson also told GQ he doesn't even know what his presidential platform would be, but I think it would be fun to envision his campaign platform for him. Keeping in mind that Johnson has never openly declared which party he aligns himself with and noting the fact that he's spoken for Republican and Democrat audiences alike, let's look into our crystal balls and see what we can cook up.

Johnson might be for: Inclusion everywhere

Johnson knows that it takes all kinds to get the job done and there is absolutely zero time to waste on things like racist hiring policies, laws which discriminate or any other governmental infringements on an American's health and happiness based on the color of their skin.

More: There's No Way Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson’s Feud Is Over for Good

Johnson might be for: Equality in the workplace

I have a feeling that President Johnson would seek out ways to secure equal pay and gender equality in the workplace. Work is Johnson's lifeblood; he loves the hustle. Why would he want anyone else's personal- or work-related hustle to be hindered by measures or regulations that discriminate against someone based on their gender or sexuality? Phooey.

Johnson might be against: Islamophobia

I cannot envision the man whose father is an immigrant and who regularly works with actors of color (and people of color in general) feeling that Islamophobia and the resultant policies are good for our nation.

More: We Thought The Rock Could Do No Wrong, Then He Gave Jumanji a Modern-Day Twist

Johnson might be for: Supporting our military

A deep and abiding love of America would be foundational to Johnson's move to support our military. I have no problem believing that Johnson would want to take conservative measures to scale back our military presence in favor of peace and military preservation.

Johnson might be for: Prison reform

Johnson's recent documentary Rock and a Hard Place may sound cliché, but it documents the six-month intensive boot camp-style rehabilitation program inside a men's correctional facility. Johnson oversaw filming and even appeared to give the men a serious talking-to at the beginning on the film. This kind of commander-in-chief exhibition not only served as proof Johnson could get serious in a position of leadership, but his documentary indicated he was interested in prison reform, which is something we desperately need.

Johnson might be for: Protecting the rights of women

Johnson has previously spoken about his emotional and deep connection with his amazing mother, is the father of two girls and makes a concerted effort to consistently express his love and appreciation for his partner, Lauren Hashian. He understands how wonderful and important women are in this world because his life has been greatly influenced by them. As such, there's no doubt in my mind that Johnson would make it a part of his presidential platform to secure every benefit possible for women, beginning with guaranteed health care and maternity care provisions.

Can you imagine a Dwayne Johnson presidential bid?

Simone Biles is literally a national treasure, as all of the athletes that band our collective American spirits together are when they go battle it out on the global stage every two years. But Biles, along with the rest of the gymnast superstars, the nicknamed Fab Five, were different last summer. They put sisterhood on the world’s stage — as well as shaking the stereotype that paints young women as silly and trivial as opposed to the deeply strong and powerful reality of young womanhood.

More: Why Al Trautwig's comments about Simone Biles' family were a colossal fail

So no surprise here that Biles continues to bring us strength and feminism as she continues her path as a celebrity and athlete. She is now taking her turn on Dancing with the Stars, which is honestly the only time I’ve heard of someone doing that show where it sounds really cool and appropriate rather than a desperate career-revival move. We all saw what that girl can do on some bars and beams. I absolutely want to see her dance.

But you know what we don’t care if she does or not? Smile.

After a fierce, take-no-prisoners routine on Monday night’s episode, the Olympian was asked by host Tom Bergeron — who is clearly about 15 years behind on what dudes should never, ever say to women — why she wasn’t smiling in response to the judge’s praise. Here’s a hint: She just got done dancing her ass off, is winded, probably slightly overwhelmed and on camera — but her answer was even better. Biles said with a big grin, “Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals.”

More: Gymnast Simone Biles will be the Olympics star you can't stop talking about

She maintained her stance in an interview with Entertainment Tonight afterward, saying, “You don't know which wild card of sexy or happy they want you to bring, and you almost have to read their minds and find it… I am trying and I am being honest. But if they don't see that, I don't know what else more I can do."

More: The thing no one is saying about Simone Biles' childhood trauma

You don’t need it, but we've got your back, girl.

Do you think Bergeron's question was silly? Tell us in the comments.

Over the past few weeks, everyone has been talking about 13 Reasons Why, a new Netflix series chronicling the downfall of a teen girl who eventually commits suicide. After binge-watching the show over a period of 48 hours, so many thoughts ran through my mind. The one thought that stood out the most to me was that teens were going to watch 13 Reasons Why and immediately think that suicide is the way out.

Now, the National Association of School Psychologists has suggested that vulnerable teens not watch the show. In my opinion, every young adult under 25 is vulnerable. Virtually every teen in America has seen the show, and most parents and faculty don’t seem to know how to advise kids who are struggling to process the show.

So, should young teens be allowed to watch this thriving Netflix series? More important, does 13 Reasons Why glamorize teen suicide, or are the topics valid for teens to witness? We asked a few teens how the show made them feel.

— Alexa Curtis, 19-year-old blogger at Life in the Fashion Lane.

Olivia, F, 15

SheKnows: How did 13 Reasons Why make you feel?

Olivia: I remember before watching the show, I had heard a lot of mixed messages about it. The show takes on a lot of hard topics that are extremely realistic and events that teens face day to day. [Before watching it myself,] I asked some of my friends whether or not I should watch it because of its graphic images and such. But what they said to me is that even though it’s hard, it spreads a really good message that everyone should take into account. You don't realize what other people are going through and how words can affect someone in a large way. The show made me feel bittersweet at times, but also gave me a new mindset and message to keep in the back of my head.

SK: The show tackles a lot of difficult subjects (like slut-shaming, rape, bullying, etc.). Which of the issues presented are the most realistic for teens today?

Olivia: I think that all of the issues 13 Reasons Why tackled are extremely prevalent and realistic, though I think that one of the most realistic for teens today is bullying. Whether it's face-to-face or mean words said behind someone’s back, social media has had a negative effect on the way we communicate [because we] are able to spread words so quickly. Cyberbullying is extremely [widespread]... The internet makes it so easy to say something hurtful about another person. Things from words to pictures can be taken the wrong way and also put into a hurtful context. Like in Hannah Baker's case in Episode 1, she went on a date with a boy who she liked who ended up taking a picture of her going down the slide at a playground that showed her underwear. His friend sent that photo [to everyone] and said that [the boy] fingered Hannah that night. It wasn’t true at all, and Hannah was extremely hurt by this false message.

SK: Hannah committed suicide. Do you think she had other options? If so, what were they?

Olivia: I think that Hannah felt alone in the show and felt as though she had no other option. She felt lonely most of the time and had trouble opening up to the couple of friends she had. Also, though, the show never mentions her reaching out to her parents and/or expressing her feelings to them. She did not seem so close with her parents throughout the show on a personal level, so in that case, I think that Hannah could have let her feelings out to the ones she was close with most, as they did not see her suicide coming.

SK: In one particularly difficult scene, Hannah attempts to talk to her guidance counselor for help but finds the session useless. Do you think most kids have the resources to seek out help if they needed it?

Olivia: I think that most kids have at least one person that they are able to talk to, but it’s just a question of whether they are comfortable and/or are able to open up to that person. In Hannah's case, she tries to talk to her guidance counselor, who gives her some help and information that is not useful. Though I think that this question depends on the kid and their family/social situation. Hannah did not have many friends she could express her feelings to, but at the same time, the friends she had went behind her back and did not stick up for her like they should have. Her school also was not aware of the signs of suicide she was conveying, from her deep and dark emotional notes to her overall behavior.

SK: If you had a friend who was talking about/contemplating suicide, what would you do?

Olivia: If I had a friend who was talking about/contemplating suicide, I would first ask them why and what they are feeling and what is leading them to these thoughts. I would then let a parent know, either my own or the parent of the friend, without the friend knowing. Though that being said, the child might want to keep this thought of suicide away from their parents and letting them know first might provoke their actions. It is definitely super-important though to make someone aware and put the first priority to keep the child safe.

SK: How might the graphic nature of the more troubling scenes (i.e. the suicide, the rape scenes) have a positive or negative impact? Why?

Olivia: I think that the show spreads an important message, though it contains highly graphic content, including suicide and rape. The rape scenes are very graphic and hard to watch along with the suicide scene, as it is very realistic and bloody. I would definitely not recommend this show to anyone younger than 14 because some scenes can be depressing and hard to process… You may have read the book and have been able to envision things in your mind, but once you see the actual images [on screen], you really can't unsee them. I would also recommend watching the show over a period of time [rather than binge-watching it] because the content is so heavy, and your mind should process it [slowly].

SK: The show’s title is a reference to the 13 different reasons Hannah says she killed herself. After watching it, do you feel suicide is truly anyone's fault? Why or why not?

Olivia: This is a hard question to answer, but I think the events that lead up to Hannah's suicide most definitely had an impact on her decision. She was being hurt and traumatized in so many ways and in the end could not take it anymore, so [that] resulted in killing herself. I think that if those in Hannah's environment, including her friends and school, [had been more supportive,] her decision [might have been different].

SK: After viewing the series, what are your thoughts on suicide based on the show's depiction? Do you think that the show's creators were successful in their message? Why or why not?

Olivia: I think that the show’s creators were successful in spreading the message of how much words can hurt somebody. Everyone is going through things, whether it's big or small, and your actions can heavily impact those around you whether you see it or not. Hannah's death not only affected her family but also her whole school's community. The kids who had said hurtful things about Hannah became so sad and depressed by their actions that one even killed themselves and others considered suicide because they couldn't live knowing that they were one of the reasons why Hannah killed herself.

Ava, F, 16

SK: How did 13 Reasons Why make you feel?

Ava: I’ve only watched the first three episodes, but it made me feel annoyed because everyone was always mad at someone for something. It seemed just like a bunch of drama, which is really not that interesting to me… It just kinda made me feel upset, even though I never even got to the really graphic scenes. I have heard that it gets more intense in the later episodes, but I couldn't get through it. To me it just was not a very interesting or realistic show. It was kinda cheesy and depressing and that’s why I didn't continue watching it.

SK: The show tackles a lot of difficult subjects (like slut-shaming, rape, bullying, etc.). Which of the issues presented are the most realistic for teens today?

Ava: In my school, there is little to no slut-shaming. I go to a progressive school where it is really not a big deal to other people how girls express themselves. From what I've seen in my school, bullying is not a huge issue either. High school students can obviously be mean, but the meanness seems to exist inside friend groups. People don't go out of their way to be horrible to others because there will be consequences. Also, [in my opinion] the amount of rape is not hugely realistic. Rape is often talked about and discussed in my school, and I feel that these discussions have made people aware of what not to do and the consequences that come with it.

SK: Hannah committed suicide. Do you think she had other options? If so, what were they?

Ava: [Based on what I saw], she could have found help instead of pushing authority figures away. The show demonstrates that many horrible things happened to her, but it is not fair to blame someone for someone else’s suicide. Depression is a mental disorder that you need treatment for, and she should have really gotten some help… I am sure there was someone at her school that she could have talked to. If it was just the events that affected her and she was not depressed, she could have just gone to another school. Or she could have stopped worrying about everyone else and surrounded herself with good people, like the main character, Clay.

SK: In one particularly difficult scene, Hannah attempts to talk to her guidance counselor for help but finds the session useless. Do you think most kids have the resources to seek out help if they needed it?

Ava: I think certain kids do feel comfortable and other kids do not. I do feel comfortable asking certain adults in my school as well as talking to my mother, and have even asked to see a therapist in the past. I do know of kids that refuse to open up to adults for reasons I don't know… I wish the media explained that getting help in these situations is very important and really can help a lot. Kids who feel all alone feel like no one will understand them, especially adults. However, adults should always be contacted if something serious is going on.

SK: If you had a friend who was talking about/contemplating suicide, what would you do?

Ava: I would tell an adult as soon as possible.

SK: The show’s title is a reference to the 13 different reasons Hannah says she killed herself. After watching it, do you feel suicide is truly anyone's fault? Why or why not?

Ava: I feel like I can understand that suicide is never anyone’s fault. However, for certain viewers, especially younger ones, the show gives a really bad message. A girl blaming people for her death is a horrible concept for the show. Committing suicide is a serious thing and comes from mental illness not from things others have done to you. [In my opinion,] it is never, ever someone’s fault. I also know that [many people have said that] the show glorifies suicide, which is a horrible thing to do. Suicide is never [the only] option and should never be presented as such.

Maya, F, 15

SK: How did 13 Reasons Why make you feel?

Maya: Thirteen Reasons Why made me think about the impact that actions can have on a person, no matter how small the actions may seem at the time. The 13 tapes illustrate how every little negative interaction adds up. I always hear my friends debating about who they think doesn't belong on the tapes, but even the smaller and less prominent characters contribute to Hannah’s inner pain. Each character is a piece of the puzzle; no matter how small, all of their actions pile up on Hannah and that is something everyone should think about in their own life — everything you do can have an impact that you never intended. There’s a domino effect. Take Sheri, for example. She got into a small car accident and knocked down a stop sign, but she didn’t stop to think about the consequences before driving away to avoid getting in trouble. In her mind, it was merely a street sign. Why should she risk getting in trouble with her parents? But then, without the stop sign at that corner, a terrible car accident results in the death of her classmate, Jeff. Thirteen Reasons made me rethink the way I want to try to look out for other people.

SK: How might the graphic nature of the more troubling scenes (i.e. the suicide, the rape scenes) have a positive or negative impact? Why?

Maya: Ultimately, while these graphic images were hard to watch, I think their effect was positive on the viewer. It was a very powerful and eye-opening way to show viewers that problems like rape and suicide exist and convey what a horrific [and common] experience they really are. The suicide scene didn’t glorify suicide at all, but instead showed how devastating, painful and permanent it is not only for the victim, but for everyone in their lives, as shown in the heartbreaking scene involving Hannah’s parents finding her body in the bathtub. The rape scene was equally brutal. Both scenes seemed very real and that realism is, I think, positive.

E.L., F, 15

SK: How did 13 Reasons Why make you feel?

E.L.: It made me feel unsettled, though I thought that [the concept] was not shying away from the very real problems of suicide and bullying in high school. But I do feel like they went about portraying it in the wrong way. The show really fetishized and fantasizes the idea of suicide by having: a "cute hand-drawn map," and each tape painted in pastel nail polish.

SK: The show tackles a lot of difficult subjects (like slut-shaming, rape, bullying, etc.). Which of the issues presented are the most realistic for teens today?

E.L.: Personally, I think sexual assault awareness is something that 13 Reasons Why brings very important attention to. Sexual assault occurs on a day to day basis and some people don't even realize it’s assault in the first place because of the lack of in-depth health education and with the only real sex education being the internet or porn. In the majority of straight porn, women are portrayed as weak objects that are thrown around, which is not a normal or OK thing. But because of the pretty disgraceful public school sex education, a very large number of people in the U.S. don't learn otherwise.

SK: Hannah committed suicide. Do you think she had other options? If so, what were they?

E.L.: Yes, I think there are certainly other options, and I feel like this is one of the [problems with] 13 Reasons Why. The show focuses on a specific narrative that implies that bullying leads to suicide. [It’s not any one thing that] leads to suicide. We also do not hear much about the psychological aspects [that might have contributed to] what Hannah was going through. Who was Hannah Baker before these experiences, and why did some of these issues hit her so hard?

SK: In one particularly difficult scene, Hannah attempts to talk to her guidance counselor for help but finds the session useless. Do you think most kids have the resources to seek out help if they needed it?

E.L.: I think it depends. My school creates a very casual, open environment in terms of talking to your adviser, teacher or guidance counselor about personal issues. But at many schools, people might be scared to speak up because [of] the fear of the counselor judging you, telling your parents or even the fear of the issues themselves. A lot of the time, you can just keep the thoughts in your head, but when you say them out loud to someone else, it makes them so much more real and can make you feel like there is something wrong with you.

SK: If you had a friend who was talking about / contemplating suicide, what would you do?

E.L. I would immediately tell my parents and contact their parents as well. The school psychologist and health teachers at my school are also equipped with advice on this subject, so in certain circumstances, I can see myself going to them for help.

SK: How might the graphic nature of the more troubling scenes (i.e. the suicide, the rape scenes) have a positive or negative impact? Why?

E.L. I understand that they were trying to bring awareness to these very real issues and not wanting to shy away from these topics. But 13 Reasons Why really does not give proper trigger warnings, even with the screen flashing for maybe five seconds, it really cannot mentally prepare you for something like that.

SK: The show’s title is a reference to the 13 different reasons Hannah says she killed herself. After watching it, do you feel suicide is truly anyone's fault? Why or why not?

E.L. Suicide is never one person’s fault or 13 people’s fault or anyone’s fault. There are so many things that layer into someone killing themselves, and what 13 Reasons Why fails to do is to properly portray the psychological aspect and the backstory of Hannah.

Mother's Day is a few days away, and you might be planning brunch with your mom or what flowers, card or gift you'll send the woman who gave you life. No matter how close you are with your own mom, there's something so inspiring about mothers who are out there creating positive change (see many more stories of these women here). Among them is writer and filmmaker Sue Kramer, co-founder of a jewelry business called Marbelous and founder of a networking company called Connecting Dots Guru.

Based in Brooklyn, Kramer runs Marbelous, a jewelry business, with her 12-year-old daughter, Lutece, and their close friends, Rae and Tess Olmi (another mother-daughter pair). After the success of Marbelous, which launched four years ago, Kramer created Connecting Dots Guru this past March, which plays matchmaker between businesses and people.

Both companies share the same mission: to give back, and with every transaction, donations are made to nonprofits including the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Save the Children, The Malala Fund, BluePath Service Dogs and Christy Turlington's Every Mother Counts.

To find out more about how Kramer spreads hope, kindness and empowerment in life, business and motherhood, check out our Q&A with this giving-focused mompreneur below.

More: How This Mompreneur Is Creating Positive Change Through Her Clothing Company

SheKnows: What led you to start businesses that give back to important causes?

Sue Kramer: As a writer, filmmaker and storyteller for most of my career, I always wanted to create businesses that told a story about giving, making an impact and the way businesses are run in this world. My goal is inspire and teach all businesses worldwide that there can be a charitable component to every exchange. Both companies represent circles — metaphors for the globe and making it a better place.

SK: How did becoming a mother affect your perspective on life and business?

Kramer: I've always taught my daughter that it’s great to have high goals and dream big but to always consider doing it while simultaneously giving back to others. In the age we live in, I think we need to teach our children that kindness is possible and can be financially rewarding. Our advice is to let your kids dream big because dreams can come true for them as well as others. Never count them out just because they're children.

SK: Can you tell me a bit about how Marbelous came to be?

Kramer: Rae Olmi's family and mine were the best of friends and next-door neighbors. At age 8, our girls, Lutece and Tess, started designing jewelry that resembled marbles. They both wanted to create a company that gave to charity. Rae and I were completely in sync in wanting to help make the girls' dreams come true.

Lutece and Tess came up with a list of charities to give to and the wonderful name Marbelous. Because Tess’s cousin is autistic, we decided that giving to a charity for autism was essential, in addition to a charity benefiting mothers to help in the global fight for maternal health.

A local boutique saw a Facebook post of us wearing the necklaces and launched our collection in their store. The girls got industry attention when they spoke at a conference about being young entrepreneurs. Word and interest spread organically, and within a few months, 10 stores were selling our products, we were getting media coverage, and even having celebrities like Amy Poehler wear the jewelry.

SK: What's it like going into business with young daughters?

Kramer: Running a company as two pairs of mothers and daughters is very fulfilling. The girls are busy in middle school, so they serve as creative directors, and Rae and I design and run the business. Most of the challenges we've incurred are around people's incredulity that 8-years olds could create a real jewelry business.

All four of us take ourselves seriously as designers. We've taught Tess and Lutece some essential lessons along the way about business and charity. They're constantly coming up with new ideas about how to give back, and I can’t imagine that mindset won't be in place for the rest of their lives, as it's now part of their DNA.

SK: How do you and Rae talk to your daughters about what's going on politically?

Kramer: We believe that to combat hate, we must all conduct ourselves with even more kindness and try to give back to charities that are busy fighting the injustices in the world and helping those in need. Rae and I have taught this lesson to our girls and now they're teaching that same lesson to others by role-modeling it themselves.

Both Marbelous and Connecting Dots Guru are grounded in social responsibility and global consciousness — which we believe in our current political climate is more important than ever.

SK: What's your goal with your new business, Connecting Dots Guru?

Kramer: I’ve managed to take my innate skills and turn them into a thriving business. With Connecting Dots Guru, I use my director’s eye to help rebrand people and companies while facilitating connections that help them reach their own goals. I charge a fee and make people donate to charity for every connection I make.

Within seven weeks of launching, I have more than 100 clients — or "dots," as I call them — all giving to charity. I can barely keep up with the amount of requests I am getting, and it's thrilling to know that with every connection I make, a donation is made to one of my favorite charities.

More: 10 Moms Who Embraced Their Passions, Inspired Change and Wrote About It

For all the smack people talk about women being catty, you know who can be equally vicious? Men. Because stereotypes are bullshit. And if anyone is here to prove it, it’s Calvin Harris.

And now Harris is using Katy Perry to get back at Swift for breaking his heart. Buckle up. This is a complicated one.

Harris’ image shifted after his highly-publicized relationship with Taylor Swift during her now-much-despised over inundation of us with her 1989 world tour and monster press junket from 2014 to 2016 (there is a whole Taylor Swift channel at the top of my on-demand list, which is the definition of taking it too far).

More: Katy Perry attacked for being a mean girl by fellow singer

Before the stylized, professionally snapped Instagram posts of the two on pool floats and beaches that smelled like money through the phone (and have since been deleted), Harris had kind of an innocuous image. Yes, he was Scottish, mildly hunky and made dance floor bangers, which is pretty much the main recipe for American panty-dropping, but he wasn’t all over the media until his Swiftian romance.

More: A Katy Perry conspiracy theory ties the pop star to JonBenét Ramsey (VIDEO)

And that shift must have stuck with him, because he went on the Twitter rant of the century after Swift’s reps publically announced that his mega hit with Rihanna last year, “This Is What You Came For,” was penned by her under a pseudonym. Harris said, “I know you're off tour and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy ETC but I'm not that guy, sorry. I won't allow it…Please focus on the positive aspects of YOUR life because you've earned a great one."

More: Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom's relationship is reportedly moving very quickly

Honestly, the whole thing felt a little bruised-male-ego-y. Who cares if Swift wrote the song? Clearly, there was some private agreement between them that Swift broke by making the announcement, which isn’t a nice thing to do. And it did seem a little petty to announce it so long after the song became popular and after writing under a pseudonym to begin with, which people only do to stay anonymous from a project. But can’t a girl just get credit for her work, and it not make you this cat?

Well, Harris knows how to hold a grudge, because he just announced his next album via an Instagram clip, which will be titled Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 and include a collaboration with Katy Perry among many other exciting artists like Frank Ocean and Ariana Grande. The record drops June 30, so we’ll just have to wait to see if the song is a Swift takedown or not, but you know even if it’s not explicit, it was definitely made with some bad blood in mind. And Swift should’ve seen it coming.

And if you can't tell, I'm Team Katy 4evr, 4 the record.

What do you think of revenge songs? Tell us in the comments.

You know, some days, especially in this political climate, you scroll through whatever your daily sites are, and you just put your head in your hands and say, “Not today, Satan.”

More: Kanye West is in the wrong for encouraging woman-bashing

But other days, you open the internet and you’re like this:

More: Apparently, all Kanye West wants for his birthday is Taylor Swift's love

And today was one of those days for me, because according to TMZ, Kanye West recording his next record atop a mountain, which is just too hilarious to me. West has a known god complex, actually saying things like, “Whoa by 50 percent [I am more influential than] Stanley Kubrick, Apostle Paul, Picasso… fucking Picasso and Escobar. By 50 percent, more influential than any other human being,” and, “I am God’s vessel. But my greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live.” And that’s why I fucking love him. Anyone who can shamelessly be so absurd, so extra, so ego-maniacal and still make some of the best music our generation will ever produce is my kind of people. (I’m a Leo, sue me.)

More: The 17 oddest quotes from Kim Kardashian & Kanye West's Harper's Bazaar interview

So to get to read today that he is — likely trying to one-up Drake, who reportedly made most of Views alone at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower — holed up on a mountain in Wyoming making the world’s next favorite bangers and likely filling that God vessel up to the brim with ego and beats was a gift. There has been no official statement, but his wife Kim Kardashian has been making public appearances solo, and TMZ's sources estimate he's been locked in creative tunnel vision at the Wyoming retreat for about two weeks — which has also been reflected in his social media absence.

So leave him be, please. I need summer jams ASAP.

What do you think of Kanye West's polarizing statements? Tell us in the comments.

On Thursday, The Big Bang Theory will air its Season 10 finale, which means fans may or may not be in for a cliffhanger. Of course, that also means they'll have to wait until fall to see what's to come in Season 11.

More: The Way TBBT Handles Bernadette's Pregnancy Is Both Refreshing & Empowering

Who knows if the last episode of Season 10, titled "The Long-Distance Dissonance," will be a shocking one, but it sure sounds like it could be a doozy. The episode description says, "The gang is concerned when Sheldon's former admirer, Dr. Ramona Nowitzki (Riki Lindhome), resurfaces while Amy is away at Princeton."

For those who can't recall, Ramona made her first appearance in Season 2, Episode 6, "The Cooper-Nowitzki Theorem." She became quite obsessed with Sheldon, but who knows if that's what will happen this time around. We highly doubt anything will transpire between Sheldon and Ramona, especially since he's highly devoted to Amy. We can't help but wonder if Ramona's return will push Sheldon to finally give Amy that engagement ring he's been holding onto for quite a while now.

Whatever happens, there's a chance the Season 10 finale will be just as surprising as the show's previous season finales. If you need a refresher, here's what went down in each of them.

More: Is Everyone Ready for a Big Bang Theory & 8 Simple Rules Crossover?

Season 1: Penny & Leonard have their first date

After Penny had a bad breakup, Leonard took a risk and asked her out on a date. She agreed, though they both certainly had concerns about it. In the end, they had their first date and it started off pretty great — with a kiss.

Season 2: Leonard goes to the North Pole

Remember when Leonard and the guys went to the North Pole to help Sheldon with research? Leonard's departure brought up all kinds of feelings for Penny, who not only told Leonard that she'd miss him but also gave him an extremely long hug. Leonard questioned Penny over whether or not it meant anything, but she denied it. Behind closed doors, Penny said out loud to herself that she really didn't want Leonard to leave.

Season 3: Sheldon finally meets Amy

Thanks to Howard and Raj setting up an online dating profile for Sheldon, Amy Farrah Fowler walked into not only his life but also fans' lives. Their first meeting went extremely well, and there was an immediate connection. Even Howard recognized how perfect a match they were by saying, "Good God, what have we done?"

Season 4: Penny & Raj sleep together?

In what was one of the more shocking moments, at the end of Season 4, it looked like Penny and Raj had sex. After moving into Leonard's room for awhile, Raj and Penny were bonding over dinner and a lot of alcohol. Penny woke up naked next to Raj in bed and rightfully panicked. What made the situation even worse was when Penny and Raj walked out into the living room, where Howard, Sheldon and Leonard were sitting. Penny awkwardly declared to everyone, "It's not what it looks like." And it definitely wasn't, because as it was revealed in Season 5, they did not have sex.

More: 14 Times Raj & Howard of TBBT Were the Most Important Relationship on TV

Season 5: Howard & Bernadette say "I do"

Howard finally had his astronaut dreams come true and flew off into space in the Season 5 finale. But one of the more memorable moments from the episode was Bernadette and Howard's wedding. They decided they wanted to get married before he went to space, so with help from their friends, they managed to pull off an impromptu wedding that was perfect for the two.

Season 6: Raj talks to Penny — sober

For six seasons, Raj couldn't talk to women unless he was drinking. Well, that all came to an end in Season 6. After Lucy broke up with Raj, he was beyond distraught, so Penny went over to check in on him. Without realizing it, Raj opened up to Penny and discovered that he had done it sober. This was a huge, life-changing moment for Raj.

Season 7: Sheldon leaves

In a moment no one saw coming, Sheldon came to the realization that he needed time to himself with so many changes happening in his life. So what did he do? He went to the train station and decided to leave Pasadena for awhile. Leonard didn't think it was a good idea, but Penny convinced him otherwise and thought it might be good for Sheldon. So, they left him at the train station. By the way, in the Season 8 opener, viewers learned that Sheldon didn't make it very far. He got robbed in Arizona and had to be picked up by Amy and Leonard.

Season 8: Sheldon's engagement ring

While Penny and Leonard were eloping in Las Vegas, Sheldon and Amy were breaking up. Amy came to the conclusion that their relationship was too much mentally and emotionally. So, she told Sheldon she needed some space. As shocking as that moment was, what was even more surprising was Sheldon pulling out an engagement ring he had been waiting to give Amy.

Season 9: Sheldon's mom & Leonard's dad

Penny and Leonard's dysfunctional families got together for their wedding in the Season 9 finale. Even though they already got married in Vegas, Penny and Leonard threw a ceremony for their family and friends, since everyone missed out the first time. Their families intermingling was filled with tension, except for Sheldon's mom, Mary, and Leonard's dad, Alfred. They hit it off greatly and even left the rehearsal dinner together.

Who knows if Season 10 will be anything like these finales, but we have a feeling at least one major moment will occur. Anyone else hoping it's a Sheldon and Amy engagement? Let's keep those fingers crossed.

More: Does Anyone Else Wish Penny's Brother Was a Recurring Character on TBBT?

The Big Bang Theory Season 10 finale airs Thursday at 8/7c on CBS.

Politeness can often be the bane of daytime television shows, with both host and guest skirting around serious issues or disagreements so that at the end of the day, they still seem "likeable," which in turn means that the segments can come off as super-snoozy.

But Nicole Kidman apparently did not get the politeness memo — or, more likely, she just doesn't give a shit. And when you're as famous as she is, why would you?

Kidman appeared on Ellen with Giada De Laurentiis, all basically A-listers in their respective fields. And it was pretty entertaining to see three people on a level playing field appearing on a talk show together, because for once, De Laurentiis' over-the-top persona didn't stand a chance at drowning out her companions.

More: Ellen DeGeneres Is Selling Her Santa Barbara Home, and We Want to Move In

Now, don't get me wrong — I like De Laurentiis. I think a lot of her recipes look delicious, and I find her over-pronunciation of every Italian word more gently comic than annoying. But she was being kind of extra on the show, and Kidman was not having it.

First, De Laurentiis has everyone try their hand at making risotto balls. Kidman immediately finds something to comment on, wondering aloud how you're supposed to make risotto in the first place. But Giada ignores her, instead trying to help DeGeneres with her task.

Things continue to derail from there (it's honestly kind of painful to watch), with Kidman giving so much side-eye I was afraid she might actually topple over and into the vat of frying arancini. Quoth De Laurentiis: "This is not going the way I was hoping." Awkward!

More: 11 cutest Bobby Flay & Giada De Laurentiis moments on Food Network Star — in GIFs

Kidman tries to ask a genuine question, saying that cooking stresses her out because she's never sure how to time everything. De Laurentiis' snarky reply: "Well, then don't make so many things." LOL, ouch!

Finally, it comes time to taste De Laurentiis' pièce de résistance, an orange and fennel focaccia. DeGeneres takes a bite, and it's clear the stuff has the texture of beef jerky, but she doesn't say anything. Then Kidman takes a bite. Her verdict? "It's a little tough."

Luckily, the three all burst into laughter over the truth bomb, as De Laurentiis admits it's been sitting out for about five hours. Things did start off kind of tense, but by the end, it's clear that they're all just engaging in some good-natured ribbing and that there's not actually any ill will between them.

That said, I'd be a little nervous to invite Nicole Kidman over for dinner after watching that clip!

More: 14 things about Giada De Laurentiis you probably never knew

While some people love the fact that Donald Trump is president, other U.S. citizens would rather forget that November 8, 2016 ever happened. While it is hard to predict what will occur in the next three-and-a-half years, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is definitely mulling a run for office.

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If you think about it, it kind of makes sense. What else is there for him to do in Hollywood besides winning an Oscar? Johnson has earned over $64 million this year alone, according to Forbes. He’s proven he can do comedy, drama and even an animated musical, so why not try something a little out of his element?

Acting is not that much different than politics because you have to play a role each time you interact with a foreign head of state. You have to make passionate speeches to the American public, which is very similar to an actor’s monologue.

Johnson sounds pretty serious about a political career, too.

He told Vanity Fair, “I wouldn't rule it out. It would be a great opportunity to help people, so it’s possible. This past election shows that anything can happen.”

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He also wouldn’t be the first actor to ever hold office. There are countless names starting with Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who went from actor to Governor of California and back to his acting career.

While Johnson isn’t commenting on the job President Trump is doing, he did make an appearance at the 2000 Republican National Convention to get out the vote amongst the younger generation. He has also shared his possible intentions on Twitter.

His fanbase is already on board, so why not start gathering the rest of America now? We know President Trump has kicked off his campaign for 2020, so Johnson should throw his hat in the ring.

More: There's No Way Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson’s Feud Is Over for Good

Here’s the real issue, though, Johnson is one of the busiest actors working in the entertainment industry right now. He would have to massively clear his schedule from shooting and film promotion in order to make a presidential campaign work. His IMDB.com page is filled with movies both announced and in preproduction through 2019.

If President Trump doesn’t sound good to you, how about President Johnson?

Madonna is welcome to hold the title as the Queen of Pop, but don’t ever double-cross theatre genius Patti LuPone when it comes to playing Eva Peron. Both women played the role — LuPone on Broadway and Madonna on film in Evita, but it’s clear who comes out the winner in this round.

More: Madonna Slams Biopic, Internet Slams Her Back (With Receipts)

Leave it to Andy Cohen to stir the pot when it comes to LuPone’s thoughts on Madonna’s 1996 performance.

Here we go.

“What did you think of her role in Evita, “ Cohen baited LuPone.

“I thought it was a piece of s**t. Madonna is a movie killer,” shared LuPone. “She’s dead behind the eyes. She couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag. She should not be on film or on stage. She’s a wonderful performer for what she does, but she is not an actress.”

More: OMG, Donald Trump Is Just a Real Housewife in Disguise

Madonna hasn’t posted any response to LuPone’s dismissal of her performance, but this isn’t unexpected behavior from her. She is not one to hide her displeasure or opinions — LuPone is a little salty and we love her for it.

If you haven’t ever heard her January 10, 2009 meltdown over an audience member taking photos of her while she’s performing on-stage in Gypsy, prepare yourself. It’s an epic diva rant that was well-deserved, you just don’t take photos in the middle of a Broadway show.

"Stop taking pictures, right now!” exclaimed LuPone. “You heard the announcement, who do you think you are?”

The audience applauds her shakedown of the perpetrator and this goes on for almost two minutes. She shames the audience member, who gets kicked out of the theatre, and then continues on with the show.

More: Lin-Manuel Miranda Nails How We Feel About Hillary Clinton — In Rap, Of Course

If you think it ended there, forget it. LuPone also snatched an audience member’s phone after “she was texting through the entire first act” in while starring in Shows For Days at Lincoln Center in 2015. The theatre interrupter was given her phone back after the show was over because you know LuPone was not having any of that during her performance.

We think it’s OK that LuPone has an attitude about it because she loves the theatre.

“I am on your side, I do it for you,” she summed up to the audience the night after the incident.

Except if you are Madonna.

There’s long been whispered rumors in Hollywood that Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell had an open relationship. He was allowed to do his thing, while she was allowed to do her thing. If that rumor is true, it has worked for them for 34 years.

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In a People magazine interview, Hawn was directly asked about her thoughts on monogamy. She answered the question without ever really revealing her situation with Russell. Does her answer make you more curious?

“Monogamy is a very tough order,” she explained. “You’re in the prime of your life, you are attracted to other people, potentially, you have fantasies about that. It really runs the risk, if you will, if you’re not aware that you could maybe screw up a really good thing by doing that.”

That’s definitely a realistic view of any relationship, but does it explain her real-life view with Russell when they have feelings outside of their longtime union?

More: Where Has Goldie Hawn Been for the Last Decade?

“I’m sure I’ve been party to it, and Kurt’s been—we’re all normal this way,” Hawn said. “It’s like, ‘You really liked that guy, didn’t you?’ Or the woman says, ‘You were looking at her.’ My answer would be, ‘Of course. Why not? She’s beautiful.’ Would you want a man who doesn’t look? Who doesn’t feel inspired by the beauty or the curves of a woman’s body? Or the way she is? I mean, come on. We’re human beings. There is, I guess, an elasticity to the relationship. Otherwise, it’s going to break, just like a rubber band.”

So Hawn answered the questions without really answering anything about her personal life because honestly, it’s none of our business. Whatever works for her and Russell should be exactly how they live their lives. It’s not up to us or Hollywood to judge what they are doing off-screen.

More: Amy Schumer's Dad Meeting Goldie Hawn Is Almost Too Cute to Watch — Almost

Besides, there’s never any third-party stories about them. It’s just an assumption many fans make because they never walked down the aisle. As we know in 2017, relationships take on many shapes and this is one that works for Hawn and Russell.

We should probably all take her relationship advice anyway. It’s worked for over three decades with Russell.

“Love, gratitude, compassion, because sometimes every man or every woman will drive their partner crazy. Family. Fun. Laughs. Sex,” Hawn said. “If you don’t nurture that, and remember, you’re done.”

My Grandma Hazel had a cat named Molly, whom she adored. In fact, it's probably safe to say she was obsessed with Molly. So when Molly started stumbling around and acting disoriented, my grandma understandably proceeded to panic and take her BFF (best feline friend, natch) straight to the vet.

Fortunately, it was not a worst-case scenario — i.e., some rare and aggressive cancer — that was causing Molly's problems. Rather, the root of the issue was something none of us expected: her whiskers.

Sure, we all knew they didn't simply exist for decoration. But to be honest, we hadn't really ever paused to ask, "Why do cats have whiskers?" Well, in case you're as curious as a cat about this query, here's the 411 on your feline's facial hair.

For starters, cats' whiskers, or vibrissae, are extremely sensitive sensory tools. According to Live Science, these tactile hairs are jam-packed with nerves, which help make cats aware of their surroundings.

To put it in context, it's kind of like having fingers growing out of your face — they allow you to size up objects, people and places simply through touch, even at night. Since a cat's whiskers are roughly as long the cat is wide, cats often use their whiskers to gauge whether or not they can squeeze into a space.

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Another way cats use their whiskers? When hunting (or when trying to avoid being hunted). Because cats' whiskers are so sensitive, they can detect changes in air currents. This helps them both pinpoint prey and avoid approaching potential predators.

Whiskers are also an excellent barometer for your cat's moods. That's right; your feline friend might be trying to tell you something, and you're simply not picking up the visual clues. This includes taut whiskers when your cat feels threatened, relaxed whiskers when your cat is feeling calm and forward-pushed whiskers when your cat is excited or alert.

So what did whiskers have to do with the condition of my grandma's cat? Upon further inspection, the veterinarian discovered that Molly had somehow singed the whiskers off one side of her face. Because cat whiskers are so sensitive, damaged whiskers can wreak havoc on your pet's nervous system. The cat will not be able to receive the navigation signals it normally receives from its whiskers, which can lead to everything from disorientation to stumbling and more. Furthermore, it can cause your cat pain to lose its whiskers, so it's best to practice a hands-off approach.

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Besides, why would you ever want to mess with your cat's built-in sensory system anyway? It's what he or she uses to glean information about the world around them. And hey, that includes you! You can thank your cat's whiskers for helping to interpret you favorably and helping your cat to feel safe enough around you to form your formidable bond.

This post was sponsored by Blue Buffalo.

Currently, menstrual products are classified as luxury items and in most states are taxed as such. Meng’s research found that, when tallied, a woman could spend an estimated $2,500 in her lifetime on tampons alone.

More: What’s the Deal With Menstrual Suppression?

“Menstrual hygiene products are not ubiquitous and cheap, despite what popular culture would have us believe,” states Meng. “Although most women use these products, many struggle to afford or access these essential items. This is unacceptable.”

If passed, the legislation would make menstrual products more accessible for the groups that need it the most, like women in low-income areas or those who are living in homelessness. Currently, over 50,000 women nationwide are living in homelessness and are unable to have sanitary options for their monthly menstrual cycle.

The legislation would funnel grant funds from the Emergency Food and Shelter Grant Program into a budget that would be used to make menstrual hygiene products publicly available. The legislation would also move to require each state to provide menstrual hygiene products to female inmates at no cost.

The current lack of access to tampons, pads and other products creates a safety hazard for women in the most at-risk situations.

More: Turns Out Period Syncing Is a Menstrual Myth

Diandra Kalish of UnTabooed, a nonprofit organization providing reusable menstrual products to both low-income and homeless women, stated, “UnTabooed has helped me see just how many people really cannot afford menstrual products. It could be anyone that you interact with.”

She continued, “Not recognizing menstrual products as necessities totally fails us because it stigmatizes them more. Instead of thinking of a menstrual product as just another thing you see in the bathroom, they are hidden and snuck into the bathroom.”

Incorporating menstrual products into the workplace would also be a facet of Meng’s legislation, as the Menstrual Equity for All Act would “direct the secretary of labor to require employers with 100 or more employees to provide menstrual hygiene products to their employees free of charge.”

More: 3 Gender-Inclusive Menstrual Product Companies

Ensuring women in the workplace have access to tampons and pads eliminates concern surrounding whether or not they’re prepared when their menstrual cycle begins and sets a standard for making these products readily available everywhere.

By Alicia Napierkowski

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart. When it all comes together, it can be a beautiful thing; when it doesn't, there can be discomfort or even all-out pain — and much worse.

One mother in the U.K. is hoping to spread awareness of the dangers of mastitis, a breast infection and complication of nursing that can, in rare cases, become fatal. Remi Peers' son, Rudy, was only 2 months old when Peers was hospitalized with sepsis — a systemic blood infection caused by mastitis.

Luckily, doctors were able to control Peers' sepsis and end her bout of mastitis with strong antibiotics, but if she hadn't taken it seriously, the consequences could have been dire. So Peers posted a photograph of herself from the hospital, taken 10 months ago, on Instagram. The photo is hard to look at, but her hope is that the image will send a strong message in the U.K. — that nursing moms aren't getting the support they need there. And we're guessing that's a message that could stand to find a home here in the U.S. too.

More: How to heal from a breast infection naturally

Peers struggled with breastfeeding from the beginning. Her milk didn't come in for a full five days after Rudy's birth, and the pain from her bloody, fissured nipples was excruciating. She didn't know how to help Rudy into a good latch, and no one had talked to her about the dangers (or signs) of blocked milk ducts or symptoms of early mastitis.

Peers wrote compellingly about her experience in her Instagram post:

“Breastfeeding is HARD, it needs to be taught and it needs to be learned. Just like walking, talking, reading and writing- it may be natural, but it does not always come naturally. And this is what I should have known but didn’t, this is what I might have known if breastfeeding rates were higher, if this society didn’t objectify breasts," she said.

"If new mothers knew just how difficult it can be at first, more would take themselves to prenatal breastfeeding classes, buy books, join forums, and ask more questions- But we don’t, we just assume that it will feel as natural as breathing. Because no one ever told us," she added.

Peers (quite amazingly) breastfed her son for more than a year — despite her painful, scary experience. But she doesn't want her rough journey to put off other moms; rather, she's hoping her photo and words will help other nursing moms feel less alone and empower them to reach out for support.

“My intention with the post was most definitely not to deter or frighten women away from breastfeeding but rather to raise awareness around the importance of face-to-face education both pre- and post-pregnancy,” Peers told BabyCenter. “I want women to be aware about the potential problems that can arise and to be prepared, so that they can then go on to successfully breastfeed for as long as they want to.”

More: Weird breastfeeding problems no one ever talks about

Although Peers doesn't regret her choice to breastfeed one bit, she also advocates a no-shame approach for moms (we agree wholeheartedly — a fed baby is a happy baby, period). “I’d also like to add that although I am a huge breastfeeding advocate, sometimes for some women breastfeeding just doesn’t work out, and that’s OK, and there is NO shame in supplementing or switching to formula,” she said. “I just want women to feel empowered and supported in their choices.”

Can't argue with that.

The days of comfortable, glamorous air travel are long gone, and lately, you’re lucky to get off a flight without witnessing or being in a fight, so it’s no wonder so many of us dread flying. But some airports are trying to make the experience at least a little better with the help of adorable therapy animals.

As NPR reported, two miniature therapy horses — Denver and Ruby — visit the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport twice a month, getting passengers in the ticketing area. And they’re not the only ones. More than 30 airports in the U.S. have in-house therapy dogs, and San Francisco even has a therapy pig.

More: Top Wilderness Survival Tips From an Indoor Kid

Like any therapy animals, the ones in airports undergo hundreds of hours of training that gets them acclimated to dealing with stressed people and their luggage.

Mineta San José International Airport was one of the first to go the cute-animals-to-reduce-travel-stress route, when an interfaith chaplain brought her therapy dog to the airport after 9/11 to help calm down the visibly anxious passengers. The airport now has several therapy dogs on staff — and even one therapy cat.

More: Yoga Class Dropout Tries Again With Hilaria Baldwin

Back in Cincinnati, Lisa Moad, the owner of the mini therapy horses, told NPR that passengers love seeing the horses, saying, "that it made them feel much better, kind of calmed down, took a deep breath. A lot of them thank us for being there at that time because they needed that little bit of support before they get on the plane."

More: Working Out Is Hard AF — but Swearing Can Make You Stronger

These are busy horses. In addition to the airport, they also have gigs at local nursing homes and schools. Given their popularity, Moad is looking into expanding her therapeutic menagerie to include donkeys.

In a perfect world, we would all squeeze in a workout at lunch so we could sleep in and have more free time in the evenings — but powering through a running sesh and leaving time to shower before returning to work just doesn't seem feasible. Not to mention the fact that gym locker rooms are usually gross AF.

But what if we were to tell you could sleep in, get fit midday, and still have time to be social after work? Yup, all you have to do is skip that post-gym shower.

Before you say, "Ewww," it turns out there's no reason to freak out if you can't get to showering right away. Leaving a bit of after-workout sweat on your skin is not going to compromise your health (how it affects your work relationships is another story).

"If you’re sweaty after your workout but don’t have time for a shower, relax," Robert Silverman says. "As a sports nutritionist, I work with high-level athletes all the time, and I know that sweat is very unlikely to do any damage to your health or your skin. My bigger concern is dehydration, so be sure to drink enough fluids to replace what you’ve sweated out."

Within a few hours of your workout, bacteria will get to work on the sweat in your armpits and other places and break the protein in it down into acids, Silverman says. As they do, you’ll start to give off that unpleasant locker room smell. So if you're not able to shower within a few hours after your workout and are concerned about smelling lovely, it's important that you address those areas of your body.

"You can avoid body odor after exercise just by using a baby wipe or even a damp paper towel on your armpits and other areas to remove the sweat," Silverman says. "Shaving the armpits reduces the chances of body odor there. Wearing loose, natural fabrics that let the skin breathe also helps."

More: Flip-Flops in the Gym Shower Are a Must: Here's Why

Eva Glasrud, a psychologist and life coach at The Happy Talent, agrees that there are few times when showering right after a workout is a necessity. Unless you're wrestling or rolling around on mats that are known to have fungus, ringworm or staph, Glasrud says there is no reason you have to shower immediately after a workout.

“When you shower, basically nothing happens,” Glasrud says. “You wash away sweat and dirt, but the bacteria count on your skin doesn't really change. Hence, you feel clean, but, biologically, you're the same.

"Remember, our bodies evolved in a world without instant sanitizer," Glasrud continues. "They are well-equipped to handle a bit of dirt or sweat on your skin. What I usually do is splash some water on my face to get the salt off and shower when it's most convenient — tonight, tomorrow... whenever. And never forget to wash your hands. Whether you're using weights or machines or indoor climbing walls, a lot of people have been touching the equipment you're using."

More: 10 Clever Products Everyone Needs for the Gym

None of this is to say it's preferable to wait hours until you shower. If the opportunity to cleanse sweat from your skin presents itself, David E. Bank, founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, is on the side of washing so that your pores do not become clogged with dirt and oil.

"There is no precise time that it takes for the sweat to block the pores," says Bank. "The sooner you can shower, the better. Showering after exercise, especially if you sweat excessively, should be as essential to your routine as your workout for several reasons. The first is your hygiene: No one wants to smell you or your workout on you! Also, if sweat builds up on your skin, it will clog your pores, not allowing your skin to breathe. And if you have a cut or skin abrasion, sweat can get trapped in there and can cause an infection."

So, like anything, use your best judgment. Run errands. Pick up the kids. Go shopping. Do what you have to after a workout, and don't feel like you need to pull a superman change. But keep baby wipes and face wipes handy, and just don't wait 24 hours before you finally bathe. It's going to be fine.

Originally published June 2016. Updated May 2017.