Find out how your city rates on women’s health issues like cancer rates, water quality and even sleeping well, plus more. SELF recently researched 100 metro areas in the US to give you an idea of how your city ranks up. SELF analyzed lots of data in around 50 categories like disease and mortality rates, lifestyle factors, environmental indicators and community resources. They utilized Sperling’s BestPlaces with the help of experts who weighed in on the importance of different factors. To find out where the most fit, happy and healthy women live, view the complete rankings listed straight through to 100, or search by state to find your city. If your city is near the bottom of the list, it’s rated a less healthy place to live... [Read more]

Chestnuts aren’t only great roasted over an open fire as you sip a hot beverage, but they’re also good in homemade soup. And December is one of the best times to find fresh chestnuts in stores. After you buy chestnuts, use them within one week or freeze. Otherwise, they may dry out. Store fresh chestnuts in a cool, dry place, not next to the fire! Have you tried making chestnut soup? It first requires roasting some chestnuts, but directions are included below. Really, what can get you more in the holiday spirit than cooking with chestnuts? The reward is a tasty dish, sure to impress guests. The Chestnut Soup Recipe by Chef Craig von Foerster of Post Ranch Inn, home of the highly acclaimed Sierra Mar Restaurant Ingredients 2 tablespoons... [Read more]

According to the Humane Society, 63% of American households have pets, but only 10% of owned dogs and 18% of owned cats are adopted from shelters. So many great companion animals need you. If you’re looking for a new pet, I highly encourage you to visit your local shelter. If you want to research online first, there are plenty of resources. Where to search online for shelter pets: Shelter Pet Project, a fun site that asks you questions before revealing your matched pet results. Petfinder, a valuable resource utilized by many shelters and rescues. As you may know, I’ve been featuring special needs pets this week in honor of National Shelter Appreciation Week. Why? No pet should have to live for years in a shelter before finding... [Read more]

Birth control bills may benefit women with asthma, while taking acetaminophen may be associated with a higher risk of developing asthma. Two new studies, both published in the November issue of CHEST, analyzed women and asthma. In the birth control pill study at McMaster University in Canada, researchers studied 17 women with asthma during their menstrual cycles. The study results revealed that women with asthma taking oral contraceptives had lower exhaled nitric oxide levels (eNO) than women who were taking the pill. eNO is a marker of airway inflammation associated with asthma. Researchers think that the pill just could have a potential role in treating premenopausal women with asthma. Another study isn’t so positive for women who take... [Read more]

As you know, I don’t typically write about the ancient practice of astrology. However, an opportunity came my way to share with you astrology tips for 2010 from leading astrologists who write for AOL.com and Tarot.com: Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer. Levine is the founding trustee of the Kepler College for Astrological Arts and Sciences, a four-year educational institution in Seattle, WA. Jawer is a co-founder of the Association for Astrological Networking and the United Astrology Congress. Levine and Jawer are the authors of Your Astrology Guide 2010. I don’t take astrology very seriously myself, but I have to admit that it can be fun. To each her own!  I’ve included below an excerpt from the team’s new book. Enjoy. Your... [Read more]