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The Best and Worst States for Working Moms

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With Mother’s Day around the corner and more than 70 percent of moms with young children working today, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2017’s Best & Worst States for Working Moms.

In order to help ease the burden on “Women Who Work,” particularly moms, WalletHub’s analysts compared the attractiveness of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to a working mother based on 13 key metrics. The data set ranges from median women’s salary to female unemployment rate to day-care quality.

Best States for Working Moms Worst States for Working Moms

1 Vermont                42 Wyoming

2 Minnesota             43 West Virginia

3 New Jersey           44 New Mexico

4 Delaware               45 Idaho

5 Connecticut           46 Mississippi

6 Massachusetts      47 Alaska

7 Maine                  48 Arizona

8 Rhode Island         49 Nevada

9 New York               50 Louisiana

10 Illinois                  51 Alabama

Best vs. Worst

New York has the highest day-care quality score, 116, which is five times better than in Idaho, registering the lowest at 23.

Mississippi has the lowest child-care costs as a share of the median women’s salary, 9.87 percent, which is 2.7 times lower than in the District of Columbia, registering the highest at 26.70 percent.

The District of Columbia has the most pediatricians per 100,000 residents, 52.51, which is 28.2 times more than in Idaho, registering the fewest at 1.86.

South Dakota has the highest ratio of female executives to male executives, 79.39 percent, which is 3.1 times higher than in Utah, registering the lowest at 25.81 percent.

Maryland has the lowest share of single-mom families with children younger than 18 in poverty, 26.5 percent, which is 1.9 times lower than in Mississippi, registering the highest at 51.0 percent.

Virginia has the highest median women’s salary (adjusted for cost of living), $42,814, which is 1.9 times higher than in Hawaii, registering the lowest at $22,645.

North Dakota has the lowest female unemployment rate, 2.4 percent, which is 3.1 times lower than in the District of Columbia, registering the highest at 7.5 percent.

To view the full report and your state or the District’s rank, please visit:

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-working-moms/3565/

New App is ‘Tinder’ For Sperm and Egg Donors

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A new app called Just-a-Baby is launching in the US promising to match sperm donors, egg donors and even surrogates, Tinder-style.

The app is created by two Australian men who beta-tested it in their home country and plan to launch it in the UK as well as America this year.

One of the co-founders said the app is for same-sex couples needing to find a surrogate, a couple struggling with infertility needing an egg or sperm donor; and single people who want a baby and are tired of waiting for a suitable mate or to be married.

“I was in my 30s and was looking at my situation and at those around me, it was just evident that there were increasing pressures against the traditional models of raising a child and on traditional families,” co-creator Paul Ryan (no, not that one) told the Daily Telegraph. “There’s a lot more acceptance now around same-sex relationships, empowerment of women, people putting off having kids until later.

“But it’s not widely spoken about and there still is this incredible amount of pressure and lack of options for people in their 30s to 40s to start families.”

And just like with Tinder, you swipe left or swipe right.

 

But as Lawyer Jennifer Hetherington explained to AksMen.com,  finding genetic material via an app comes with a whole host of risks. At the very least, you’re going to want legal counsel involved from the start.

“The co-parenting option also raises a red flag. That implies you’re raising the child together.”

“If you’re meeting via an app with the express interests of having a child together without knowing the person’s background, all sorts of things can go wrong.”

We Got Deals, Freebies, Contests for You On our New Coupon Page

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Couponing is a thing. So is extreme couponing. Families have budgets and love saving and pinching pennies so they can have more of their take home left over for the rainy day fund, a big purchase, vacation and more.

We get it and we are all about helping our audience and readers save money.

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That is why we have joined ShopHer Media to launch a page dedicated to Coupons!  You can access it at the homepage or start HERE!

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Everyday, we will update this page with the latest coupons, deals, giveaways, contests and freebies. Check back daily and often and grab these special offers curated just for you!

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Go get your coupon on, Friends!

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Unfounded Autism-Vaccine Link Fears To Blame for Minnesota’s Measles Outbreak

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A measles outbreak continues to strike Minnesota as health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated.

There are now 48 confirmed measles cases in Hennepin, Ramsey and Crow Wing counties, mostly affecting unvaccinated Somali-American children, according to data released by the state’s Department of Health on Monday.

Of those impacted, 46 are children 10 and younger; 41 are Somali-American; and 45 have not been vaccinated against the disease, according to the data.

The state’s outbreak — the largest in over two decades — appears to have started in a Somali community, where vaccine skepticism has recently spread, said Kristen Ehresmann, director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division at the Minnesota Department of Health.

“I want to be very clear that this outbreak has nothing to do with being Somali. It’s just the sheer fact of being unvaccinated,” Ehresmann said.

Minnesota’s Somali community has seen an uptick in vaccine resistance due to fears of a link to autism, she said. Research shows that any side effects from vaccines are rare, and there is no evidence that vaccines cause autism.

“Usually, states will see one or two cases in a year, and what’s concerning is, as of today, we’ll be at 48 cases of measles,” Ehresmann said of Minnesota.

“The most worrisome thing is, it’s a completely unnecessary outbreak,” she said. “We have a vaccine that can prevent measles, and yet we’re seeing this widespread transmission.”

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NPR Enters the Podcast Arena through Its First Ever Kids’ Program

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Podcasts are the hottest thing in entertainment these days.  Everyone’s doing them and/or listening them.

National Public Radio is getting in on it too with the launch of its new podcast for kids  ages 5-12 called Wow in the World that illuminates the wonders of science, technology, discovery and inventions.

This is the first time in NPR’s 47-year history that it will release a children’s program.

Starting May 15, NPR’s Guy Raz and SiriusXM’s Mindy Thomas will take kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the most incredible science and kid-friendly news stories of the week.

The duo previously hosted a Friday news segment on Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live channel called Breakfast Blast Newscast. The 3-year old segment went on to win the International New York Festivals Award for best children’s program in 2016.

And now the experienced two are taking their talents to the NPR podcast world.

Wow in the World is a place where we can tap into the crazy cool things that are happening all around us, every day!” Thomas said of the series in a press release. “We want to help spark conversations between kids and other kids and also with their grown-ups that will ultimately lead to their own big discoveries.”

Each episode begins with a series of questions that lead to an explanation about a new amazing scientific discovery or finding. For example, “How long would it take to get to the closest star outside our solar system?” or “How did we Homo sapiens come to dominate the planet?” or “How do astronauts poop in space?”

They hope to make the news fun and interesting by using comedy infused with conversation and voices from real kids.

“As parents and caregivers, many of us grapple with screen-time,” Raz adds. “This show is not just an alternative to screens but a show about celebrating the spirit of inquiry and encouraging kids to ask even more questions.”

Episodes will feature new research on , dinosaurs, animals, technology and human origins.

NPR will distribute the show and Tinkercast, a new production company that focuses on family-friendly content, will produce the program.

Wow in the World can be downloaded wherever podcasts are available including npr.org/wow, Apple Podcasts, and at www.wowintheworld.com

Follow Wow in the World on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Are Most Pregnancy Related Symptoms Considered Pre-Existing Conditioned Under AHA Re-Write?

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A number of news articles and social media posts claim that pregnancy, sexual assault and domestic violence could be considered “pre-existing conditions” that make it hard to keep insurance coverage under the Republican health care bill. Are those alarming claims really true?

The bill doesn’t specifically refer to any of these things, and some of the headlines suggesting that it does are misleading.

But the bill would allow insurers, in limited circumstances, to charge people more if they have a pre-existing condition — a health issue that existed before the patient’s coverage starts, if that person has had a lapse in insurance.

Under the current health care law — the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare — insurers are not allowed to charge more or deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. The GOP health plan the passed the House Thursday — called the American Health Care Act (AHCA) — would allow states to seek a waiver from that rule. It would fund a system of “high-risk pools” to offer assistance to patients instead, but many are concerned that won’t be enough.

Twitter is overflowing with lists of pre-existing conditions, patient testimonials and personal stories of health struggles with the hashtag #IAmAPreexistingCondition. People living with a host of medical conditions are worried about the future of their coverage if the Republican plan becomes law.

Concern has focused in particular on women’s health issues, and especially pregnancy. Claims that rape victims could lose their coverage have also stirred outrage. Here’s a fact check:

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5 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health After Baby Comes Home

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Today is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, a day established to raise awareness of the existent or mental health challenges among children and  we moms.

When an individual becomes a parent or caregiver, their occupations drastically change and it can be overwhelming,” says Theresa Carroll, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois in Chicago and also a volunteer Babywearing Educator with Babywearing International. “Many find themselves having to sacrifice self-care, leisure activities, work, and even education to prioritize the new occupations involved in caring for a newborn.”

Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in activity (occupations) participation such as self-care, work, and play, and can help new parents and caregivers compensate and find balance by promoting healthy routines to preserve mental wellness.

In honor of today, the American  Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers evidence-based tips for new caregivers to promote mental and physical health and well-being:

1. Increase skin-to-skin contact. Physical contact between caregiver and child promotes physical and mental development for baby, and elicits good feelings for the caregiver.

2. Wear baby when safe. Wearing a baby in a carrier or wrap promotes physical development including head control and understanding of the world around them. It also gives caregivers the opportunity to participate in occupations such as household chores, tending to older children, and leisure such as walks.

3. Connect with others. Join a parent group, playgroup, moms’ club, dads’ club, parenting support group, stroller exercise group, etc. for support. Many local libraries hold free weekly events for young children, which offer structured play for both parent and child, and informal networking for caregivers.

4. Set realistic expectations. Caregiving is not all giggles, hugs, and “I Love Yous” all the time. Some days, the dog is barking, the baby is crying, the toddler is having a meltdown, the sink is full of dishes, and the laundry seems never-ending. Sometimes, juggling work demands or little sleep and continuing to breastfeed can seem impossible.

5. Understanding that most parents feel this way and are going through these changes can help.

Accept help. Understand that accepting help with daily activities is not admitting defeat. Assistance from others can offer time to participate in self-care and health-promoting leisure routines. “Taking care of yourself as a caregiver translates to the mental wellness of the child,” says Carroll. “Allowing others to care for your child so you can take a shower, go for a run, or read a book can be beneficial to both caregiver and child.”

“Occupational therapists understand the benefits of engaging in meaningful occupations for mental health,” says Carroll. “Helping caregivers establish routines that facilitate the balance of caregiving, self-care, and leisure can promote mental wellness for both the caregiver and the child.”

AOTA is a supporter of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 4.

According to SAMHSA, more than 1,100 community-based mental health services and supports providers, community programs, schools, and collaborating organization affiliates from across the country are estimated to be celebrating this annual observance.

Which Athletic Brand Are You (TAKE THIS QUIZ!)

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I’m a fan of the Converse brand and have blogged about it a lot in the past.

I love that it the All American brand and that the company is branching off into other styles and offerings. What you wear reflects your personality, so it’s a great idea to know what that says about you and what athletic brand you can relate to best.

Take this quick Personality Quiz to find out which Athletic Brand you are:

Your Teen and His Friends Are Playing With These ADHD Toys in Class

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Trending… Kids in middle and high school are ordering and playing with toys that were created to help children with ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder) cope with their condition in class. The toys keep their kids minds and fingers occupied so they can focus better in class.

However, they are popping up in the hands (and pockets ) of kids without the condition. While they are great tools for those who need them, because boys, I believe, have a tougher time focusing in class and are fidgety, even if they aren’t officially diagnosed. Nonetheless, I fear, it’s just a matter of time before they become a distraction in class and get banned from schools. Until then, here is a brief run down of the fidget toys most used:

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Yomaxer sells a thing called a Tri-Spinner fidget toy which is a plastic toy for $9.99. It’s for adults and kids. They hold the spinner in one hand and use the other to spin it rapidly using small continuous strikes to keep it spinning indefinitely. They are pocket size and can be kept and spun discreetly in a pocket even during class.

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Then there is fidget dice. At $14.96, this 12-sided plastic dice designed for people who cannot keep their fingers still. The dice are also used to help cope with anxiety and depression.

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For kids with Autism, ADHD and Anxiety, there is a flippy chain, an interlocking stainless chain of rings that lets them fidget in creative ways to fidget. They are cheaper at $5.99 to $7.99 per toy.

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In my son’s school, the Fidget Blox cubes are the most popular. That company sell the set for $14.95 but recently, there has been quite a few knockoffs being sold on Amazon by fulfillment for as low as $8.95. 

Here is a list of other similar toys to consider:

TI-EDC Fidget Spinner Toy

Sensory Fidget Textured Unique Pens

Mountain View Mesh and Marble 

NobleSpin Ash Nebulous

The Gear Ring

Check out  FocusedFied which lists 33 such toys.

She Didn’t Know the Baby She Bought Illegally after Faking Her Pregnancy Would Be Half Black

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Police arrested an Italian woman who faked her pregnancy, bought a baby and then returned the baby after discovering it was half black.

The 35-year old woman suffered two miscarriages after she previously got pregnant with her boyfriend, who is in prison, according to officials in a town south of Rome.

She told police she wore a fake latex belly bought online to trick her friends and family into thinking she was pregnant.

The woman, who has not been named, allegedly paid a little over $21,000 for the baby girl but gave her back three days later when the baby delivered was of mixed race.

She told police she would have no way of explaining the baby’s skin color to her man, her fam and friends so she gave her back.

Thing is–surrogacy is illegal in Italy and punishable by two years in prison and heafty fines.

Authorities got suspicious when someone called the birth registry office asking how to register a baby born home but that person  failed to show up for the scheduled appointment to register the baby.

Police found the baby in good health with her  biological father, a Mali man who works in Rome.

That African man apparently had a brief relationship with a 25-year old Romanian woman who is the baby’s biological mom, the supposed surrogate.

That mom and a Moroccan man who helped broker the sale of the baby were also arrested along with the fake mom.

The one-month-old baby girl is believed to have been placed in foster care.

h/t The Irish Sun

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