The inside of a woman’s handbag often tells a lot about her. Does she have kids, is she into fashion, and of course, is she organized? Just think about the impression you might make at a job interview with a cluttered purse. A disorganized purse might mean a chaotic personal and professional life too… not great for landing the job.

Are you too tired to go to the gym after work to workout? Are you still trying to lose weight that you gained from pregnancy but can’t find the time to fit in a workout? Have you tried fad diet after fad diet without successful weight loss? Well, you are not alone, millions of people struggle with weight loss and being a working mother does not make it any easier. Working moms typically have two full time jobs, one being there day job and the other taking care of the kids when they get home. So, unfortunately the last thing that gets done is something for mom herself. In this case we are talking about working out and focusing on fitness.

A new report released today by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) provides an in-depth look at the Great Recession and its toll on working families. The report, entitled “Understanding the Economy: Working Mothers in the Great Recession,” concludes that mothers’ work is vital not only for their families’ economic security, but also for the strength of the American economy as a whole. Rather than opting out of the labor force, mothers increased their labor force participation over the recession.

From stay-at-home moms to CEO’s to women in the armed services, American women lead busy, stressful lives. Although a little pressure can stimulate creativity and enable us to achieve more, too much stress is unhealthy both physically and emotionally and can seriously interfere with our interpersonal relationships. So let’s look at a few ways to C.U.T. S.T.R.E.S.S!

his article was written by Christine Kane. I get her e-newsletter every week and always enjoy her articles. In her introduction she writes that she needed this advice herself this week! How many times do you ignore your own symptoms/signs that you are worn out and need to take some time out? Her tips for self-care are so easy, why wouldn’t we do at least one if not all 9 of them?

Have you ever known someone that developed high blood pressure during her pregnancy and had to undergo bed rest until the baby was born? About 10% of pregnant women develop this condition (termed pregnancy induced hypertension or PIH). What most people do not know is that this condition is both acutely dangerous for mother and baby and identifies a woman at increased risk for developing heart disease later in life.