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1 in 4 Teen Girls Has An STD

A first of its kind study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that at least one in four teenage girls nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease -- which comes to more than 3 million teens between the ages of 14 to 19.

Teens were tested for four infections: human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer and affected the highest number of girls studied at 18 percent; chlamydia, which affected 4 percent; trichomoniasis, 2.5 percent; and herpes simplex virus, 2 percent.

UK Report: Motherhood Affects Woman’s Pay

A study done by the UK's Trade Union Congress (TUC), an organization representing over seven million employees, found that having children has a direct impact on women's salaries--resulting in them being paid up to 20% less than their male counterparts.

"Women are paying an unacceptable penalty simply for having children," TUC leader Brendan Barber said. "We all expect our wages to increase as our careers progress. But women's wages start to stagnate as early as their 30s."

Do you think we have a similar "penalty" for women who return to work after motherhood in the US? 

Anti-depressants in my water? No wonder I don’t need Prozac…

A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation found. The investigation discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas — from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky.

The presence of so many prescription drugs — and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen — in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

Read more... 

Will Having a Child Contribute to Global Warming?

An interesting question to Salon.com's environmental expert, Pablo Päster, caught our eye: a reader asked, "I'm trying to decide whether to have a second child. Will I be contributing to global warming?"

His answer? Click here... 

Trouble for Homeschoolers in California?

Last week's ruling that homeschooling families in California may be breaking the law generated significant hype and concern for the near 200,000 parents whose children are not taught by a credentialed educator.

Governor Schwarzenegger denounced the ruling and promised to protect homeschooling while the HomeSchool Association of California asked members to remain calm.

Debbie Schwarzer, a legal representative for the Association said, "The law, other than this court's interpretation, hasn't changed. The media [appears] to be saying that no one can teach their children without a credential. I am not certain that the holding is that broad, and I also doubt it would survive legal challenge."

What do you think? Does this type of ruling do good or harm education?

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