If the war against childhood obesity was a race, America would still be at the starting line.

Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years. About one out of every three children or teens is overweight or at risk of being overweight. Because children's bodies are still developing, the damage to organs triggers medical problems extending throughout their lifetimes, according to a report issued by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2019, and that condition will drag down the economy and impoverish the nation. What’s worse is that our nation is growing fatter at the same time it is growing hungrier. Another study by New York’s Food Research and Action Center describes another dilemma -- a new definition of hunger that actually describes how families can become obese at the same time they are going hungry.

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Now that I'm getting older, I am becoming increasingly concerned about my own fitness level. I realize that with age, muscle mass tends to decrease and fat levels tend to increase. Also, since being a stay-at-home mom, I find that I'm not as active as I used to be and I want to stay in good shape so that I can keep up with my daughter and be able to run and play to her little heart's content.

For the most part though, I find working out a drag. Running in place while lifting dumbbells along to an exercise video isn't always very thrilling. Recently though, I've been made aware of a brand new fitness trend...pole dancing! X-Pole, a top-quality manufacturer of professional grade dance poles, allowed me to review the new Kendra Wilkinson Signature Sport Pole. Keep reading to learn much more!

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Now that the weather is gorgeous again, I love taking long strolls around our neighborhood and listening to my favorite tunes!  So of course, my iPod Touch is traveling right along with me in my front pocket.  I've noticed that over the last few months I've grown much more dependent on my iPod and tend to take it with me everywhere, including the car, my purse, front pocket, etc.

All of this new-found traveling has me worried about damaging my iPod's delicate touchscreen, though.  I have a sturdy case for the iPod itself, but the screen is still left completely exposed.  What is going to keep it from getting scratched or cracked?  Thankfully, I had the chance to review the 3M Natural View Screen Protector.  Keep reading to find out whether or not it worked!

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In 2011, I'm doing my best to take better care of myself.  My husband and I have pledged to eat healthier and I've cut way down on my daily sugar intake.  We've eliminated hydrogenated oils and trans fats from our diet too.  I've also committed myself to working out at least three days a week.  Dannon is also encouraging consumers to live a healthier lifestyle with their "Small Steps to a Better You" Sweepstakes.

From now until February 28th, Dannon is giving you the chance to win free groceries for a week, month or even a year! Simply enter the UPC code found under the barcode of any Dannon product on the contest page for your chance to win.  You get four chances DAILY to enter.

Prizes Include:

• Three (3) Grand Prizes: free groceries for a year, valued at $7,800.
• Fifty (50) First Prizes: free groceries for a month, valued at $550.
• One hundred (100) Second Prizes: will win free groceries for a week, valued at $150.

Visit Dannon for more details and to enter!

Those of us who make New Year’s resolutions know that the hard part isn’t making the resolution, it’s sticking to it.  Health resolutions are SO important - about 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented if women maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, avoided tobacco products and got recommended cancer screenings.  Yet we know that the majority of women put others before themselves and that does not bode well for sticking to a healthy lifestyle.

This year the American Cancer Society wanted to design a program to help women stick to their healthy resolutions.  The Choose You program helps women put their health first and stick to their health commitments by offering social support and financial incentives that have been proven to create long-term behavior change.  Want to check it out and get started?

All you have to do is log onto ChooseYou.com and sign up to make a commitment.   As an extra incentive, women who make a new Choose You Commitment between December 27 and January 31 will be eligible to enter the ‘New Year, Choose You!’ sweepstakes for a chance to win health-related prizes, such as a trip to LA to meet with a personal trainer, spa gift certificates and more.  Keep reading to learn how you can win a Workout Prize Pack here to start you on your way to a healthy lifestyle!

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We moms have all been there at one point in our lives.  You've just had a baby and are cleared by your doctor to begin exercising again.  After taking a good look at yourself, you realize that things are definitely not looking as you left them 9 months ago!  But where do you begin to get your body back on track?

Well, Lindsay Brin has had this exact experience...twice, and as a mother of two in tremendous shape, she knows just how to reshape your core and burn away those extra pounds.  I recently had the opportunity to review her 60 Day SlimDown System, which includes a 60 day meal plan, calendar, progress tracker, fit level test and 4 DVDs.  Keep reading to learn how the 60 Day SlimDown could be your key to a new body in the new year!

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