Are You Reading Lean In?

Every month, the Scoop hosts our 60-second book club, where we invite you to take a quick peek inside a buzzed-about new book and let us know what you think. This month’s pick: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.

Since you clearly have an Internet connection, we’re assuming you don’t live under a rock and that you’ve heard about (or maybe even started reading) Lean In, the career guide for women by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Some people have applauded Sandberg’s candid approach, while others fault her for saying women often stand in the way of their own career success—but you can come to your own conclusion. Here’s a preview:

Imagine that a career is like a marathon—a long, grueling, and ultimately rewarding endeavor. Now imagine a marathon where both men and women arrive at the starting line equally fit and trained. The gun goes off. The men and women run side by side. The male marathoners are routinely cheered on: “Lookin’ strong! On your way!” But the female runners hear a different message. “You know you don’t have to do this!” the crowd shouts. Or “Good start—but you probably won’t want to finish.” The farther the marathoners run, the louder the cries grow for the men: “Keep going! You’ve got this!” But the women hear more and more doubts about their efforts. External voices, and often their own internal voice, repeatedly question their decision to keep running. The voices can even grow hostile. As the women struggle to endure the rigors of the race, spectators shout, “Why are you running when your children need you at home?”

What do you think? Does this quote make you want to read more? Did you already burn through the book? Share your thoughts in the comments!

photo: Courtesy of Knopf Doubleday

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Facebook For Organs
Since Facebook announced last week that users can add “Organ Donor” as a life event on their timeline, more than 100,000 users have updated their profiles. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he hopes this change will help increase the number of organ donors across the world. It looks like it’s working so far! Via Huffington Post

Long Live The Jog
The benefits of jogging are seemingly endless, and if you haven’t yet added it into your fitness regime, now’s the time. A recent study found that women who regularly hit the pavement lived 5.6 years longer than women who didn’t. Relieve stress, slim down and live longer? Sounds like a no-brainer. Via MSNBC

Nonexistent Normal
What exactly does normal mean when it comes to your down-there health? According to a new study, there’s no such thing. Researchers examined the bacteria levels in different women over extended periods of time and found that no two vaginas are the same. Via Healthland

Get A Body Like B
After giving birth to Blue Ivy four short months ago, Beyonce looks GOOD. Her live-in trainer spoke out about how she got her groove back. She combines cardio and plyometric moves, eats six small meals a day, loads up on protein and nixed processed foods. Via Fit Perez

Genetic Meat-Lovers
If you can’t stand pork, the reason could be found in your genes. A new study suggestions the possibility of a crazy genetic predisposition against meat. Researchers found that certain people have two copies of a gene that allows them to detect a smelly odor that might make meat seem a lot less appealing. Via The Wall Street Journal

Liar, Liar
Honesty is always the best policy–or so we thought. Research shows that being a good liar increases your ability to detect when others are lying by 20 percent. Want to detect a fibber? Look for these five signs: Inconsistent behavior, an overly-steady gave, written tells, mouth-muffling, and a quick smile. Via Prevention

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Schmidt Spins

Schmidt Spins
If you’re as obsessed with the hit show New Girl as we are, then you won’t want to miss this HILARIOUS video of Schmidt “teaching” a spin class. Awesome one-liners, a perfect pump-up song, and hey, he’s got great form. Via Vulture And now Racked reports that Max Greenfield is actually going to lead a charity ride at a West Hollywood SoulCycle on May 6. Dreams do come true!

Found: G-Spot
We’ve heard all of the controversy that surrounds the G-spot (Where is it? How do you get to it? Does it even exist?). But a study published Wednesday claims that it not only exists, but it has an exact location. Via ABC

A Dangerous High
Teens have found a scary new way to get a buzz. Multiple young people in LA were treated for alcohol poisoning after drinking hand sanitizer. Some went as far as distilling the sanitizing product, which creates an alcohol that’s 50 percent stronger than vodka or tequila. Needless to say, consuming this product is extremely dangerous.  Via MSNBC

Edible Landscaping
Think your vegetable garden needs to be confined to the back corner of your yard? Think again. Incorporating plants you can eat, such as fruits and veggies, into your stellar landscape is a new delicious trend. The vibrant colors will complement your flowers perfectly. Via The Wall Street Journal

Hangover Heaven
Partied too hard in Vegas? Let a mobile doc nurse your hangover. A Nevada doctor has opened a clinic on a bus that lets approved patients receive treatment via an IV to relieve the headache and body aches associated with excessive drinking and dehydration. It sounds extreme, but several doctors admit that it’s relatively safe. Via Healthland

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Vegan For Kids
A controversial new children’s book that encourages a vegan lifestyle is making headlines. Even though maintaining a nutritious, vegan diet can be challenging for children, some docs are saying this could be a great way to target a much younger audience and promote healthy eating early in life. Via ABC

No Regrets
We’re told to live life with no regrets. And although having regret when you’re young can encourage change, a new study found that regret in old age could lead to unhappiness and even depression. Via Booster Shots

Extreme Crash Diet
This new trend takes dieting to a scary new level. It has been reported that some women (many of them brides-to-be) are opting for weight-loss treatments that involve feeding tubes that limit consumption to only 800 calories per day. This invasive and dangerous medical procedure can cost patients around $ 1,500 and the long-term effects are not yet known. Via Healthland

Fishy Labels
Check your spicy tuna roll. A new study by Oceana revealed that 55% of fish sold is mislabeled, so you don’t always get what you ask for. Aside from being misleading and aggravating, there can be serious health hazards from eating incorrectly labeled (and potentially un-inspected) fish. Via Prevention

Something Salty
It’s official: America is suffering from sodium overload. In a study that compared fast food chains in countries across the world, the levels of sodium in the U.S. food were sky high compared to the UK and France. Via Medical News Today


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A very pregnant Jessica Simspon took it all off and posed Demi Moore-style for the April issue of ELLE magazine. The day it came out, Jess tweeted that she’s “never felt more beautiful or empowered.” She told the mag that she fears the new little girl will live in sports bras and Nikes, just like her athletic dad. We can’t complain about that! Via People

Stress Overload
One scary thing about stress is that you can be stressed so often, you consider it normal. A new study found that nearly 50 percent of American women admit to not having enough free time, and the side effects of stress can lead to serious illness. High levels of cortisol (a hormone linked with stress) can cause diabetes, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and more. Via ABC

Blue Ivy, Yogi
Pals Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow are taking a super luxe trip to Tuscany, Italy where they’ll get their yoga on daily with the kids. Yes, including two-month-old Blue Ivy! Wait, what? Apparently Beyonce has been taking baby Blue to yoga classes for a while now, per Gwyneth’s recommendation. Via Perezitos

Beard Be Gone
If you’re wondering when Brad Pitt is going to shave off that mountain-man beard and show off his lovable baby face again, you’re not alone. A new experiment found that women don’t exactly find beards more physically attractive. A beard does, however, indicate success, aggression and social status. Via Booster Shots

Rock Out
Next time you feel stressed or upset, crank up the tunes! A new study found that listening to music not only evokes positive emotions, but also lowers stress. Since everyone responds to music differently, it’s important to listen to something you actually like (duh). Via Medical News Today

Easy On The Eyes
With the release of the iPad 3, optometrists are putting out warnings of computer vision syndrome. If you spend more than two hours a day looking at screens, you could be at risk. Docs recommend a “20-20-20” rule, that says for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, you should look away for 20 seconds at something that’s 20 feet away. Via CBS Health Pop

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What We Are Reading This Week
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In With The New
Say buh-bye to the annual Pap test. The United States Preventive Services Task Force announced new guidelines that say women only need a Pap test once every three years and don’t need to be screened before age 21. Since cervical cancer was found to be fairly slow-growing, the new guidelines will still keep women healthy. One year, three years, the important thing is that you’re getting tested! Via Reuters

Work Out With Miranda
Want a body like Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr? Now you can work out with her! If at least 500 people upload their own “I will if you will” challenge to YouTube, Miranda will host a free yoga class online. The campaign was created to raise awareness for Earth Hour. Via New York Daily News

Dangerous Meat
Here’s another reason to cut back on red meat consumption: eating it daily might raise the risk of early death and cancer. Many people who eat red meat were found to have other unhealthy habits too, like smoking, drinking or being physically inactive. What to do? Find healthier sources of protein, like poultry, fish and beans. Via ABC

Sleep Your Way Slim
Sleep is obviously important to weight loss, but a new study tells us why. Those who are more sleep deprived consume around 539 more calories and use less energy, aka they gain more weight. Rather than opting for an afternoon nap, get your sleep at night so you have energy to hit the gym later. Via Fit Perez

Risky Spa Business
Next time to you hit up the spa for a Brazilian blowout, spray tan, or gel manicure you should know the risks behind these common procedures. Formaldehyde in a Brazilian, DHA and synthetic dyes in a spray tan, and UV light in a gel manicure are all things to watch out for. Don’t worry, there are alternatives. Via Prevention

In-Your-Face Ads
In efforts to encourage more Americans to quit smoking, the CDC launched a graphic, 12-week ad campaign called “Tips From Former Smokers.” The campaign kicks off Monday and we’ll start seeing billboards, print, TV, radio and online ads all over the place. Ads include a man who lost his legs, another who has a whole in his neck, and other shocking images. Via Healthland

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The Mad Men Diet
The fifth season of this popular show is finally back, but their health habits are still less than ideal. Cocktails for lunch, smoking 24/7, never exercising – the list goes on and on. Luckily times have changed! Via Prevention

Strip Down
No one likes to show off their less-than-perfect bod in the gym locker room. One doctor is finding that the self-consciousness can be enough to stop you from hitting the gym in the first place. Sure, it can be awkward, but what is it about a gym locker room that makes us run for the stalls? Via MSNBC

Mind-Blowing Workout
You’ve heard rumors about the mysterious “coregasm” and now scientists are saying it’s true! Exercise-induced orgasm can be trigged by any exercises that involve core muscles. Since both exercise and sex increase your heart rate, blood flow and breathing, it makes sense. Via ABC Take a peek at our very own Coregasm workout, too.

Skinny Ban
The Israeli Parliament is taking a giant leap forward to promote healthy body image. They recently banned models from the media who are so thin they look unhealthy or who have a BMI below 18.5. Lawmakers hope this will give women a more realistic image of beauty. Via Booster Shots

Popcorn, Please
If you loaded up on popcorn at The Hunger Games premiere, don’t feel so bad. Although movie theater popcorn isn’t exactly your friend, new research found that popcorn has more healthy antioxidants called polyphenols than fruits and veggies. It’s also the only snack that’s completely unprocessed whole grain. So pop away! Via Fox News

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Fergalicious
Ever wonder how Fergie keeps up such a hot bod? The 37-year-old told Rachael Ray she works out four times a week and loves to hike and jump rope (she doubles up on sports bras for that one). When she does cheat on her routine, she goes for Amy’s Enchiladas with cheddar cheese. Via US Weekly

Night Owl
If you want a midnight snack before you hit the sack, there’s definitely a right and a wrong way to squash the craving. Avoid greasy, fat-filled, high-carb and spicy foods and opt for something small and light like a piece of fruit. Via Prevention

Bald Barbie
Last week Mattel announced on their Facebook page that they are coming out with a bald “friend of Barbie” doll. The company plans on distributing the dolls in hospitals to help send a positive message of beauty directly to girls who are most affected by hair loss. What an awesome initiative! Via MSNBC

Chocolate Dream
Indulging in dessert doesn’t always mean weight gain, according to a new study. Those who consume chocolate on a regular basis were found to have lower body mass indexes. Not to mention that chocolate has been found to help speed up metabolism. Now this is a study we can get behind. Via Medical News Today

She Eats WHAT?
Mad Men star January Jones made headlines last week when she told People magazine that she eats the placenta from the birth of her son last September via capsules. It sounds strange, but Jones isn’t the first to advocate consuming afterbirth. There are no scientific studies confirming the health benefits, but it sure has the mommy blogosphere talking. Via Huffington Post

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Go For The Gold
Getting older is no excuse to be inactive for 86-year-old Johanna Quaas. This gold medal-winning gymnast still practices flips and other tricks on the parallel bars nearly every day. Be sure to check out the viral video…it has more than 1.4 million views! Via MSNBC

Beyonce’s New Blog
Beyonce is known for keeping fans in the dark about her personal life—first about her relationship with Jay-Z and most recently about her pregnancy with Blue Ivy. Now the mega-celeb is posting tons of personal photos about her life and new baby on her new Tumblr blog and her fans couldn’t be happier. Girlfriend leads a fabulous life, that’s for sure. Visit her Tumblr iam.beyonce.com. Via Huffington Post

Preventative Skin Care
Drinking your morning coffee after a workout can have more benefits than you ever thought. The unique combination of exercise and caffeine consumption has been found to decrease sunlight-caused skin cancer formation (in mice, anyway). It also reduces weight and inflammation. Via Science Daily

Bring Home The Bacon
When it comes to roles in the household, times have definitely changed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 40 percent of working wives are now earning more money than their husbands. This change is creating a more equal playing field and is switching up how things are done at home. Via Prevention

Almost Alcoholics
You look forward to having a couple drinks at Happy Hour after work, so what? The new book Almost Alcoholic, written by two doctors, explains the fine line that separates many casual drinkers from alcoholics. This book might help drinkers identify if there actually is a problem with their habits. Via CBS Health Pop


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Veggies or Bust
Veggie lovers rejoice–boy do we have a recipe for you! Embrace the new fall bounty of root vegetables with this roasted vegetable recipe. The perfect side dish for a hearty meal on a crisp fall night. Via Via Relishing It



Makeup Your Mind
Going au natural can be a sexy look, right? Maybe not. New research shows that people perceive women wearing makeup as more competent, likable and attractive. But easy on the eyeliner – too much can come off as less trustworthy. Via ABC



Sweet Potato Spotlight
Sweet potatoes seem to be having a moment right now…and rightly so! These vegetables are nutritional all-stars–high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber–and delicious. Hummus a favorite of yours? Throw in some sweet potatoes for a spin on the traditional chickpea staple.Via Whole Family Fare



Cool It
Picture someone freezing their eggs, and you probably don’t picture someone young with a lot of options on their plate. However, the trend of women freezing eggs for future use is on the rise and some are as young as 30! Is this empowering or kind of scary? Via CNN



The Green Pumpkin Monster
Now that it’s October, we’re having a hard time saying no to anything pumpkin–even this green smoothie! This blogger calls it a pumpkin pie green monster, and says, despite the color, it’s very pumpkin-pie filling like. Via A Full Measure of Happiness



Hydration Education
Gearing up for a marathon? Pay attention to how much H2O you guzzle down during the big race. Recent studies show that more than half of runners aren’t concerned about how much they hydrate. Just remember, only drink when thirsty. Via New York Times

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