Sir Mix-A-Lot was right.

A new study out of Oxford University in England found women with "pear-shaped" figures -- ample extra padding around the hips, buttocks and thighs -- are actually at a lower risk for heart and metabolic diseases.

"It is shape that matters and where the fat gathers," said Oxford's Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos, explaining that fat stored on the hips and in the rear absorb harmful fatty acids and further prevent arteries from clogging.

"Fat around the hips and thighs is good for you, but around the tummy is bad," he told BBC News, noting that the proverbial "spare tire" around the belly leads to higher incidences of heart disease.

The findings help explain why women traditionally have lower rates of heart disease then men until they reach menopause, when their rates rise as they begin to gather fat around their midsections (and more likely to already have diabetes and eventually develop heart disease instead).

NYC wants to control what you eat

New York City used to be known as the city where you can see anything, be anything, do anything, and EAT anything you want to.  Now, following on the heels of its health initiatives like counting calories on menus and banning trans fats, the city's health department aims to reduce the sodium content of food sold within its boroughs by 25% over the next 5 years.  According to their statitstics, the average American currently consumes twice the recommended daily intake of sodium.  Elevated sodium intake has been linked to hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.

This might help you with your New Year's resolutions

Egyptian yoga
Egyptian yoga baby

Breaking News: The U.S. Senate has passed its health care reform bill

The U.S. Senate has passed its version of a health care reform bill this morning.  The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed theirs.  Now all that remains is to reconcile the two versions for the final push.  The Senate voted 60-39 along party lines (with Democrats voting for the measure) to pass the controversial bill.  The measure will now go to a conference committee.  Democratic lawmakers hope for President Obama's signature before the State of the Union address in January.  Republican lawmakers contend parts of the bill are unconstitutional and were achieved through backroom buyoffs.  Aren't most political deals negotiated this way?

Maine might require cell phone cancer warnings

Maine is considering legislation making it the first state to require all cell phones carry a cancer warning. Under the proposed bill, manufacturers would be required to place labels on phones and phone packaging warning of the potential for brain cancer. The cancer risk arises from electromagnetic radiation emitted by all cell phones. The warnings would recommend that all users, especially pregnant women and children with developing brains, keep the devices away from their head and body.