Scientists are still trying to understand why more children are reaching puberty earlier than previous generations. Whatever the cause, many young people find they have questions about their changing bodies long before their teachers broach the topic.

Some state programs serving low-income women with young children at nutritional risk may run out of funding by next week. Other states have enough funding to provide benefits — which average $45 per month — through October.

Stressful events in midlife, like the death of a spouse or loss of a job, increased the risk of dementia for women in old age, according to a Swedish study. The researchers couldn't say whether some women's habits, such as regular exercise, lowered the risk from stress.

Shortly after 9:00 a.m., the state's insurance website was live. In almost no time there had been more than 100,000 visits, and someone had already enrolled by 9:30. But throughout the morning, it was tough to get the website to load.

The report found gains in fighting hunger and improving diets in several areas, including parts of East Asia, Southeastern Asia and Latin America.

The federal health law enters a new phase now that consumers can finally kick the tires on health insurance in the marketplaces created for the uninsured and those who buy their own coverage. Window shopping is fine for now because the key deadline for coverage doesn't come until December.

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Maryland's health secretary, says the marketplace is set to open online today. Health officials also expressed confidence the state is prepared to address bumps in the road relating to any technology problems that could arise.

The focal point of the fight over continued funding for the federal government has been the effort by conservatives in the House to defund the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment begins Tuesday. Steve Inskeep talks to Arizona Republican David Schweikert, one of the House members who has supported the effort to defund the law known as Obamacare.

The partisan battle over the health care overhaul stretches back nearly five years. The Affordable Care Act has survived more than 50 votes in Congress and a Supreme Court challenge. But now that the exchanges are open for business, the debate is moving from plans and policy to actual results.

Seven years ago, Massachusetts launched its own experiment with health insurance exchanges. Those involved in that experiment say it's gone smoothly, and as a result, 97 percent of the state's residents now have health coverage. Some called the program Romneycare; some still do.