Stress Is Contagious in Relationships – Here’s What You Can Do to Support Your Partner and Boost Your Own Health During the Holidays and Beyond

By Rosie Shrout, Purdue UniversityWith the flurry of shopping, spending money and traveling to see family, stress can feel inevitable during the holidays. You might already know stress can affect your own health, but what you may not realize is that your stress – and how you manage it – is catching. Your stress can spread around, particularly to your loved ones. As a social-health psychologist, I have developed a model on how partners and their stress influence each other’s psychologica

Folic Acid and Birth Defects: What’s the Connection?

Why all women of reproductive age should make sure they’re getting enough folic acid Alex Fulton Jan 11, 2022 Pregnancy Postpartum pregnancy

Finding My Birth Mother Changed My Life — and the Way I Manage My Health Care

When I was a child, my stepmother told me I had another pair of parents who lived up a beanstalk. My mother had tried to plant her seeds in the soil, but a baby never grew, so my dad and mom climbed the stalk and asked my parents if they could spare a child. “Can I meet my beanstalk parents?” I asked her. “No,” she replied. “The beanstalk was cut down. There is no way for you to reach them.” As an adoptee, I grappled with a sense of not belonging throughout my childhood and carried

Does Your Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Obesity?

Obesity is a disease but not all treatments are covered Deb Gordon Jan 10, 2022 Created With Support obesity

Love Conquers All: My Journey as the Mother of a Transgender Daughter

As told to Nicole PajerJane has always been loving, sweet, funny and creative with a huge heart. In her prepubescent years, before she came out as transgender, she became very shy, closed off and withdrawn. Her father and I became concerned because she was spending a lot of time alone in her room. We maintained an open dialogue with her, but she didn’t quite understand what she was experiencing and couldn’t articulate her emotions. I knew my child was struggling emotionally and socially, an

Rifts Between Older Mothers and Their Adult Children Usually Endure – Even Through Divorce, Illness and Death

By Megan Gilligan, Iowa State UniversityAt the start of every new year, individuals often make resolutions to change aspects of their lives that they find undesirable. For some, these promises to themselves may involve trying to mend broken family relationships. Well-meaning friends and family members may encourage estranged older parents or adult children to reconnect with one another as well. I study family estrangement, and specifically estrangement between mothers and adult children. Alon

10 Reasons to Try a Dry January

January is almost here, and you know what that means: Dry January, a month free of alcohol, is almost here too. To prepare, we did some leg work to find out how a booze-free month can help you. We found that abstaining from drinking alcohol for 31 days can not only benefit your mind and your body but also your wallet. Alcohol Change UK, the organization that started the increasingly popular sobriety challenge in 2013, reported that 65% of those who participate cited improved health, 70% reporte

Self-Care Sunday Series

Everyone makes resolutions for the new year but by the end of January, many of us have already let our resolutions slide. We asked HealthyWomen Women Health Advisory Council member Rachel Sufczynski, MSES, CEP, if we should even make New Year’s resolutions and if we do, how to motivate ourselves, particularly in the cold, dark months of winter. Tune in for Rachel’s expert responses to these questions and more in the first of our #SelfCare Sunday video series. And be sure to check back ea

Biden to Expand Access to At-Home Covid Kits: 4 Essential Reads on the Critical Role of Rapid Tests

By Matt Williams, The ConversationPresident Joe Biden has outlined plans to massively ramp up COVID-19 testing in an effort to curb – or at least slow – the spread of the highly infectious omicron variant across the U.S.In a speech on Dec. 21, 2021, Biden said he aimed to get out “as many tests, as quickly as possible” and said free at-home kits would be sent out to Americans beginning in January.At the forefront of the push against the omicron variant will be new federal testing site

Rifts Between Older Mothers and Their Adult Children Usually Endure – Even Through Divorce, Illness and Death

By Megan Gilligan, Iowa State University At the start of every new year, individuals often make resolutions to change aspects of their lives that they find undesirable. For some, these promises to themselves may involve trying to mend broken family relationships. Well-meaning friends and family members may encourage estranged older parents or adult children to reconnect with one another as well. I study family estrangement, and specifically estrangement between mothers and adult children.

I Came Out on Christmas Eve

As told to Alexandra FrostAs a child, when I watched shows with my mom and LGBTQ characters came on the screen, she would stick out her tongue in disgust and make a disapproving sound. At our Catholic church, where my family was deeply devoted, I listened, confused, to the ideologies: I didn’t understand why God would hate someone who loved someone of the same gender. These influences, among others, meant that I would spend my teen years, during which I identified as bisexual, hiding the trut

Ask the Expert About Bone Health Videos

Why do women have higher rates of osteoporosis? What strength training exercises are considered safe for osteoporosis? How does food affect your bones? What are some examples of bone healthy foods? How does osteoporosis put you at risk for vertebral compression fractures (VCF)? What are some treatment options for VCFs? Can you prevent VCFs? This resource was created with support from Medtronic.

The US Doesn’t Have Enough Faculty to Train the Next Generation of Nurses

By Rayna M. Letourneau, University of South FloridaDespite a national nursing shortage in the United States, over 80,000 qualified applications were not accepted at U.S. nursing schools in 2020, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This was due primarily to a shortage of nursing professors and a limited number of clinical placements where nursing students get practical job training. Additional constraints include a shortage of experienced practitioners to provide supe

Bleeding Disorders in Girls and Women

Are you at risk for a bleeding disorder? Helaine Bader Dec 21, 2021 Created With Support blood disorders

How Healthcare Providers and Patients Can Limit the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance

Español Korin Reid had known about antibiotic resistance since early childhood. From as young as age seven, she recalls reading about it in one of her parents' books, so when she got her first antibiotic-resistant infection (a bacterial infection that some antibiotics can’t treat), "I was kind of annoyed,” said Reid, a data scientist and CEO of Ellison Laboratories. “I've been very cautious about not taking antibiotics when I don't need them." Reid is one of the 2.8 millio

Fast Facts: 10 Facts About Osteoporosis in Women

Reviewed by Ivy Alexander, Ph.D.Osteoporosis is a disease that results from poor-quality bone tissue, which causes the bones to be weak, thin and brittle. This makes it more likely that fractures will occur. Although anyone can develop this disease, it is more common in women than in men. Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about 80% are women. A woman is more likely to develop osteoporosis than a man because women tend to have smaller, thinner bones; lower levels of tes

Putting Yourself on the A-List

The year is coming to a close, and it’s that season when many of us are reflecting on the 12 months now behind us while looking forward to the next 12 coming up. Whether you’re big on New Year’s resolutions or not, there is undoubtedly value in occasionally taking stock. Year’s end is as good a time as any. As I go through this practice myself, I know that one of my biggest priorities for 2022 is putting myself on the A-list. And no, this isn’t because I’ve suddenly become outrageou

A Conversation With Dr. Sarah Psutka About Bladder Cancer

This interview was edited for clarity and length.Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is cancer of the lining of the urinary system. More commonly referred to as “bladder cancer,” it begins in urothelial cells, which line the inside of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. These cells overgrow and form a tumor. Although this type of cancer occurs most often in the bladder, it can occur anywhere that urothelial cells are present, including the urethra, ureters and kidneys. HealthyWome

Good Sex With Emily Jamea: The Burden of Sexual Shame

Emily Jamea, Ph.D. is a sex therapist, author and podcast host. You can find her here each month to share her latest thoughts about sex. Jessie and her husband sat across from me holding hands. “I don’t know what happened,” she said. “Things were great in the beginning. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other.” She looked at him, and he gave her hand a little squeeze, encouraging her to go on. “I don’t know what changed, but I have no desire anymore.” “A lot of people

Beyond the Physical: How MS Affects Your Life

While providers treat the physical symptoms of MS, many women living with the disease are left to handle its mental effects alone Shannon Shelton Miller Dec 02, 2021 Created With Support multiple sclerosis

How Effective Are Vaccines Against Omicron? An Epidemiologist Answers 6 Questions

By Melissa Hawkins, American UniversityThe pandemic has brought many tricky terms and ideas from epidemiology into everyone’s lives. Two particularly complicated concepts are vaccine efficacy and effectiveness. These are not the same thing. And as time goes on and new variants like omicron emerge, they are changing, too. Melissa Hawkins is an epidemiologist and public health researcher at American University. She explains the way researchers calculate how well a vaccine prevents disease, wh

Cómo los proveedores de atención médica y los pacientes pueden limitar la propagación de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos

Korin Reid sabía sobre la resistencia a los antibióticos desde que era pequeña. Desde los siete años, recuerda haber leído sobre eso en uno de los libros de sus padres, así que cuando contrajo su primera infección resistente a los antibióticos (una infección bacteriana que algunos antibióticos no pueden tratar), "estaba un poco molesta", dijo Korin, científica de datos y directora ejecutiva de Ellison Laboratories. "He tenido mucho cuidado de no tomar antibióticos cuando no los nece

Mourning After Mass Shootings Isn’t Enough – a Sociologist Argues That Society’s Messages About Masculinity Need to Change

By Darcie Vandegrift, Drake UniversityToday, Dec. 14, marks the anniversary of the tragic loss of children and teachers at Sandy Hook. After any mass shooting, Americans hear politicians make the ritualistic call for “thoughts and prayers.” Yet years after the killing of these 20 elementary students and six staff, school shootings continue to frequently claim young lives, most recently in Oxford, Michigan. There have been more than 30 in the U.S. during 2021 alone – and more than 600 ma

HIV Prevention Pill PrEP Is Now Free Under Most Insurance Plans – but the Latest Challenge to the Affordable Care Act Puts This Benefit at Risk

December 1 is World AIDS Day By Paul Shafer, Boston University and Kristefer Stojanovski, Tulane University Since the start of the HIV epidemic in 1981, over 700,000 Americans have lost their lives to AIDS. Being infected used to be a death sentence. But now, 40 years later, the U.S. is on the precipice of eradicating HIV. The U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative provides a road map to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. A key preventive strategy in this plan is preexpos

How Do Hormones Affect Osteoporosis?

It’s important to understand how you become more vulnerable to osteoporosis as you age Fortesa Latifi Dec 02, 2021 Created With Support osteoporosis

Legislator Toolkit:Resources for Strengthening Families and Communities: Improving Access to Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

This toolkit is intended to help state legislators (and others) interested in addressing the opioid epidemic in the U.S. The toolkit was jointly developed by HealthyWomen and the Legal Action Center and is partially based upon a presentation we made at a Women in Government Conference in June 2018.The opioid epidemic has many components and causes. To address it requires multiple approaches and collaborations. Each region, state and community must consider its own situation in developing and im

Esclerosis múltiple: Qué esperar desde el diagnóstico hasta el tratamiento

Candice Morgan pensó que sus episodios de mareo se debían a hambre o cansancio. Esta profesional de informática de Detroit, Michigan, se hizo una prueba de embarazo, aunque sabía que no estaba embarazada. Diez días después, fue al hospital, donde los médicos le hicieron una tomografía computarizada y la mantuvieron durante la noche en observación. Al día siguiente, los doctores ordenaron una resonancia magnética y confirmaron su diagnóstico: Morgan tenía esclerosis múltiple. Le fa

Datos curiosos: Lo que debe saber sobre la resistencia a los antimicrobianos (AMR)

La Dra. Elizabeth Asiago-Reddy hizo la revisión de este documento. Los antimicrobianos son medicamentos que se utilizan para prevenir y tratar infecciones causadas por bacterias, virus, hongos y parásitos que se encuentran en humanos, animales y plantas.Los antimicrobianos incluyen antibióticos, antivirales, antifúngicos y antiparasitarios. Han salvado millones de vidas y son uno de los avances médicos más importantes de la historia. La resistencia a los antimicrobianos (AMR, por sus sigl

Why Addressing Racism Against Black Women in Health Care Is Key to Ending the US HIV Epidemic

By Nabila El-Bassel, Columbia UniversityForty years into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Black women continue to bear the highest burden of HIV among women.Although Black women represent only 13% of the female population, they accounted for over half of HIV diagnoses among all females in the U.S. in 2018, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. White women, who are 62% of the female population, accounted for 21% of HIV diagnoses. Black women are also less likely tha

Colorful Sweets May Look Tasty, but Some Researchers Question Whether Synthetic Dyes May Pose Health Risks to Your Colon and Rectum

By Lorne J. Hofseth, University of South CarolinaEarly-onset colorectal cancer incidence among the young, defined as those under age 50, has been rising globally since the early 1990s. Rates for colon and rectal cancers are expected to increase by 90% and 124%, respectively, by 2030.One suspected reason behind this trend is increased global consumption of a Westernized diet that consists heavily of red and processed meats, added sugar and refined grains. Sixty percent of the Standard American

A Conversation With Dr. Sarah Psutka About Bladder Cancer

This interview was edited for clarity and length.Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is cancer of the lining of the urinary system. More commonly referred to as “bladder cancer,” it begins in urothelial cells, which line the inside of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. These cells overgrow and form a tumor. Although this type of cancer occurs most often in the bladder, it can occur anywhere that urothelial cells are present, including the urethra, ureters and kidneys. HealthyWome

Can You Hear Me and Other People With Disabilities?

December 3 is the International Day of Persons With Disabilities.On this year’s International Day of Persons With Disabilities, I look back on a pivotal day in my childhood that transformed how I saw myself and my cerebral palsy.Saturdays were special. As a kid growing up in the suburbs of New York, Saturdays meant Burger King outings with my grandparents, a great big slice of trademarked Hershey’s chocolate pie for me and piping hot oatmeal for them. And we can’t forget about the Happy M

Más allá de lo físico: Cómo la artritis psoriásica puede afectar tu salud mental y sexual

Todos los días, durante todo el día, Cynthia Covert tiene que pensar sobre cuánto dolor le causará cada actividad. “¿Vale la pena? ¿Qué puedo hacer para minimizar el dolor?” son preguntas que debe hacerse a sí misma antes de realizar actividades que la mayoría de nosotros damos por sentado. Esto se debe a que vive con artritis psoriásica (PsA, por sus siglas en inglés), una enfermedad autoinmune inflamatoria crónica que puede ser dolorosa y suele causar dolor en las articulacion

I Fought Generational Obesity by Creating My Own Road Map to a Healthier, Happier Life

As told to Marnie GoodfriendI can’t recall a single childhood memory that wasn’t affected by obesity. As a 101-pound kindergartener, I remember my mom being upset when my school sent home one of those little school pictures with my weight underneath it, and I was the only child whose weight had three digits in it. The rest of the year, the number was blank under my school photos, which taught me early on to associate shame with my body.I come from generational obesity where everyone in my f

What Increases Your Risk for Bone Fractures and Osteoporosis?

Learn what makes you more likely to break bones and get osteoporosis Fortesa Latifi Dec 02, 2021 Created With Support osteoporosis

La artritis psoriásica aumenta el riesgo de sufrir otros problemas de salud

Al igual que muchas estrellas de programas de televisión antes que ella, Meg Maley, concursante en el programa El Gran Hermano 2015, guardaba un secreto. Cuando los espectadores se preguntaban por qué una joven aparentemente sana tenía tan mal desempeño durante las pruebas físicas y en ocasiones se la veía tomar medicamentos, Maley no comentó nada al respecto. Solo cuando su temporada del show había acabado, Maley reveló su secreto: Ella padecía de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica (Ps

Psoriatic Arthritis Can Put You at Risk for Other Health Problems

Like many reality TV stars before her, 2015 Big Brother contestant Meg Maley was keeping a secret. When viewers wondered why a seemingly healthy young woman did so poorly during physical competitions and was sometimes seen taking pills, Maley kept silent. It wasn't until after her season of the show ended that Maley revealed her secret: She had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).While many people think of psoriasis as a skin condition, it's actually a chronic autoimmune disease that can le

Clinically Speaking: Important Questions to Ask About Antimicrobial Resistance

Medically reviewed by Dr. Chad Sanborn Decades of overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has led to the global health threat known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is when germs change over time and no longer respond to common medications. This makes infections harder to treat or not treatable at all. Each year, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States alone, and more than 35,000 people die as a result of AMR. The situation has become so dire t

Living with Psoriasis My Entire Life, I Knew I Could Develop Psoriatic Arthritis

As told to Erica RimlingerMy grandmother had psoriasis, an auto-immune condition that affects the skin. Although it can be inherited, none of her children have it, none of my 10 cousins have it, and none of my three brothers and sisters have it. But I do.In fact, I've been living with it for such a long time I don't remember not living with it. But my journey with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) began just last year. PsA is a form of arthritis that can affect people who have psoriasis, and although i

Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your HCP About Psoriatic Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Dr. Stuart KaplanPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic disease of the joints, and it can be a tricky illness to navigate. But it's extremely important to get it under control because living with chronic pain can feel devastating and cause long-term damage. Although early diagnosis matters for treatment, people don't always get help quickly. This is often the result of a lack of education about the condition. In addition, without a specific test that can diagnose PsA, the

Get the Facts About Psoriatic Arthritis

The best advice for your health, weekly, in your inbox

All About Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory form of arthritis where the immune system attacks healthy tissue and causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Early diagnosis can keep the disease from progressing, potentially preventing irreversible joint damage and permanent disability — and lower your risk of developing other conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, that can go along with it.As Tina Jamerson Hopkins explained to HealthyWomen, "The key about PsA is to

Listen to Healthcare Providers, but Trust Your Body and Yourself

As told to Liz Sauchelli When I was 30, I woke up one morning unable to move a single joint in my body. I'd gone to sleep the night before feeling unwell, but I didn't think much of it. I was still recovering from the birth of my third child, and it had been a difficult one. I'd needed a blood transfusion, and in the 10 months since, my body had remained weak. But that morning was completely different. I couldn't make a fist to brush my teeth. I couldn't bend my knees or my hips. I had no

A New, Lower Threshold for Lead Poisoning in Children Means More Kids Will Get Tested – but the Ultimate Solution Is Eliminating Lead Sources

Gabriel Filippelli, IUPUI The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its blood lead reference value – the level at which children ages 1-5 are considered to have high exposure to lead. Since 2012, this threshold had been set at 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood; children at or above this level represented the top 2.5% with the highest blood lead levels in the nation. Now, in response to recent federal health surveys, the CDC has updated that number t

Beyond the Physical: How Psoriatic Arthritis Can Affect Your Mental and Sexual Health

Every day, all throughout the day, Cynthia Covert has to think about how much pain any given activity will cause her. "Is it worth it? What can I do to minimize the pain?" she must ask herself before performing activities most of us take for granted. That's because she lives with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can be painful and can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, diminished range of motion, nail changes, rashes and fatigue."Psoriatic arthritis

Unvaccinated? Don’t Count on Leaving Your Family Death Benefits

By Michelle Andrews, Kaiser Health NewsThese days, workers who refuse to get vaccinated against covid-19 may face financial repercussions, from higher health insurance premiums to loss of their jobs. Now, the financial fallout might follow workers beyond the grave. If they die of covid and weren't vaccinated, their families may not get death benefits they would otherwise have received. New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority no longer pays a $500,000 death benefit to the families of su

What You Need to Know About Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.I was 8 years old when my Girl Scout leader told the troop that I got diabetes from eating too much cake.I remember my face heating up as my friends stared at me. I had just returned to my new "normal" after a week in the hospital, and this was the first time I'd heard the cake theory. I struggled to remember the last time I even had cake.When my mother picked me up from the meeting, I asked her if it was true. She grabbed my hand and led me back in

I’m an Infectious Disease Doctor. Yes, I’m Vaccinating Our 5-Year-Old Against Covid-19. Here Is Why You Should Too.

Alexander Wong, University of SaskatchewanI am an infectious disease physician. When it is our turn to vaccinate our five-year-old son against COVID-19, I will do so with confidence and without hesitation. I am encouraging every parent with eligible children between ages five and 11 to do the same. Here is why.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. Subsequently, members of the Centers for Disea

New Moms Are Busy Checking on Their Babies. But Is Anyone Checking on Them?

A lot of time and effort goes into preparing for the birth of a baby — but the plan for what happens when the baby comes home doesn't get nearly as much attention. Life changes instantly with the arrival of a new baby and a new mom's mental health is not always prioritized during that time (the 12 weeks after the baby is born known as the "fourth trimester") or beyond. Having a baby is supposed to be the happiest time of a mom's life. But in reality, some moms may experience the "baby blues."

A Survey About You, Your Health & Your Needs

Here at HealthyWomen we've got you on our minds. Our goal is to provide you with the highest-quality information about the health topics that affect you most. We're always looking to improve what we do, so we created this survey to help us get to know you better and learn what information you want and need to be at your healthiest. Your answers will guide us as we continue to refine and improve the content we create. Thank you, in advance, for participating! We are so grateful. —Team Health

Bleeding Disorders and Women: Could You Be at Risk?

Although bleeding disorders are not as widely recognized in women as in men, they do occur. While women and men have similar symptoms, women can experience added complications throughout their lifetime. That's why it's critical that women know the symptoms, get a diagnosis and take steps to getting treatment. Tune into our "Bleeding Disorders and Women: Could You Be at Risk?" Facebook Live series to hear from leading experts and real women living with bleeding disorders on topics includin

How a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis in My 20s Taught Me How to Live

As told to Liz SauchelliWhen I was younger, I wanted to be the next Oprah. As a broadcaster, my mind was always on the next story or package to produce. At 25, after years of freelancing, I'd finally landed a full-time job with health benefits and I felt like I was on my way in life.That changed after a routine visit to a gynecologist when I was diagnosed with stage IIA cervical cancer and told I had to have a radical hysterectomy. At that point, it had been around four years since I'd had a Pa

As a Journalist Who Was an Early Domestic Violence Victim, Writing and Teaching Have Been the Best Medicine

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.He was a lawyer with a red Alfa Romeo, a 7 handicap in golf and a new two-bedroom condo in a leafy Washington, D.C. suburb.I was a banking and pensions reporter with a spotty driving record, a shopping problem, and a studio apartment in an iffy D.C. neighborhood.While our differences could have kept us apart, drinking brought us together. It took nearly four years, three violent assaults and a multistate escape before it officially tore us a

Want to Manage Postsurgical Pain Without Opioids? There Are Other Options.

Dipal Shah had an emergency delivery for her baby. She was put under anesthesia during the complex procedure and awoke in tremendous pain. "I kept pushing the morphine push button. The nurse had to stop me," the 45-year-old recalled. "They wanted me to take opioids, but after the first day, I was throwing up and nauseated immediately. I couldn't function." Shah then switched to ibuprofen, which she used throughout her 12-week recovery.Many doctors are quick to give women like Shah opioids post-

Managing Postsurgical Pain

A swift and smooth recovery after surgery is critical for anyone, but it's especially crucial for women, who are likely to be managing many different responsibilities. While there's a time and place for opioids, there are non-opioid pain management options to treat acute pain after common surgeries for women, like hysterectomies, mastectomies, breast reconstruction and cesarean sections (C-sections).In our new education program, we help you understand effective non-opioid options and how to tal

Breast Surgery and Opioids: What You Need to Know

Erica Rimlinger didn't know what to expect after her mastectomy. But she was feeling pretty anxious about the level of pain she'd be forced to experience."My doctor gave me diazepam [a non-opioid medication used for anxiety, muscle spasms or seizures] to relax before I came to the hospital," she recalled. "And then, before they put me under, they had to do a procedure that I wasn't expecting." The procedure was a breast biopsy, which involved a needle piercing her nipple.She continued, "The pai

September Policy Roundup

1. Advancing NIH Research on the Health of WomenHealthyWomen is working to inform the National Institute of Health's (NIH) upcoming meeting "Advancing NIH Research on the Health of Women: A 2021 Conference" by providing comments on the effort. HealthyWomen identified major challenges and opportunities that exist to address rising maternal morbidity and mortality rates, chronic debilitating conditions in women and stagnant cervical cancer survival rates. We also included the stories of real wome

‘Down to My Last Diaper’: The Anxiety of Parenting in Poverty

By Jenny Gold, Kaiser Health NewsFor parents living in poverty, “diaper math" is a familiar and distressingly pressing daily calculation. Babies in the U.S. go through six to 10 disposable diapers a day, at an average cost of $70 to $80 a month. Name-brand diapers with high-end absorption sell for as much as a half a dollar each, and can result in upwards of $120 a month in expenses. One in every three American families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infants and toddlers clean, d

The Intersections of Weight Stigma, Mental Wellbeing & Health Disparities

This briefing will educate Congressional staff and others on the negative consequences of weight stigma in the U.S. and ways the organization is tackling this issue through their Reclaim Your Wellness campaign in partnership with the Black Women's Health Imperative. Hear from leading experts about your risk factors, how to talk to your healthcare provider and the lifestyle choices you can make right now to keep your heart healthy as you age. Moderator: Lesli Foster, Evening News Anchor

Celebrating Every Body Requires Access to the Best Weight-Management Care

If you've gained weight during the Covid-19 pandemic, you are not alone. A year into the pandemic, an American Psychological Association survey showed that 45% of women report undesired weight gain, with an average addition of 22 pounds. Gaining weight can make us feel insecure about our appearance or uncomfortable in pants we may have easily worn before. And there's no shortage of shame or stigma when it comes to our weight. But weight alone is not the best measure of health, and weight stigma

Kids With Obesity Need Acceptance From Family and Friends, Not Just Better Diet Tips, to Succeed at Managing Their Weight

By Amanda Harrist, Oklahoma State University and Laura Hubbs-Tait, Oklahoma State University Hundreds of programs over the past four decades – from the removal of junk food from school vending machines to Michelle Obama's “Let's Move" campaign – have tried to get kids in the U.S. to eat healthier food and exercise more often. But none of these efforts lowered national child obesity rates. In fact, child obesity has continued to increase. This has been particularly true during the

It Wasn’t Muscle Damage: It Was Four Fractures and Osteoporosis

As told to Liz SauchelliIt had been two weeks since I'd slipped on the front stairs of my home and my back was still in excruciating pain. The emergency room doctor I'd seen after my fall thought I had muscle damage and had sprained my back. He prescribed anti-inflammatories and painkillers without taking an X-ray. At the time, I thought I was in too much pain for it to be a sprain, but I took his word and went home.Over the next two weeks, it got to the point where I couldn't even sleep in my

What You Need to Know About Uterine Fibroids

The best advice for your health, weekly, in your inbox

HealthyWomen Is a Proud Convener on the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project (CVEEP)

The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project (CVEEP) was established in December 2020 by the Alliance for Aging Research, HealthyWomen and the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. The project is composed of more than 200 leading organizations representing patient, provider, employer and public health organizations. This group has been convening dialogue among organizations representing the multitude of constituencies that face challenges from COVID-19, including diverse commun

Heart To Heart: How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Heart Health Throughout Your Life

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States? Far too many women think of heart disease as a man's issue — but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, risk factors in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, peripartum cardiomyopathy and preterm birth, along with autoimmune and other chronic diseases, can impact your heart health throughout your life. Hear from leading experts about your risk factors, how to talk to you

Children With Disabilities Face Special Back-to-School Challenges

By Heidi de Marco, Kaiser Health NewsLOS ANGELES — Christopher Manzo, a boy with curly brown hair and bright-blue-and-yellow glasses, has lived a third of his five years at home because of the pandemic. And he is more than ready for kindergarten.Hand in hand with his mother, Martha Manzo, he walks into the Blind Children's Center, a low-rise building nestled among apartment complexes in East Hollywood. In the brightly colored hallway, filled with paintings of animals, Manzo kneels to hug Chri

Simple Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating After Fauci Greenlighted Halloween 2021

By Meg Sorg, Purdue UniversityThe air is getting chillier, pumpkins are perched on porches and kids across the country are planning their spooky costumes. As a professor of pediatric nursing and a mom to four young children, I know the excitement and anxiety that pandemic holidays bring to children and parents alike. Halloween 2020 brought creative ways to trick or treat while minimizing the spread of infection (candy catapult, anyone?). But scientists have since determined that the risk of

Let’s Talk About Osteoporosis

Did you know that one in two women will break a bone in their lifetime as a result of osteoporosis? That makes the condition, which causes bones to become brittle and fragile, a greater risk than breast cancer, heart attack and stroke — combined. At HealthyWomen, we want to help you better understand osteoporosis, why it's more common in women than men, and the questions you should ask your healthcare provider about prevention, treatment, tests and more. While women who are experiencing me

Yes, We Should Be Keeping the Healthier Hand-Washing Habits We Developed at the Start of the Pandemic

By Melissa Hawkins, American UniversityPeople were washing their hands so much early in the pandemic that sensitive skin and soap shortages were common problems in 2020. All this focus on hand-washing was for good reason. The science uniformly demonstrates that frequent hand-washing reduces the risk of a variety of illnesses. It is low-hanging fruit in terms of an easy, healthy habit to practice. However, people today aren't washing their hands as often as at the beginning of the pandemic, a

Hypertension Forced Me to Have My Baby Preterm. There Were No Warning Signs.

As told to Nicole Audrey SpectorAs a maternal fetal medicine nurse, I'm used to running around from one patient to the next. But on that day in December 2012, the floor was unusually quiet. So I figured, "What the heck? May as well go have my fetal stress test done."Just shy of 36 weeks pregnant, I had another eight days to go before my pregnancy would be full-term. I expected my blood pressure reading to be normal because I felt perfectly fine. No headache, no seeing spots, no nausea or any ot

HPV, Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening: What Do You Need to Know?

Medically reviewed by Nancy Berman, MSN Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer, is common. By the age of 50, 80% of women will have had an HPV infection with one or more of 14 high-risk HPV types. Most infections are cleared within 24 months. If the virus isn't cleared and persists, cells may become moderately or severely abnormal (also called pre-cancer). The purpose of screening by Pap and/or HPV testing is to find and then treat

Birth Control: Understanding Your Options

There are plenty of options for birth control these days — which is great. But it also means there's a lot to learn about how they're the same and how they're different.In our new education program, we're here to help you figure it out. We asked Dr. Erica Montes, FACOG, an OB-GYN and creator of women's health blog "The Modern Mujer," about the questions you should ask your healthcare provider. We also help you understand the differences between hormonal and non-hormonal contraception and brea

Britney’s Conservatorship Is One Example of How the Legacy of Eugenics in the US Continues to Affect the Lives of Disabled Women

By Michaela Kathleen Curran, University of Iowa Britney Spears has been locked in a court battle 13 years in the making. While her father was suspended as conservator of her estate on Sep. 29, 2021, her conservatorship might not be terminated until the next hearing on Nov. 12. During this conservatorship, she was limited in her ability to make everyday choices that most people take for granted. One revelation that came out of Spears' emotional testimony was that she was not

Who Qualifies for a Covid Booster? The List Is Growing Longer

On Friday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said people whose jobs put them at risk of coronavirus infection qualify for a shot to boost the protection of their covid-19 vaccination.That step to include people with “institutional and occupational exposure" overrules the recommendation of her agency's advisory panel, and the move was a surprise to many. “It was not expected, but I think the director, Walensky, wanted to go along with what the FDA had said

Britney’s Conservatorship Is One Example of How the Legacy of Eugenics in the US Continues to Affect the Lives of Disabled Women

By Michaela Kathleen Curran, University of Iowa Britney Spears has been locked in a court battle 13 years in the making. While her father was suspended as conservator of her estate on Sep. 29, 2021, her conservatorship might not be terminated until the next hearing on Nov. 12. During this conservatorship, she was limited in her ability to make everyday choices that most people take for granted. One revelation that came out of Spears' emotional testimony was that she was not

Menopause Matters

Tips and facts from the HealthyWomen community

HIV and Older Women

The best advice for your health, weekly, in your inbox

Can Healthy People Who Eat Right and Exercise Skip the Covid-19 Vaccine? A Research Scientist and Fitness Enthusiast Explains Why the Answer Is No

By Richard Bloomer, University of MemphisI'm a fitness enthusiast. I also adhere to a nutrient-dense, “clean" eating program, which means I minimize my sugar intake and eat a lot of whole foods for the purpose of optimizing my health. You might wonder how effective such a diet and exercise plan would be in the fight against COVID-19, since some have suggested – without supporting evidence – that vaccination may be unnecessary if a detailed wellness lifestyle is closely followed. As a re

Birth Control: Understanding Your Options

There are plenty of options for birth control these days — which is great. But it also means there's a lot to learn about how they're the same and how they're different.In our new education program, we're here to help you figure it out. We asked Dr. Erica Montes, FACOG, an OB-GYN and creator of women's health blog "The Modern Mujer," about the questions you should ask your healthcare provider. We also help you understand the differences between hormonal and non-hormonal contraception and brea

Conversación sobre la salud: Preguntas que debería hacer a su proveedor de servicios médicos sobre los métodos de control natal

La Dra. Erica Montes hizo la revisión médica de este documento.El dilema del control natal parecía ser simple en el pasado: Una persona iba al doctor y simplemente pedía "la píldora". Pero ahora hay muchas opciones, incluyendo algunas no hormonales. Todo es un poquito más complicado. ¿Qué píldora? ¿Por qué? ¿Cuáles son los efectos colaterales? ¿Qué otras opciones hay? Todas estas son preguntas importantes que debe considerar cuando escoja su método de control natal.Le pedimos a

Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Birth Control

Español Medically reviewed by Dr. Sabrina SahniThe best birth control option varies for each person. It's important to consider factors such as your lifestyle, schedule, medical history and any medicines you take when you pick a birth control method. As these details change throughout your life, the best birth control option for you might change as well.Talking with your healthcare provider (HCP) can help you decide which type of birth control will work best for you. In the meantime, h

Can Healthy People Who Eat Right and Exercise Skip the Covid-19 Vaccine? A Research Scientist and Fitness Enthusiast Explains Why the Answer Is No

By Richard Bloomer, University of MemphisI'm a fitness enthusiast. I also adhere to a nutrient-dense, “clean" eating program, which means I minimize my sugar intake and eat a lot of whole foods for the purpose of optimizing my health. You might wonder how effective such a diet and exercise plan would be in the fight against COVID-19, since some have suggested – without supporting evidence – that vaccination may be unnecessary if a detailed wellness lifestyle is closely followed. As a re

Back-to-School Ready: A Conversation About Vaccines With Leading Experts and Parents Webinar

The pandemic has caused many parents to delay routine care, including things like dental cleanings and checkups. Because annual appointments are when many kids receive their scheduled vaccinations, those who missed their yearly checkups may also have missed vaccines. You may be wondering what to do if your child is behind on their vaccines and whether the Covid-19 vaccine affects back-to-school vaccines. What about herd immunity and booster shots? And will we need to think about the flu sh

Evidence Shows That, Yes, Masks Prevent COVID-19 – and Surgical Masks Are the Way to Go

By Laura (Layla) H. Kwong, University of California, BerkeleyDo masks work? And if so, should you reach for an N95, a surgical mask, a cloth mask or a gaiter?Over the past year and a half, researchers have produced a lot of laboratory, model-based and observational evidence on the effectiveness of masks. For many people it has understandably been hard to keep track of what works and what doesn't.I'm an assistant professor of environmental health sciences. I, too, have wondered about the answe

Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Contraception: What’s the Difference?

Erika Zar, 45, tried many different kinds of birth control before she settled on her current one. "Most of them seemed to amplify my mood shifts," she said. The birth control pills that she tried lowered her sex drive and made her depression worse, and the vaginal ring made her so "ragey" that she only lasted seven days with it.After two emergency surgeries to treat her endometriosis, Zar was prescribed a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) to help control the disease — and she's still using o

Fitness Training for Weight Loss

With all of the many ways that people are looking to get fit, why not do it in a way where you can see results almost immediately? Toning up and getting stronger is one good option. This type of weight loss method is used mostly by athletes and should be taken lightly. This type of weight loss should be done under the supervision of a professional so that you do not overstrain your body and also to make sure that you are following the correct procedures.  There are basically three differen

Sponsored Ad - 100 Billion CFU Daily Probiotics for Women with Organic Prebiotic Fiber Blend for Immune Support, Vaginal H...

Tiesta Tea Detox Tea Sampler Dry Flight Set - High to No Caffeine, Hot & Iced Tea, Loose Leaf Tea Sample Set with Green, &...

DETOX LOOSE LEAF TEA SAMPLER SET featuring our blends promoting weight loss, including Lemon Ginger Turmeric , Citrus Detox, Chocolate Ginger Turmeric, Lean Green Machine, Ginger Sweet Peach, Tasmanian Herbs & Matcha and Chinese Gunpowder TRADITIONAL AND UNIQUE FLAVORS bursting in each cup; the bright, bold flavors in our weight loss tea blends will leave you satisfied while helping you achieve your health goals; you won't feel like you're drinking diet tea; enjoy as hot or iced tea PREMIUM SLIM

LifePro Rumblex 4D Vibration Plate Exercise Machine - Triple Motor Oscillation, Linear, Pulsation + 3D/4D Vibration Platfo...

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE VIBRATING PLATFORM ON THE MARKET: Whether you’re looking to improve bone density, lose fat, build muscle tone, recover from an injury or surgery, or relieve chronic pain, the Rumblex makes the perfect partner. Amongst its many benefits, this whole body vibrating platform calms the nervous system, greatly improves bone density, and strengthens your core for greater balance. Get all the benefits of a therapy session from the comfort and convenience of your home. RECOVERY,

Etekcity Scale for Body Weight, Smart Digital Bathroom Weighing Scales with Body Fat and Water Weight for People, Bluetoot...

Syncs with Fitness Apps-Works with Bluetooth on iOS and Android. Free VeSync app syncs data with Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Fit & FitBit, so you can store all your data in one convenient, centralized location for viewing trends and tracking progress. FULL BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS- Get 13 essential measurements including Weight, BMI, Body Fat, Visceral Fat, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass, Body Water, and more! You can weigh yourself anytime, even without your phone on hand. The data will sync

Wesoke Rubber Dumbbells Weights Pair Set with Non-Slip Grip, Hand Weights for Gym Fitness Workouts, Strength Training, Wei...

DUMBBELL HAND WEIGHT: Wesoke dumbbells have a soft and non-slip rubber coating and provide ergonomically curved handles to make you comfortable and safe when using in fitness. CONSTRUCTION: Made of high-quality cast iron core, so that your hand-held weights will not break or bend after repeated use. And adopt the anti-rolling design, so that your hand weight will not roll, and easy to stack. VERSATILE: Perfect for training individual muscle groups or major muscle groups, HIIT workouts, and walki

The Guilt Free Gourmet Cookbook Volume 3: Gourmet Burgers, Sandwiches, Sides & Salads for Healthy Weight Loss

Beginners Weight Loss and Toning Program

Magnesium by Nature’s Bounty, 500mg Magnesium Tablets for Bone & Muscle Health, 200 Tablets

Contains (1) bottle of 200 coated tablets of Nature's Bounty 500 milligram Magnesium mineral supplements. Tablets are coated for easy swallowing and support bone and muscle health, maintaining bone mineralization. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Gluten free Nature's Bounty High Potency Magnesium helps optimal bone support and muscle health. Magnesium aids in protein formation and nerve impulses. Since Magnesium absorption can decrease in older adults, taking a magnesium supplement may be es

Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement for Men & Women, 250 mg, 100 Capsules (Pack - 2)

DAILY PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT: Each capsule contains 250mg of our unique probiotic strain, which is larger & stronger than many other probiotics & provides increased intestinal coverage & protection. DIGESTIVE & IMMUNE SUPPORT: Florastor helps increase the natural flora in your digestive tract & supports overall health by strengthening your digestive balance & supporting a healthy immune system. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Made with ingredients found in nature that are vegetarian, gluten-free, & appropriate

Now Foods Vitamin D3 5,000 IU, 240 softgels (Pack of 2)

Extreme Rapid Weight Loss Hypnosis: How to Stop Emotional Eating, improve your Self-Esteem and Feel Great with your Body Fit

FORA 6 Connect 50 Blood Ketone Test Strips, Ideal for Keto Diet and Low Carb Weight Loss

Designed for diabetics or Keto diet users who prefer a self testing option Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase enzyme Tiny sample volume 0.8 microliter Quick result in 10 seconds; Measurement ranges from 0.1 to 8.0 millimoles per liter 50 Count per Vial

Hulavate Weighted Hula Hoop for Adults - Abdominal Core Strengthening, TIK Tok Hula Hoop, Weightloss Essentials - Hoola Ho...

FEEL THE BURN: Our 2.5lb weighted hula hoop has a stainless steel core for a satisfying all around balanced workout. With proper diet, our hula hoop can significantly help with burning calories and sculpting your desired figure. SOFT & GENTLE FOAM PADDING: This smooth foam padded weighted exercise hoop is an effective and convenient way to increase mobility, tone muscle and improve your mood in just a quick hoop session. The extra thick padding allows even the beginner to feel comfortable as the

Pinch of Nom Quick & Easy: 100 Delicious, Slimming Recipes

Heart Healthy Foods

The heart is the most important organ in our body; without it, we cannot survive. It pumps blood to all parts of your body and keeps you alive! But what if some food products that are consumed every day created a buildup on arteries leading to the heart? This can lead to plaque formation which blocks airflow as well as cause strokes or other unwanted conditions. If this sounds like something you want avoid at any cost, then make sure next time when looking for meals for tonight's dinner party tr

How to Lose Weight by Walking

It's simple: Whenever you walk, your metabolism increases by more than 30%. So the next time you are standing around at work or sitting on a plane and don't feel like moving much, get up and start walking. You'll be able to burn 100-200 calories per hour so why not give it a try? As long as we're living upright in civilization (thanks mom!), there will always need to be something for us humans that is better suited then just sitting down!   All of us think we all know what exactly walking

Fat Loss Supplement Be Right and Lose Weight

Losing weight can be challenging, but it doesn't have to feel like a chore. If you're tired of counting calories or dealing with hunger pangs and food cravings, then this is the right product for you! This formula has been scientifically proven to help reduce appetite and increase metabolism without any side effects. It also provides an all-natural approach that's free from chemicals such as stimulants, caffeine derivatives, laxatives (ease), diuretics (to get rid of water) - no matter what your

Effects of Alcohol on Your Weight Loss

Some people believe that drinking more water can help with weight loss. What they don't know is how alcohol affects their efforts. Alcohol increases the body's insulin levels and blood sugar which could lead to a slower metabolism, fat accumulation on your waistline, increased appetite for unhealthy food items such as sweet desserts or salty snacks when you're feeling hungry after an alcoholic drink - all of these factors are detrimental to successful dieting endeavors! This article provides som

Best Exercises To Lose Weight Quickly

The best exercises to lose weight quickly are not secrets reserved for a mere few. They're quite common, yet they're overlooked by many who seek an easy fix or quick results. What most people don't realize is that the answer isn't as elusive and mysterious as it may seem - It's more about what you do after your workout than before!   The best way to lose weight quickly is with some heart-pounding exercises. Walking up stairs or walking in general are great for burning fat and getting a go

Solid Fitness Advice For Senior Citizens Trying To Lose Weight

Losing weight might not be the only reason why you are exercising. Even if it is, there's no need to feel discouraged or frustrated because of your age. You have a lot going for you that people in their twenties and thirties don't like being more physically fit now than they were twenty years ago! The following article will offer some tips on how seniors can lose those extra pounds without compromising quality of life too much:   One key thing about maintaining one’s fitness as an o

Benefit from Foods that Speed Up Your Metabolism

It's no surprise that fast-food is associated with poor health. Unfortunately, most people don't know the difference between a good and bad food when it comes to their metabolism. The next time you're thinking about ordering something from McDonalds or KFC order some salad instead! You'll thank yourself later because of all those extra nutrients your body needs for optimal performance as well as increased energy levels in general which leads to more productivity at work/school etc...   Yo

Weight Loss: Why Exercise Is Important

There are a lot of reasons to exercise. One is that your body will get in shape, and you'll look better. Another reason is because it's good for your heart health—when people with high blood pressure who work out regularly see their numbers drop dramatically! Working-out also helps relieve anxiety and stress by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream; so even if only one workout can make you feel on top of the world temporarily, imagine what practicing this habit every day could do over

How Much Exercise For Weight Loss Is The Right Amount

If you're looking to lose weight, the amount of exercise you do per day plays a vital role. There are so many different opinions on how much time people should spend exercising each week in order to reach their goals and see results from that effort. One popular opinion is 30 minutes-3 hours a day depending on your current fitness level as well as what type of exercises will be most beneficial for your goal (cardio vs weights). On average, based off personal experience with clients who have lost