MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'advertising/marketing'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:26:51 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069423&cid=t_386705_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fhowdy-from-down-here-colbert-on-summers-eve-and-ads-for-clean-men Have you seen the Summer’s Eve videos featuring vaginal puppeteering (by way of a talking hand) asking for more V-love? The videos promote using scented cleansing and deodorant products to freshen your vagina. Let’s get one thing straight up front: Vaginas don’t need cover-up. In fact, douches and other scented products are more likely to cause irritation and infection. The vagina is very good at cleaning itself, so if Summer’s Eve really believed in its tagline, “Hail to the V,” it would leave our vaginas alone. But making money off women’s insecurities about their bodies never grows old for Summer’s Eve. Its newest ads targeting black and Latina women play on racial and ethnic stereotypes in addition to playing on women’s insecuriti... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069423 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:02:11 +0100 5069423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318286&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F06%2Ftoday-in-rape-culture-tosh-0%2F I love funny online videos as much as most people, so when web clip show Tosh.0 started airing on Comedy Central, I watched a few episodes. I soon decided that I could no longer watch due to frequent rape jokes and other misogynistic and problematic material. Last night, I saw a new promo for the upcoming season of Tosh.0 and was slapped across the face with a blatant rape joke. Unfortunately I can’t embed it, so you’ll have to go to the site to view it. Here’s the transcript: Some guy, probably from a web video I haven’t seen: Hide your kids, hide your wife, and hide your husband. Daniel Tosh: Because on season 3 of Tosh.0, we’re raping everybody. “We’re raping everybody.” That was deemed acceptable for a show promo on Comedy Central, and i... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318286 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:24:57 +0100 4318286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942738&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F07%2Famerican-academy-of-pediatrics-on-sexy-tv%2F The American Academy of Pediatrics published a new statement on “Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media” in the September 2010 print issue of Pediatrics, and I can’t help applauding some of the organization’s recommendations, like this one: Pediatricians should urge schools to insist on comprehensive sex education programs (to counter the influence of sexually suggestive and explicit media) that incorporate basic principles of media literacy into their sex education programs…Federal money should be spent on comprehensive sex education programs but not on abstinence-only programs, which have been found to be ineffective. Yes, please. As somebody who both supports comprehensive (i.e., not “abstinence-only”) sex ed and is a librarian who supports media and ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942738 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:42:09 +0100 3942738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786973&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F25%2Fsunday-news-round-up-why-is-it-sunday-already-edition%2F Some things that captured my attention or otherwise delighted me this week: Zen Habits has 20 ways to eliminate stress that I should really pay more attention to. Via Siobhan at Bringing Health Information to the Community, I learned about DeafMD, which provides health information in video form using American Sign Language. It includes videos on numerous diseases, understanding laboratory and imaging tests, and a searchable database of doctors they consider deaf-friendly (submitted by readers; no criteria for deaf-friendliness described). Pam’s House Blend has the video and transcript of Dan Choi’s appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show. I have to admit, I teared up a little watching this segment. Pam has been covering Choi’s case pretty extensively, including his appearan... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786973 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:03:15 +0100 3786973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764122&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F18%2Fsunday-news-round-up-three-videos-one-post-edition%2F A few things that caught my eye this week: Heather at Scarleteen is inviting people to participate in a new series in which people of two generations discuss their experiences, such as of teen motherhood, being trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, HIV positive, or asexual, abortion, surviving rape and sexual abuse, and other topics listed here. See the post and send her an email if you’re interested in participating. Amy at Science and Sensibility recommends Trish Greenhalgh’s book, How to a Read a Paper, and I definitely second that recommendation. Great, clear stuff on understanding study design and interpretation. The New York Times Magazine has a great piece, The New Abortion Providers, on barriers physicians face in providing abortion and integrating it into mainstre... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764122 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:43:43 +0100 3764122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690814&cid=t_386705_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F06%2Fthe-sex-drug-chronicles-flibanserin-evidence-too-flimsy-for-fda-approval An FDA advisory panel last week unanimously recommended not to approve a new drug that purports to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women, which is defined as “low or no sexual interest to the point of distress in otherwise healthy people.” According to Julia Johnson, the panel’s chairwoman and head of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the impact of the drug flibanserin (proposed trade name: Girosa), developed by the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, was “not robust enough to justify the risks.” Indeed, this is the point many women’s health advocates have stressed all along. The flibanserin trials were considered a success by Boehringer, but the results seem l... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690814 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:29:05 +0100 3690814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490610&cid=t_386705_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fcrisis-pregnancy-centers-continue-to-mislead-women Change.org, partnering with RH Reality Check and the Feminist Majority Foundation, has launched a petition campaign related to “crisis pregnancy centers” (CPCs) – “clinics” that often advertise free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds and are set up with the intent to talk women out of choosing abortion. The centers have often been criticized based on reports that they mislead women about the health and psychological effects of abortion and misrepresent the services they offer. The petition targets members of Congress with a request that they “support legislation that would stop CPCs’ deceptive advertising practices, require that accurate medical information is provided, and eliminate ALL federal funding for CPCs.” In previous years, the “Stop ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490610 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:49:42 +0100 3490610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294562&cid=t_386705_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2Fthat-not-so-fresh-feeling-a-discussion-on-feminine-products-and-advertising If you’re in New York this evening, you may want to head over to the Housing Works Bookstore Café (126 Crosby St.) at 7 p.m. for a free panel discussion on “marketing embarrassing products to women.” While that might not sound like the most appealing way to spend a Monday night, consider these three reasons to attend Panelist #1: Sarah Haskins created, wrote and performed in the “Target Women” series on Current TV, where she spoofed advertiser’s and marketer’s ridiculous ways of selling women products, entertainment and ideas. She now writes screenplays. Funny ones. Panelist #2: Susan Kim is a playwright, TV writer and author. She co-wrote “Flow: the Cultural Story of Menstruation” with Elissa Stein, and she has two graphic novels, &#... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294562 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:49:53 +0100 3294562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251161&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F07%2Fweekly-news-round-up-snow-free-edition%2F A new edition of the Carnival of Feminists is up at Zero at the Bone – thanks to the host for including a couple of OBOS posts! Last week, NPR ran a piece on new book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” which I heard and posted about. I really should have one ahead and put a hold on it at my public library at the time; I waited until yesterday to do it and am now #39 in line for the book. Renee at Womanist Musings asks “Do Black Women’s Reproductive Rights Even Matter?” with regard to the lack of feminist response to racially targeted anti-abortion campaigns such as one in Atlanta that calls black children an “endangered species.” Renee explains that “As proof of this claim they offer the fact that Blacks account for 30% of the general pop... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251161 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:03:21 +0100 3251161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993720&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F15%2Fsunday-news-round-up-1115%2F Lots of good stuff at Our Bodies Our Blog as usual, including a new post from OBOS intern Meg Young on Reebok’s ridiculous new sneaker ad. The FDA is looking into caffeinated alcoholic beverages and considering whether they are safe and/or legal (via NPR). On Stupak, NPR has a good explanation of the red tape barriers to abortion that would be created by the amendment. RaceWire launched a LGBT Racial Equity Toolkit with the note “Though this website was developed especially to inform philanthropic efforts and mobilize support for LBGTQ communities of color, there’s a lot here that could benefit the wider community involved in all kinds of social justice efforts.” The “Perspectives” section can be browsed by topic – some of them touch on aging, HIV/A... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993720 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:45:36 +0100 2993720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778347&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Funder-the-influence-the-damaging-effect-of-alcohol-marketing-on-young-people%2F Title: Under the influence: the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people The Skinny: Examines the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people. It aims to identify effective ways of protecting young people from the influence of alcohol promotion and marketing. Publisher: BMA Size of Publication: 58p Published: 07/09/2009 Posted in Alcohol, Grey Literature, Mass Media, Young People Tagged: Advertising, Alcohol, Grey Literature, Marketing, Mass Media, Public Health (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778347 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:01:55 +0100 2778347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715904&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Fat-our-bodies-our-blog-direct-to-consumer-drug-advertising-and-a-double-double-dose%2F At Our Bodies Our Blog, I have a bit on pharmaceutical advertising and recent NY Times pieces on the topic, and Christine has Double Dose parts one and two, covering everything from Hillary Clinton on women’s rights to Mad Men. Posted in Advertising/Marketing, Drugs, Global Issues, Miscellaneous, News Round-Ups (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715904 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:07:31 +0100 2715904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712053&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fon-expensive-yogurt%2F Yesterday’s strip from the Sheldon comic is a pretty funny take on “scientific” yogurt, with bonus mention of the ghostwriting of scientific articles. Hat tip to Siobhan for sending it to me; she’s a fellow medical librarian who is always sharing great and more serious links via Bringing Health Information to the Community. This reminds me to dredge up one of my favorites on this topic, Sarah Haskins’s Target Women: Yogurt. WordPress doesn’t like the embed, so go to the link above, and be forewarned that Current is a jerk of a website because it autoplays videos. Posted in Advertising/Marketing, Funny (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712053 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:45:51 +0100 2712053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469413&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F09%2Fminor-annoyances-legislators-media-and-commenters-oh-my%2F It’s assorted and unrelated ramblings time… I was reading an action alert from an organization, and it said “Remember, PHONE CALLS are more effective than emails.” While this is probably true, I don’t think it should be. Each is it’s own method of communication, and I can’t think of any reason why I can’t convey my message and be received as seriously via email as via phone. I’m actually likely to be more clear in an email, given time to think and type, and I don’t personally assign any value to the medium that should indicate how strongly I feel about the message, or how seriously I’d like it to be taken. I also recently sent a message to one of my own legislators on a topic, only to receive a message back asking me to call... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469413 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:32:32 +0100 2469413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452340&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Frob-arnie-disgusting-anti-transgender-anti-child-rhetoric%2F Via Womanist Musings, I learned about an episode of the Rob Arnie and Dawn show on KRXQ 98.5 FM in Sacramento and KDOT 104.5 FM in Reno, in which a transgender child was being discussed. Renee has the following transcription; check her site for additional bits about mental health and whatnot: ARNIE STATES [13:27]: If my son, God forbid, if my son put on a pair of high heels, I would probably hit him with one of my shoes. I would throw a shoe at him. Because you know what? Boys don’t wear high heels. And in my house, they definitely don’t wear high heels. ARNIE STATES [21:30]: You got a boy saying, ‘I wanna wear dresses.’ I’m going to look at him and go, ‘You know what? You’re a little idiot! You little dumbass! Look, you are a boy! Boys don’t wear dresses.’ ARNIE STATES ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452340 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:37:42 +0100 2452340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347681&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F17%2Fat-our-bodies-our-blog-osteoporosis-drugs%2F At OBOB the other day, I posted on a commentary in the American Journal of Nursing about osteoporosis and the push for “preventive” drug therapy in relatively young and healthy women. Oh yeah, and Our Bodies Ourselves is hiring an Associate Director. Posted in Advertising/Marketing, Drugs (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347681 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:54:28 +0100 2347681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306027&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F05%2Fweekly-news-round-up-5%2F You can nominate your Women’s Health Hero for the Our Bodies Ourselves contest through May 1. There’s also a related Facebook group. Remember, you have until April 9 to comment on the proposed rule that would rescind the Bush administration’s provider “conscience” rule. Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General’s Database on Violence Against Women was launched. It contains data resulting from a 2008 questionnaire sent to all UN Member States asking about laws, resources, and approaches to violence against women. The database does not seem complete, but may be a good starting resource for those seeking information about these issues. Via Mar at The Mongoose Chronicles I learned of the Women’s Health Advocacy Network, “an NGO dedicated to add... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306027 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:18:09 +0100 2306027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306031&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F04%2Fone-more-note-from-baltimore-the-questionable-taste-of-nestea-in-bus-stop-ads%2F In Baltimore this week, my colleagues and I all did double-takes complete with internal “what the…?” at the sight of some bus stop ads for Nestea’s red tea. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the *exact* wording, and this is a situation in which guessing is not somewhere I really want to go. However, to the best of my recollection -and I am happy to be corrected- the ads read:”Nestea Red Tea: Tasty and Exotic, Like We Bottled A Foreign Exchange Student. Liquid Awesomeness.” Now, it’s the “tasty and exotic” part where I’m not 100% sure of the wording, and I’m just going to go ahead and apologize now if I somehow am remembering it incorrectly. I didn’t have my camera so I don’t have a photo to share, which is ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306031 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:27:55 +0100 2306031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306057&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F29%2Fweekly-news-round-up-4%2F The New England Journal of Medicine has a Perspectives piece from Julie D. Cantor, M.D., J.D. about the HHS conscience rule. Don’t forget - you have only until April 9 to submit your public comment regarding the potential rescinding of the rule. At Our Bodies Our Blog, Christine points to real problems with the seemingly innocuous Real Age quiz online, including how your responses are sold off to advertisers. A colleague found this story that I see as related, How Big Pharma Listens in on Doctor Networks. C also linked to the webcast, The Effect of the Economic Downturn on the Health of Communities of Color, which is archived online. I haven’t seen it yet, but I recently learned of the film Not Yet Rain, and the descrip sounds promising: Not Yet Rain, a Lisa Russell film pro... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306057 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:01:47 +0100 2306057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2209460&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fi-3-sarah-haskins%2F There’s a new edition of Target Women, this time on the phony science words and imagery in skin products. WordPress won’t let me embed, so you’ll just have to go here. Posted in Advertising/Marketing, Funny (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2209460 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:51:06 +0100 2209460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194570&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F18%2Fat-our-bodies-our-blog-debating-direct-to-consumer-pharmaceutical-advertising%2F Today at Our Bodies Our Blog, I highlight a debate in the current issue of Canadian Family Physician on whether direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs should be allowed in Canada, with links to other related news and OBOS content. Posted in Advertising/Marketing, Drugs, Ethics (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194570 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:53:19 +0100 2194570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2187185&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F13%2Falways-rinse-before-using-a-vile-car-decal%2F This morning, the spouse and I were having a conversation about a vehicle that was speeding through the school zone near our house. The truck had the business name all over it, as well as a “Jesus fish” decal, and we were discussing how if we had those two things on our car, we’d try to drive in a way that didn’t make us look like jerks. For example, by not speeding through school zones. Little did I know that this was the morning of all car decal mornings. Closer to my work, we saw a big pick-up truck pulling into the VA parking lot with a U.S. Marine Corps decal-which was not the problem. The appalling decal was this. That image is kind of not safe for work. But it features a “pissing” Calvin. This time, Calvin is relieving himself on the butt of a be... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2187185 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:38:32 +0100 2187185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2150715&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F01%2Fhave-you-seen-the-new-yaz-commercials%2F This weekend, I saw a new commercial for Yaz birth control, which features a female spokesperson and started with a statement along the lines that the FDA thought the previous ads were inadequate and asked that they clear up a few things. I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve noticed an explicit “the FDA made us do this” message in a drug ad. The FDA really did make them do it, though, issuing a warning letter [PDF] last October stating that “The TV Ads are misleading because they broaden the drug’s indication, overstate the efficacy of YAZ, and minimize serious risks associated with the use of the drug.” Don’t remember the ads in question? What if I sing “we’re not gonna take it” or “goodbye to you” f... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2150715 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:04:04 +0100 2150715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104138&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F14%2Fwsmv-finds-11-foods-that-will-make-you-get-naked%2F Check out the graphic selected for this article on how “adding 11 foods can improve your health.” The caption further mentions a “healthy diet” and foods “to improve your health.” Did you see it? You know, because “healthy food” somehow equates to “headless girl threatening to show me her underpants.” Posted in Advertising/Marketing       (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104138 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:02:49 +0100 2104138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968272&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F18%2Fmotrin-pulls-babywearing-ad-campaign-after-twitterstorm%2F Recently, Motrin released an ad promoting the product for relieving the presumed pain of babywearing - problem is, they framed the activity as merely fashionable, as “supposedly” a bonding experience, as so unpleasant that mothers must be asking, “what about me?” Suddenly, folks were talking about the stupidity of the campaign online, especially via Twitter. See #motrinmoms in the Twitter search for a bit of the discussion. I also saw comments yesterday on FriendFeed, and this take by David Rothman pretty well summed up the reaction: 1. It discounts years of legitimate research on carriers being good for babies for the sake of shilling ibuprofen. It is not just a fashion any more than car seats are. 2. It suggests moms (they don’t mention us dads) use these ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968272 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:53:18 +0100 1968272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1951802&cid=t_386705_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Ftoblerone-sofas-and-seafood.html I was at Newcastle "international" airport on Sunday. They have just opened a seafood bar. There were some tired looking lobsters and a couple of Alaskan King Crab legs on display under a very bright light. As always the "you can pretend it's duty free if you like but it's cheaper at John Lewis on the high street" shop was overstocked with a certain triangular Swiss chocolate.The marketing and advertising industry has a handful of entrenched beliefs about the general population. It seems that:We wish to buy Toblerone before getting on planesWhen waiting at airports we wish to sit at bars eating expensive seafoodWe have uncontrollable desires to buy sofas on Boxing day.I give but three examples. There must be many more. Do send some in.Maybe I am unusual. If I never have another piece of To... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1951802 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:40:00 +0100 1951802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924018&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F31%2Fa-stupid-sexist-vitamin-commercial%2F I saw a commercial last night for multivitamin “One a Day Teen Advantage,” which established early on that there was a formula for “her” and a formula for “him,” along with video of a teen girl and boy and some comment about how they’re practically from different planets. Now, I have no idea what a special multivitamin formulation for adolescent males might include - what are teen boys routinely not getting enough of that is male-specific? Likewise, you might expect that the tagline on the formula for “her” might say something about building strong bones. You’d be wrong. The pitch? The formulas are “for her healthy skin and for his healthy muscles.” You know, because girls are only worried about their skin (and boys a... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924018 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:43:56 +0100 1924018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1688932&cid=t_386705_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fits-only-your-dental-license-partnering-with-the-right-marketing-companies-to-save-your-skin%2F Marketing and advertising in the dental field has come a long, long way since the days when a Yellow Page ad was not allowed. While ADA and state dental board advertising guidelines have loosened, regulations still exist. For instance, you can’t make statements of superiority comparing yourself to other dentists with phrases like “the best.” You also can’t make claims about dentistry being “painless” or “pain-free” or that outcomes are “predictable.” Be careful about claiming to be a specialist, as well. Just because you do children’s dentistry, you’re not a children’s dentist/pedodontists. In some states, the phrase “sleep dentistry” is against the rules; the California board does not like “ora... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1688932 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:22:44 +0100 1688932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1563403&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F02%2Fthe-dental-floss-of-feminine-fitness%2F You’re just going to have to go over to the OBOS blog to find out what I’m talking about. Hint: This is totally going to be more vagina talk. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1563403 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:15:54 +0100 1563403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1556329&cid=t_386705_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fmarketing-mix-of-leading-pharma.html Thirteen (13) pharmaceutical companies made it into AdAge's 2008 list of 100 National Advertisers. They are:GlaxoSmithKlineJohnson & JohnsonPfizerSchering-Plough Corp.WyethBayerBristol-Myers Squibb Co.Eli Lilly & Co.Merck & Co.AstraZenecaNovartisBoehringer IngelheimSanofi-AventisThe list is based on "measured media" spending across 19 media and includes estimates of "unmeasured media," which includes direct marketing, product placement, and most notably, paid Internet search, which some analysts estimate is about 40% of the total ad spend of companies in general.New to the list this year is Boehringer Ingelheim, which markets Mirapex for Restless Leg Syndrome in competition with GSK's Requip.The total spend for these 13 pharma companies in 2007 was $6,998,700,000 measured vs. a... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1556329 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0100 1556329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1554339&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F29%2Fob-tampons-selling-an-environmental-approach-to-your-period%2F Last night, I saw a commercial for ob tampons that, to me, was clearly suggesting through both words and imagery that the ob product is more environmentally friendly than other popular tampon brands. Indeed, they have a “mighty. small.” campaign going that emphasizes the lack of an applicator and so less waste for disposal. One section of the campaign website includes tips for greener living, which assume a target audience of adult women with disposable income by including tips for wrapping your water heater in an insulating blanket, taking a reusable water bottle to the gym instead of buying bottled, and online bill paying. They’re even holding a contest for adult U.S. women in which the grand prize is a Toyota Prius. To be clear, I’m not endorsing ob, although I... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1554339 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:01:30 +0100 1554339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502387&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F09%2Fquestions-about-medications-by-mail%2F My drug coverage plan allows me to receive prescriptions by mail, and sends me an email about once a week to suggest that I do so. Some questions I need answers to but can’t readily find: 1) Can this be arranged so that refills just show up in my mail every 3 months, without my having to ask for it or do anything at all? 2) Will I have to sign for it? What if nobody is home, because we, uh, work? 3) If not, what if it’s stolen out of my mailbox? 4) What if the heat of the black metal mailbox affects the efficacy? They put those storage instructions on there for a reason. 4) If my drug coverage provider has been bought out by Giant National Pharmacy Chain, shouldn’t my loyalty be to my employer-run hospital pharmacy? At least it’s a kind of “local” busin... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502387 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:49:36 +0100 1502387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463478&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F23%2Fpetty-grievance-from-mla-2008%2F Having to ask the Cyber-Anatomy vendor if a female model was or would be available, because it wasn’t used in the demonstration and I wasn’t told about a female model as part of the sales pitch. Look, I realize that standing at a table and saying the same things to strangers all day who may not eventually buy what you’re selling is tiring. I also think Cyber-Anatomy is a pretty cool product (it’s an interactive 3D tool for learning anatomy, complete with special glasses). I was just annoyed by the male-as-default presentation and the repetition of this default in the print materials. With this kind of technology, I’d like to be able to see side-by-side comparisons where anatomy varies, such as male vs. female pelvic structure, effects of age, and the like. I&... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463478 Fri, 23 May 2008 13:08:15 +0100 1463478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1460751&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F21%2Fobos-post-when-drug-marketing-creeps-into-television-programming%2F Today at Our Bodies Our Blog, we’re talking about what happened when the season finale of medical drama “House” mentioned the drug amantadine as a key plot point, product placement of pharmaceuticals (such as NuvaRing) in television shows, and the basically nonexistent regulation and monitoring of drug product placement on television. Come check it out. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1460751 Wed, 21 May 2008 20:22:08 +0100 1460751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413335&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F01%2Fsafety-lesson-of-the-day-cosmetic-procedures%2F Just as a precaution, you may wish to avoid having unlicensed persons inject stuff into your @$$. In case you’re asking yourself, “But why might I want to avoid having unlicensed persons inject stuff into my @$$? What could possibly go wrong?” you might want to check these bizarre reports from the CDC out of a facility in North Carolina. From one of three cases, all of which are quite similar: “According to facility records, 300 mL of ‘dermal silicone/saline solution’ were injected into each buttock… The woman experienced headache and vomiting…and noted that her urine looked like purple blood. She went to an emergency department…and was found to be in acute renal failure.” The CDC report notes that the person administering the sh... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413335 Thu, 01 May 2008 18:46:54 +0100 1413335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1409471&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F30%2Ffull-service-gynecology%2F I saw a bus bench ad this morning for a gentleman offering “Full Service Gynecology.” My own bus went by too quickly to read the name or the details of what “full service” includes exactly, but I’m not sure I want to know. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1409471 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:47:01 +0100 1409471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1382197&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F18%2Fatts-advertising-or-too-much-time-writing-about-vaginas%2F I giggled last night when I saw a new AT&T wireless ad. It features cell phones arising out of fleshy, expanding (largely pink) flowers. As I watched it, I thought: “Those flowers kind of look like vulvas. I mean, they’re obviously targeting women with the pink and all the flowers, but it’s like these flowers are opening up and giving birth to the phones.” And then, the ad text. “Happy Mother’s Day.” Ah ha ha ha ha ha. Maybe their ad people just discovered Georgia O’Keefe. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1382197 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:59:15 +0100 1382197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1376502&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F16%2Fmy-beautiful-mommy-kids-book-on-plastic-surgery%2F “My Beautiful Mommy” is a book to explain plastic surgery to kids. And by “kids,” I mean it’s targeted at 4-7 year olds, because some plastic surgeon was worried that the little ones wouldn’t understand that mommy wasn’t really “hurt or sick” when she came home from the hospital with bandages and bruises after her boob job or tummy tuck. Look, do whatever you want, but I have a problem with a plastic surgeon working to normalize these procedures for little kids and including a message of always striving to be “prettier” for girls who haven’t even hit puberty yet. As Newsweek indicates, the book: “…features a plastic surgeon named Dr. Michael (a musclebound superhero type) and a girl whose mother gets a tum... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1376502 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:49:19 +0100 1376502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344357&cid=t_386705_135_f&fid=35272&url=http%3A%2F%2Fslimconomy.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Feffective-aids-awareness-advertising.html As a marketer, advertising is a vital element of getting a message out. I enjoy print advertising the most, whether it be magazines or newspapers. I think it's the medium and the relationship one has with print material is different from television, mobile devices or the Web. In 2001 I co-created and founded the Ice Awards, an advertising awards show that propelled the regional market onto a global stage.I came across some ads for AIDS prevention. I've seen many others and developed some as well. The two below struck me as excellent representations of communicating an effective message. They scare you because they are creatures we are frightened of.It lead me to wonder how effective this type of advertising and marketing is in the battle for HIV/AIDS. It is an area I am covering in my book... Slimconomy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344357 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:14:00 +0100 1344357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1283332&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F06%2Ffda-issues-warning-letters-on-std-treatments-sold-online%2F From the FDA’s release: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued Warning Letters to six U.S. companies and one foreign individual for marketing unapproved and misbranded drugs over the Internet to U.S. consumers for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).” The products are sold as Tetrasil, Genisil, Aviralex, OXi-MED, Imulux, Beta-mannan, Micronutrient, Qina, and SlicPlus, and FDA is advising consumers to stop using them immediately. They are not FDA approved, and the agency has raised concerns about inadequate directions and false or misleading claims. It’s interesting to me that the FDA’s warning letters to the companies, in listing the promotional claims about the product, mentions the metatags of the websites - for... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1283332 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:22:13 +0100 1283332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1279284&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F04%2Fthe-hidden-effects-of-domestic-violence%2F City of Hope, an organization in Dubai that provides refugee for battered women and children, has commissioned these domestic violence ads that highlight the hidden marks left by violent acts. The caption reads, for the bracelet, “He gave me this for our anniversary,” and “He gave me this for nothing at all,” for the fracture. They’re powerful ads - I only wish the text was more prominent. [Click on the image to view a larger version] Found via StreetAnatomy, who has all three campaign images posted. Related: Interview with Sharla Musabih as she builds the City of Hope ‘Hope’ for Dubai’s abused women Semi-Related: Why is it that PSAs and other ads for non-profits and general do-gooders always have too-small text? When I worked for a non-prof... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1279284 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:44:06 +0100 1279284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1268224&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F29%2Fthoughts-related-to-the-nipple-project%2F In a previous post on the Nipple Project, I included the project leaders’ statement about the Victoria’s Secret IPEX bra, advertised as providing “maximum nipple coverage.” I have to say, the Secret seems obsessed with hiding the nips. I recently received a gift card to the store, and went in search of new bras. Now, I have, uh, a generous bosom, and finding bras that are sturdy, don’t dig in, and don’t look like psych ward restraints is no small challenge. Even more difficult, however, is finding a bra meeting those criteria, or even just one the right size, that doesn’t have padding - it’s damn near impossible. Personally, I’m not the least bit interested in adding more volume to my boobs, and I suspect many women at or above a C or D... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1268224 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:39:13 +0100 1268224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1251065&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F22%2Fbioidentical-hormones-in-menopause%2F Christine covers the controversy in recent post at OBOS. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1251065 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:42:18 +0100 1251065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1217778&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F08%2Flipitor-ad-used-stunt-double%2F You’ve probably seen by now the Lipitor commercials with the earnest older doctor guy who “dedicated” himself to the heart because of his father, and he takes the cholesterol drug, and rows and is fit, so it must work. Right? Not so much. This artificial heart inventor, Dr. Jarvik,was apparently paid $1.35 million to serve as a spokesperson, and used a stunt double in the rowing scenes (Health Care Renewal notes why this deception matters). Oh, and he’s not a cardiologist or even a practicing physician. A Congressional committee is now investigating the whole thing, looking into “false and misleading statements and the use of celebrity endorsements of prescription medications in direct-to-consumer advertising.” Seriously. Don’t ever rely on advert... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1217778 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:43:49 +0100 1217778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1199743&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F04%2Fsuper-bowl-ads-2008%2F This morning, I realized that what I *didn’t* see in the Super Bowl ads was interesting - I didn’t see your stereotypical light beer commercial with bikini-clad women enticing men to buy watered down mass-produced beer in order to hypothetically have a shot with them. Overall, there just wasn’t much “buy stuff=get boobs” among the ads. Sure, there was a Victoria’s Secret spot, but they can hardly help it - they’re advertising products specifically for boobs. Carlos Mencia tried to help men pick up women in a bar, but it was more about the men being ineffectual at that task than boob-splotation (although it did its exploitation in the “dumb foreigner”/ethnic stereotype realm). I think Dell’s ad suggested that buying a Dell might a... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1199743 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:51:16 +0100 1199743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1197921&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F03%2Fjust-between-us-an-old-school-menstruation-booklet%2F Flickr user Wardomatic has uploaded scans of a 1950s menstruation booklet from the Beltx Corporation. It includes “tips” for dealing with your period as well as a sales pitch for the “Beltx Santy Panty.” You really have to see it for yourself, complete with illustrations of a swirly-eyed sewing and such. Amusing (if not entirely accurate) lines include (emphasis mine): “There might be times, of course, when menstruation is a nuisance. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. But much of this is due to our state of mind. “And of course we can go dancing… but shun the Jitterbug and other strenuous dances. Save those for another time.” “Third, watch your posture. Correct posture is very important to your comfort, health, and goodlooks. Poor postur... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1197921 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:20:34 +0100 1197921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1024142&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F13%2Fgeeks-and-vaginas%2F Is it wrong that I want to try one of these Vagisil Screening Kits even though I’m not having any vagina problems? It’s just a pH measurement. I’m a nerd. I’m also amused that the last question in the FAQs is “I inserted the wand and now I can’t find it. What should I do?” Uh, fish it out? (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1024142 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:09:55 +0100 1024142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021093&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F12%2Fsin-tetas-no-hay-paraiso%2F I just learned of the planned television show, “Sin Tetas No Hay Paraíso” (Without Breasts There Is No Paradise), via an editorial in the journal Plastic Surgical Nursing. Here’s the charming summary, from Wikipedia: Paraíso tells the story of 17-year-old Catalina, a gorgeous young girl who descends into a decadent world of easy money as a teen prostitute.[8] She comes from a poor single-parent family and her brother works as a hired killer for drug traffickers. The girl dreams of a life of luxury, but she is not bosomy enough to attract a wealthy pusher whom she can seduce into making her a pampered paramour.[9]   Sick of poverty, Catalina decides that plastic surgery will help her find a new life. During her pursuit, she is raped, gets an abortion and dives into ... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021093 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:21:45 +0100 1021093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019299&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F11%2Fyour-yucky-body%2F Last month, I posted in response to a New York Times article on “the mommy makeover,” and the idiocy of titling the piece “Is the ‘Mommy Makeover’ Really Necessary?” For background on the topic, including plastic surgeons’ references to mama’s bodies as “deformed,” see that post. Clever cartoonist Mikhaela has summed up the silliness with this installment (republished with permission): Heh. View more of Mikhaela’s political cartoons in her Flickr set. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019299 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:08:06 +0100 1019299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=991670&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F30%2Fsalt-n-pepa-the-virgin-vs-whore-show%2F I caught a bit of the Salt n Pepa Show last night (shut up, I haven’t had cable in over a decade), and was struck by the way the show is largely framed by the old dichotomy for women, virgin vs. whore. Salt has had some sort of religious conversion, and is very proper, living in her clean suburban-looking home, hosting prayer groups, and wanting to make sure everyone behaves. She refuses to sing some of the most popular SnP songs from back in the day because of the sexually explicit lyrics. Pepa, on the other hand, is single and living it up. She drinks, she gambles, she’s loud and brash, she has to be constrained from doing sexy moves when they perform. Pepa is portrayed as wanting the duo to reunite because she wants the money, while it’s clear that the good girl, Salt,... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=991670 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:18:15 +0100 991670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=938587&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F09%2Ff-cup-cookies%2F From Japan. Eat cookies. Get bigger breasts. Right. Nobody really wants to be an F-cup, trust me. Found via Slashfood by way of David Rothman. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=938587 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 23:22:10 +0100 938587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=885147&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fmore-products-you-probably-dont-need-the-menstrual-edition%2F A preliminary report was released yesterday from the Interscience Conference on Anti-microbial Agents and Chemotherapy on “a novel surface coating for tampons may cut the risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome.” The idea is that the special coating would reduce levels of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can lead to toxic shock syndrome. This coated tampon is not yet available in stores, and the findings have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The research was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, which owns the o.b. tampon brand. Why do you likely not need it? Because rates of tampon-related TSS are extremely low in this country. One of the researchers was quoted as saying “menstrual TSS is still a problem, with about two to three cases per 100,000 women... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=885147 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:21:40 +0100 885147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=880044&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F09%2F18%2Fpushing-a-genetic-test-most-women-dont-need-or-be-afraid-pay-money%2F I’ve been slightly less prolific here recently than I like to be, due to prepping the garden, my real job, and life in general. Luckily, the OBOS folks keep me on a bloggy schedule. Yesterday’s post at Our Bodies, Ourselves, “Selling Women Fear Through Genetic Testing Advertisements,” addresses a company that is marketing a genetic test for breast and ovarian cancer risk factors to the masses, despite how few women need the test, the outrageous cost, and the limited evidence on whether acting on the test results actually helps to prolong women’s lives. An excerpt: Essentially, Myriad is attempting to convince women to be afraid of what lurks in their genes (understanding that many women are not knowledgeable about this topic), and to convince them to seek th... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=880044 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:58:32 +0100 880044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=865346&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F09%2F12%2Fimages-prove-how-offensive-breastfeeding-really-is%2F Mojo of a Mama has a great series of images that demonstrates just how offensive seeing a little boob really is in America. Check it out. (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=865346 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:48:52 +0100 865346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=835119&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F31%2Fpolitical-pressure-touches-breastfeeding-promotion-campaign%2F Today’s Washington Post has a lengthy piece on how the Department of Health and Human Services was pressured to tone down a breastfeeding promotion campaign following formula industry intervention, and a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (an HHS agency) was effectively buried due to pressure from political appointees. From the article: In an attempt to raise the nation’s historically low rate of breast-feeding, federal health officials commissioned an attention-grabbing advertising campaign a few years ago to convince mothers that their babies faced real health risks if they did not breast-feed. It featured striking photos of insulin syringes and asthma inhalers topped with rubber nipples. Plans to run these blunt ads infuriated the politically powerfu... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835119 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:42:59 +0100 835119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=822268&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F25%2Frephresh-reno%2F I saw this ridiculous commercial for “RepHresh” this morning, which tries to hypnotize you with its lavender tones and tells you that if you’re tired of suffering from “feminine odor, irritation, and itching,” that you need to shove something in your vagina. “After your period (RepHresh), After intercourse (RepHresh), After douching (RepHresh).” Your vaginal pH is out of balance. With RepHresh you can “finally take control of your feminine health!” Please. Bad vagina, I must take control of you! You know what would actually be taking control of your “feminine health?” Realizing that your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn’t really smell “bad” unless something is wrong. Not douching, because that’s pro... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=822268 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:53:41 +0100 822268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=816459&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F22%2Fyour-boycott-related-homework-support-planned-parenthood%2F Life Decisions International publishes a biannual list of corporations that support Planned Parenthood, in an attempt to encourage individuals to boycott the organization. A July 2007 press release from LDI lists several new additions to the list, corporations continuing on from previous editions, and “dishonorable mentions,” or charitable organizations that “are associated with Planned Parenthood and/or its agenda.” The boycott list, however, is not freely available, as the organization claims that “pro-Planned Parenthood people were urged to send for The Boycott List in an effort to bankrupt us–which they nearly did; and we began to realize the enormous expense involved in obtaining the information needed to prepare The Boycott List.” LDI appare... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=816459 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:18:21 +0100 816459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=801168&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F15%2Fgorgeous-isnt-good-enough%2F You probably saw the recent pieces on the relentless retouching job done on Faith Hill, and you were probably aware that celebrity photos get this treatment all the time, to take away dark circles, wrinkles, a little flab here and there. Apparently fakey youthful isn’t good enough, though - someone thought it was necessary to take arm muscle away from Julia Stiles in order for her to be hot. If that isn’t the most ridiculous thing - it’s not as though she had a steroids build, but Stiles was apparently too healthy and active and strong-looking to be acceptable. Ladies, did you know that being well-toned made you unattractive? Also, having pelvic/hip bones or defined abs is a no-no (see Cameron Diaz), as are ribs. By contrast, the men’s photos, although they’re... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=801168 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:06 +0100 801168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=794132&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F12%2Fresults-from-the-national-breastfeeding-awareness-campaign%2F The National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign recently released results of its campaign research, in which it attempted to assess whether women were hearing their, or other, breastfeeding promotion messages and their beliefs about breastfeeding. Women and men were surveyed in 2004 (before the ad campaign was launched) and 2005 (following the ad campaign), and results from those years were compared. The methodology of the surveys is not described in the presentation in great detail, but the results including the following: -38% had recently seen or heard something about breastfeeding, up from 28% in 2004. The most-cited medium for this was television. -64% thought exclusive breastfeeding was the best way to feed a baby, up from 54% in 2004 and 39% in 2003. -73% reported ever having breastf... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=794132 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:33:13 +0100 794132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791250&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F09%2Finstead-softcup-as-a-fertility-aid%2F Can the Instead Softcup be used as a fertility aid? According to this website, you’d certainly think so. [A review: the Instead Softcup is a flexible plastic menstrual collection cup, inserted in the vagina to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it] The website in question [click the image to make larger] proclaims in its headline, “Now a Fertility Aid for TTC Couples!” That sounds fairly definitive. It goes on to state: Now, trying-to-conceive (TTC) couples have discovered a new application for the Softcup - as a fertility aid! So how are women using the safe, hypo-allergenic Softcup to increase their chances of conceiving a baby? Easy! Instead of inserting the Softcup during their periods, trying-to-conceive couples are using the Softcup following lovemaking to h... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791250 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:09:56 +0100 791250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780601&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F05%2Fmore-free-formula-controversy%2F MamaBear at the International Breastfeeding Symbol blog has a post taking on the uproar over changes in New York City Hospitals’ new policy of no longer automatically giving formula to all birthing women. MamaBear details the inaccuracy of mass media coverage on this news, financial conflicts of interest, and explains that thereis no “breast-feed gestapo.“ MamaBear gets the point of what the move is actually doing (providing formula to women who request it) vs. how people are understanding it (that the government has banned formula from the hospitals altogether). This misunderstanding is evidenced here, where the author states, “New York and Massachussetts have now passed laws against hospitals providing free formula to mothers who give birth there…I take my e... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780601 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:00:05 +0100 780601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=779935&cid=t_386705_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F04%2Fthe-formula-samples-why-are-you-so-angry%2F It seems that the decision by certain New York hospitals to stop giving formula to all women who give birth (and rather just to women who request it) has generated a lot of outrage about “freedom of choice.” Unbounded Edition makes an excellent point about how workplaces aren’t often supportive of breastfeeding, causing women to give up sooner than they would like. However, the question is then asked, “How did the pro-choice capital of the United States decide women can no longer be trusted to make personal decisions regarding their bodies?“ The Wall Street Journal notes that they received numerous comments in response to their earlier story on the decision, and that “discussion may be too nice a word.” Indeed, the comments included such gems as t... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=779935 Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:43:11 +0100 779935