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 'health heroes'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:50:55 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077643&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fmeet-the-newest-members-of-the-womens-health-heroes-hall-of-fame In 2009, Our Bodies Ourselves (OBOS) launched its first-ever Women’s Health Heroes Awards to honor women and men who have made championing women’s health their life’s work. Since then, 40 individuals and groups have been inducted into OBOS’s Women’s Health Hall of Fame, selected from hundreds of nominations. This year is a special year for OBOS; 2011 marks 40 years of activism in the United States and the evolution of OBOS into a vibrant international network of social change activists. Our network partners in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe bring health resources based on “Our Bodies, Ourselves” to their communities and fearlessly advance the health and human rights of women and girls in their countries. They often do so at... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077643 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:42:02 +0100 5077643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841587&cid=t_325235_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-17-2011%2F Do you feel it in the air? It’s change. Every season has an end. And with any end comes fear, uncertainty and sometimes sadness. Even if ends bring new beginnings like a marriage, a baby or a new career, the loss of what we know can feel earth shattering. Instead of embracing change, we grasp on, holding desperately to what was instead of what will be. Does that sound like you? How are you continuing to do things that don’t serve you or your new life out of fear of change? Maybe you need to take the time to grieve for your old self and your old life so that you can embrace your new one. It’s something important to contemplate this week as we get closer to summer. It also fits with one of our posts on transitions. Have a great week and enjoy! Seven Rules of Mindful Eating ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841587 Tue, 17 May 2011 13:50:25 +0100 4841587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803232&cid=t_325235_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-10-2011%2F A friend once asked me how to handle her disobedient son. She was going through a divorce and her son was taking out his pain, confusion and anger about his parent’s relationship on her. She wanted to distance herself from him because he was being so hurtful. But I told her to reconsider. My mom and I have an imperfectly perfect relationship. We’re close. But we rarely see eye to eye on anything. We’re as different as we are alike. I like to find good deals. She loves brand names. She chose a traditional 9 to 5 job. I went the opposite way and designed my own career. At the same time, we’re both sensitive and emotional, which is the perfect recipe for personal and sometimes heated debates. But I have to say one thing. I grew up as a child of divorce too. And I told ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803232 Tue, 10 May 2011 11:50:07 +0100 4803232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603560&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fmeet-the-new-inductees-to-the-womens-health-heroes-hall-of-fame On April 1, Our Bodies Ourselves asked, “Who’s your women’s health hero?“ Dozens of you responded enthusiastically, sending in essays and videos describing the heroes who most inspire you. Among them: a women’s studies professor who is a role model for her students; midwives and doulas who empower women to trust themselves and their bodies; activists and legislators pressing for real health care reform; numerous individuals and organizations advocating for reproductive rights and justice; a friend who provides a safe space for discussion; a mother “who cares for others whenever they are alone and in need”; community health workers who share information with their neighbors; and doctors who volunteer their time and expertise in other countries. We... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603560 Thu, 27 May 2010 14:22:57 +0100 3603560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545425&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fgiving-her-students-a-gift-of-independence-jill-wood Entrants: Nikki Hatza and Farnaz Farhi Nominee: Jill Wood, Senior Lecturer in Women’s Studies at Penn State University As our undergraduate educations draw to a close, and we reflect back upon the classes and people who have most influenced our lives, one professor stands out in particular. Dr. Jill Wood, a senior lecturer in the Women’s Studies department at Penn State, is far more than the professor whose Introduction to Women’s Studies class inspired us to major in the area. Jill has empowered us, through her classes, her mentoring and her friendship, to be in control of our bodies and our lives. Taught from an open-minded, inviting, and yet unapologetically feminist perspective, Jill’s eye-opening courses on women’s health and critical issues of reproduction have given us... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545425 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:02:44 +0100 3545425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545426&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fcitizen-activist-margaret-flowers Entrant: Carol Paris Nominee: Margaret Flowers, Citizen Activist Margaret Flowers is a Maryland pediatrician who for the past several years has devoted all of her energies to speaking out and organizing for a truly universal and comprehensive health care program, one that goes far beyond the law just enacted by Congress. Rebelling against the daily injustices inflicted upon children and their families by a profit-driven health industry – especially the big insurance and drug companies – she left active medical practice in 2006 and resolved to work full time for a health plan that guarantees everyone the quality care they need and deserve. Margaret has since become one of our nation’s most prominent advocates for a single-payer health program, an improved and expanded Medicare for All... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545426 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:02:03 +0100 3545426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545428&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Ftireless-advocate-for-reproductive-justice-lynn-jackson View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Merritt Tierce Nominee: Lynn Jackson, Intake Director for the Texas Equal Access Fund (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545428 Fri, 07 May 2010 17:40:01 +0100 3545428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538065&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fbuilding-coalitions-and-community-duchy-trachtenberg View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Alan Trachtenberg, MD, MPH Nominee: Duchy Trachtenberg, MSW, LCSW-C, County Council member — Montgomery County, Md. Council member Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) was elected to the Montgomery County Council in 2006. She is chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, responsible for county economic and fiscal policy; government administrative departments; cable and telecommunications; and technology issues. She also serves on the Health and Human Services Committee. As MFP Chair,  Trachtenberg’s primary mission is the stewardship of the county’s fiscal health. She guides the yearly budget-making process to ensure the protection of the county’s long-term stability while funding essen... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538065 Thu, 06 May 2010 15:15:24 +0100 3538065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529756&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fa-beacon-of-light-katherine-stone View all Women’s Health Hero Nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Deborah Forhan Rimmler Nominee: Katherine Stone, peer advocate for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders Katherine Stone was a beacon of light during the darkest time of my life. I suffered from postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (that is a postpartum mood disorder where you get terrible, scary thoughts that won’t go away) that began after the birth of my son Henry a year ago. I was lucky to get professional help early due to the support system I had in my life, yet I still suffered tremendously. Not even the best psychiatrist in the world can help you heal totally from the horror of having had awful thoughts that sometimes involve images of hurting your own child. One night in despa... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529756 Mon, 03 May 2010 16:41:44 +0100 3529756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526718&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Ftireless-advocate-for-womens-health-wendy-chavkin View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Amanda Davis Nominee: Wendy Chavkin, MD, MPH, Professor of Clinical Public and Family Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology Wendy Chavkin, MD, MPH, is a tireless advocate for women’s health. As a medical student in Chicago in the late 1960s, Dr. Chavkin occasionally loaned her apartment to the Jane Collective, an underground abortion network. She later said that her experience with the Jane Collective “pushed me towards becoming a doctor.” Dr. Chavkin decided to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. She began practicing medicine shortly after Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, and has advocated staunchly and openly for reproductive rights ever since. In her dozens of publications, she exposes the dispa... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526718 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:46:35 +0100 3526718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526719&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Freaching-out-to-those-with-fibromyalgia-sharon-ostalecki View all the Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Renae Kulas Nominee: Sharon Ostalecki, Director, Helping Our Pain & Exhaustion Fibromyalgia has been nicknamed “The Invisible Disease” because it is not perceptible to others. The face of fibromyalgia is every face, and unless you were told, you could not tell who has it and who does not. Twenty years ago I spent my days searching for a reason for the pain that was taking over my life. My physician and family could not understand why I was in constant pain and lived with constant fatigue. It was difficult because I had begun to question myself, and then one day I heard a radio program about a condition called fibromyalgia.  The gal being interviewed not only seemed to understand but als... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526719 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:46:06 +0100 3526719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526720&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fhelping-others-with-health-and-wellness-angela-shipp View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Sara Nominee: Angela Shipp, Author of bluehealer diary Having worked as regulatory affairs manager and managed care expert for more than 20 years, I have learned the importance of understanding connections between health and communicating with healthcare staff. Angela Shipp, author of the bluehealer diary, is an advocate for the power that personal health knowledge has in health care decisions. She believes that health knowledge empowers consumers to better manage their own health and as they interact with health care professionals when they need care. Angela strives to maintain a healthy lifestyle for herself and is tireless in her efforts to engage more consumers in taking responsibility for their health ... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526720 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:45:44 +0100 3526720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526721&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2Fcomforting-those-with-fertility-challenges-jenni-saake View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Crystal M. Wilson Nominee: Jenni Saake, Author of “Hannah’s Hope,” Founders of Hannah’s Prayer ministry Jenni Saake is author of “Hannah’s Hope: Seeking God’s Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage and Adoption Loss.” She and her husband, Rick, established Hannah’s Prayer, a ministry that has since reached tens of thousands of families worldwide with comfort, hope, encouragement and support in the face of fertility challenges. She also keeps up a blog that offers further encouragement, bridging two very different worlds of 10+ years of infertility (including three miscarriages and seven failed adoption attempts), followed by motherhood of three l... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526721 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:44:50 +0100 3526721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519430&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fproviding-sexual-health-info-promotoras-de-la-salud-sexual-community-educators View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Emilia Gianfortoni Nominee: Promotoras de la Salud Sexual Community Educators The Latino community experiences vast sexual health disparities nationwide. Latinos disproportionately experience high rates of teen pregnancy and STIs compared to other ethnic groups. In Massachusetts, Latinas have a teen birth rate that is six times higher than non-Latinas. The communities of Holyoke and Springfield experience the highest teen birth rates in the state, at 95.4 and 84.3 per 1,000, respectively, compared to 22 per 1,000 for the state as a whole. As studies clearly show, teen pregnancy and birth rates are much related to high school drop out rates. Holyoke and Springfield are no exceptions with the two highest dro... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519430 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:46:09 +0100 3519430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519431&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fthe-guiding-force-in-perinatal-education-in-canada-kathie-lindstrom View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Bailey Delves Nominee: Kathie Lindstrom, LCCE,CD,CDT Coordinator of Perinal Studies Douglas College Kathie Lindstrom (pictured in the middle) has been THE guiding force in perinatal education in Canada. She has been a doula and an educator for many years. She is a great teacher and an inspiration to anyone aspiring to make a difference in maternity care. I cannot say enough good things about her. She is humble, she is strong, and she has truly made a difference in the lives of hundreds (maybe thousands) of women, babies and their families worldwide. Ask anyone in Canada’s birth community, and they will all tell you — Kathie is fantastic. (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519431 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:39:45 +0100 3519431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515324&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fproviding-safe-supportive-space-for-a-friend-emily-boyes-watson View all the Women’s Health Hero nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Alexis Greeley Nominee: Emily Boyes-Watson I have known Emily since we were 5 years old. We met in kindergarten class and now, 19 years later, we are like sisters. While Emily does not work in the health field, she is my health hero. Women’s health issues are often treated as matters that are not meant to be seen or heard, and women are taught to deal with such issues discreetly and quietly. This can lead to feelings of shame and isolation when problems or curiosity occur regarding health and sexuality. Women aren’t offered, and aren’t encouraged to seek out, very many safe spaces to talk and share about their health and sexuality. In addition, women can end up viewing their health and sexu... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515324 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:16:19 +0100 3515324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511519&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fhelping-incarcerated-mothers-marianne-bullock-and-lisa-andrews View all Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Vicki Elson Nominee: Marianne Bullock and Lisa Andrews, Co-founders, Prison Birth Project Marianne Bullock and Lisa Andrews founded the Prison Birth Project (PBP), which serves incarcerated mothers at the regional women’s jail in Chicopee, Mass. PBP visits inmates prenatally and postpartum (they’re often in “medical isolation,” aka solitary confinement, after their babies are born). PBP provides childbirth education classes or individual instruction, as well as time-intensive labor support. Labor support (or “doula care”) often includes accompanying shackled mothers to and from the hospital. Once at the hospital, moms are usually unshackled until after the baby is born, bu... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511519 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:08:55 +0100 3511519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511520&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fleading-the-charge-against-lung-cancer-diane-legg View all the Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Cheryl Bartlett Nominee: Diane Legg, Co-Chair, Lung Cancer Alliance-Massachusetts Diane Legg is a young mother of two children who was diagnosed with lung cancer over five years ago. With great determination, she is leading the charge to increase awareness and education about lung cancer, who it affects, and the status of research today compared to other cancers that all together do not have the mortality rates associated with lung cancer. Fortunately, Diane is one of the lucky ones here to remind us that more must be done to better understand lung cancer and how to detect it early so that treatment can be curative. With an 85 percent mortality rate, we need more people like Diane advocating for more fu... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511520 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:06:25 +0100 3511520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508158&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fexploring-the-safety-of-breast-implants-carol-ciancutti-leyva View all the Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Melinda Bartlett Nominee: Carol Ciancutti-Leyva, Director of “Absolutely Safe” I nominate Carol Ciancutti-Leyva as a Women’s Health Hero for the 2010 Our Bodies, Ourselves Women’s Health Heroes awards. Shel is the director of “Absolutely Safe,” a documentary exploring the safety of breast implants in the United States. Ms. Ciancutti-Leyva has a personal connection to her project, as she believes silicone breast implants contributed to her mother’s decline in health. According to the documentary’s website, “Absolutely Safe” does not set out to prove that all breast implants are harmful to women, but rather it explores both sides of the argument and put... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508158 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:37:10 +0100 3508158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508159&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ffeeding-massachusetts-project-bread View all the Women’s Health Heroes. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Anne Welch Nominee: Project Bread Project Bread serves the needs of Massachusetts families who struggle to put food on the table every year through the Walk for Hunger and other fundraising and advocacy activities. The Walk for Hunger is the nation’s oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and in 2008 raised an unprecedented $4 million dollars to help feed hungry families in Massachusetts. According to its website, Project Bread funds over 400 food pantries, soup kitchens and food banks across Massachusetts and advocates for systematic solutions to prevent hunger. It helps put healthy and nutritious food in schools and on the tables of families across Massachusetts. Additionally, Project Bread ru... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508159 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:36:27 +0100 3508159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499043&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Feducational-and-cutting-edge-rh-reality-check View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Jackie Flores Nominee: RH Reality Check, sexual reproductive health and rights blog I’ve been an avid reader of RH Reality Check for years. They provide accurate coverage of issues pertaining to sexual reproductive health and rights. But what I love most is the thought provoking commentary offered by their wide variety of contributing writers. Any time I want to learn more about abortion, birth control, global perspectives on reproduction, or whatever the hot topic of the day is I know I can rely on them. Lately I’ve been following their Earth & Birth posts, which focus on the environment, reproductive health and how they’re connected. The conversations and viewpoints have been... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499043 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:02:56 +0100 3499043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499044&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fsaving-and-changing-lives-eugenia-lopez-uribe View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: A friend in Boston Nominee: Eugenia Lopez Uribe, Mexican activist and coordinator of the MARIA Abortion Fund for Social Justice I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Eugenia last November in Boston. She was touring the United States speaking about the MARIA Abortion Fund and social justice issues in Mexico. I was totally blown away by her knowledge and dedication. Eugenia helps women access safe, legal abortion and defends the right to abortion in Mexico. This is no small task. Abortion throughout Mexico has been restricted to cases or rape, life or health of the woman, or fetal malformations. Even when women “fit” within these restrictions, it’s impossible to find safe abortio... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499044 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:01:22 +0100 3499044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487017&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fa-civil-rights-leader-dorothy-height View all of the Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Shailey Smith Nominee: Dorothy Height I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dorothy Height. I immediately felt the need to so something, so I am nominating her as my health hero. Dorothy was an extraordinary woman who fought for racial equality through seven decades of this country’s history. When people think of civil rights leaders, people like the Rev. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and W. E. B. Du Bois easily come to mind. But Dorothy was a constant presence in the movement and often the only woman in meetings that included the easily recognized male leaders. Yet she didn’t care because she was determined that the needs of women and children were not lost in the daily strug... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487017 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:51:26 +0100 3487017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487018&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ftrust-women-dr-george-tiller View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Zoe French Nominee: Dr. George Tiller Dr. Tiller was an abortion provider, one of only three nationwide who provided abortions after the 21st week of pregnancy. He was murdered at church by an anti-abortion activist on May 31, 2009. (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487018 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:50:42 +0100 3487018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487019&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fsocial-justice-activist-rita-arditti View all the Women’s Health Hero nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Emma McGuinnes Nominee: Rita Arditti As a women’s studies major, I have learned the importance of examining and understanding connections when fighting for social justice. Rita Arditti, a feminist, a human rights activist, an environmentalist and a biologist, spent her life exposing these intersections and advocating for the need to develop a consciousness about such links that contribute to oppression. Rita was born in 1934 in Argentina and studied biology in Italy before settling in the United States. She co-founded the Science for the People movement in the 1970s, which pushed to show the connections between science, the Vietnam War and politics. The movement, which was anti-war in spirit, w... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487019 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:49:25 +0100 3487019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487020&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fproviding-medical-care-to-the-homeless-dr-roseanna-means View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Meghan Ward Nominee: Dr. Roseanna Means Imagine having no roof over your head during the frigid winters. Imagine the pain and panic of not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Imagine getting sick, but with no health insurance or personal physician, having absolutely no where to turn for help. These are issues that nearly all homeless women face at some point during their lives. However, one Boston-area physician and her dedicated staff of volunteer doctors and nurses are helping to dramatically change the health and well-being of homeless women in and around the Boston area for the better. I nominate Dr. Roseanne Means as a Women’s Health Hero for the 2010 Our Bodies, Ourselves Women’s... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487020 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:49:01 +0100 3487020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487021&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fnurse-mother-friend-kathleen-ward View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Meghan Ward Nominee: Kathleen Ward, Nurse, Mother, Friend “God couldn’t be everywhere, therefore He created mothers.” – Yiddish Proverb Recently, I lost my grandmother after a period of failing health. She passed away in hospice care, in the hospital surrounded by family and friends. I have always believed that it is in times such as those that people’s true character is seen, and it was during this time that I came to know my own mother as a health hero in every sense of the word. As my grandmother lay in her bed — sick, confused, and not knowing who was with her or what was going on — the one thing that remained constant was my mother’s presence. My mother was the one who s... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487021 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:48:42 +0100 3487021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487023&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fteaching-midwives-sensitivity-and-patience-laura-zeidenstein View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Jennifer Shark Nominee: Laura Zeidenstein, Midwife and Director of Columbia University School of Nursing’s Midwifery program Laura has been the director of Columbia University School of Nursing’s Midwifery program for 10 years now. She was my mentor during my tenure as a student at Columbia, and I still consider her to be such. It is largely thanks to her that I learned to be a sensitive, patient midwife. Whenever I am taking care of women, whether in the ambulatory setting or in the hospital in labor, I can feel her hands guiding mine. When I precept midwifery students, I hear her voice explaining how or why we do things the way we do, and how that makes us different. Her love for her stude... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487023 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:01:51 +0100 3487023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487024&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fcanadian-abortion-rights-activist-norma-scarborough View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Christine Marton Nominee: Norma Scarborough, Canadian Association to Repeal the Abortion Law founding member Norma Scarborough was instrumental to the fight for abortion rights in Canada. I did not know her personally, and she is no longer with us, but I think the testimonial from Judy Rebick, herself an abortion activist, is very moving. More about Norma from Science Notes, originally published June 2, 2009: Norma Scarborough, was the sensible soul of the pro-choice movement in Canada, died April 2. A mother of five children, she had compassion and a helping hand for the unwillingly pregnant. She was a founding member of CARAL and its president for several very important years, 1984 – 92. Thus sh... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487024 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:49:40 +0100 3487024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487025&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fsaving-a-friends-life-national-network-of-abortion-funds View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Sarah Wilson Nominee: National Network of Abortion Funds My women’s health heroes are the members of the National Network of Abortion Funds. They saved my friend’s life by helping her find the money to pay for her abortion last year. My friend was trying to get out of an abusive relationship when she found out she was pregnant. At the same time, she got laid off from her job and her mom was diagnosed with cancer. I realize that seems like a lot, and I can assure you it was. She turned to me for help, but I could only lend her $100 and she needed $600. We found the National Network of Abortion Funds on the internet and called them. The woman who we spoke with was SO nice and understanding... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487025 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:38:21 +0100 3487025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487026&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Factivist-researcher-and-educator-karen-m-hicks View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Joan Z. Spade, Ph.D. Nominee: Karen M. Hicks, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Lehigh University and Lafayette College I am nominating Dr. Karen Hicks for her on-going dedication to improving women’s health and well-being, particularly as it relates to sexuality and reproductive health. Dr. Hicks has been a sexuality educator for more than 20 years. She teaches Human Sexuality and Women’s Reproductive Health as an adjunct professor at both Lehigh University and Lehigh University.  In 1994,  Dr. Hicks authored one book on women’s health, “Surviving the Dalkon Shield IUD: Women v. the Pharmaceutical Industry,” and edited another, “Misdiagnosis: Woman as Disease.” She started a... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487026 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:31:06 +0100 3487026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479656&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fohio-campus-organizer-shirley-kailas View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Kelsey Chapman Nominee: Shirley Kailas When I arrived at Kenyon College, in the middle of nowhere Ohio, I was another insecure freshman girl who hated her body and was afraid to speak out. Luckily, I happened to become involved with campus organizations filled with wonderful and powerful women who helped me find my voice and speak out against sexism and sexual assault, eating disorders and the thin ideal, and many other important feminist health issues. During this time, I met one particular woman who changed not only my life, but those of everyone around her. At first I was intimidated by Shirley Kailas, an outgoing, beautiful, smart and powerful feminist. She was the president of Epsilon Delta Mu when I m... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479656 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:23:54 +0100 3479656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475791&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fa-reluctant-hero-betsy-ryan View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Steven Slosberg Nominee: Betsy Ryan, RN I’ve submitted a column I wrote about Betsy Ryan several years ago when I was a columnist for The Day, a daily newspaper in New London, Conn. Betsy continues to work ardently as a nurse in the infectious diseases department at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, as well as in HIV/AIDS education and prevention in our community, and, as a breast cancer survivor, summons enviable energy in her commitment. She is most deserving of this honor. A reluctant hero on front lines of a long fight (originally published 10/01) Knowing Betsy Ryan, I suspect the Alliance for Living first had to engrave and mail the invitations, post public notice in places beyond h... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475791 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:13:25 +0100 3475791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475792&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fthe-power-of-female-beauty-dr-nick-karras-and-dr-sayaka-adachi View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Dr. Srividya Nair Nominees: Dr. Nick Karras and Dr. Sayaka Adachi A woman’s identity is indelibly linked with her sexuality; historically and currently, it is under attack in nearly every arena. We are left feeling inadequate and ugly no matter what role we are assigned by society. And yet it seems we are less aware of our sexuality and beauty now than in any other time. Told by endless number of pseudo pundits that we must look like her or have that body to be sexy, it is difficult to have confidence in our selves and our bodies. The work that Drs. Nick Karras and Sayaka Adachi are doing as sexologists is profound and enduring. They have published a book, “Petals,” and an accompanying DV... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475792 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:32:28 +0100 3475792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475793&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fa-midwife-for-all-women-whitney-pinger View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here. Entrant: Abigail Golden-Vazquez Nominee: Whitney Pinger, Midwife I would like to nominate Whitney Pinger as an Our Bodies Ourselves Hero. She is one of the only midwives in Washington, D.C., working to provide midwifery services to women in a hospital setting. She has faced very hostile administrations as one hospital after the next has eliminated midwives from their practices. Georgetown University does not allow midwives to practice in its hospital. Sibley does not have a midwives practice in its hospital. And George Washington University does not have a midwives practice. This leaves those of us who want a midwife-supported birth to do it at home or find a birthing center, only one in D.C. that has to turn away a... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475793 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:31:46 +0100 3475793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467727&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fraising-the-volume-of-womens-voices-lorenza-holt View all Women’s Health Heroes nominees. Who’s your hero? Submit here Entrant: Randi Friedman Nominee: Lorenza Holt, Executive Director, Boston Association for Childbirth Education My women’s health hero is my next-door neighbor and dear friend, Lorenza Holt. Lorenza is passionate about empowering women during the childbirth process. She has devoted the past 15 years of her life to working primarily with multicultural inner-city women as a doula, community outreach coordinator, and childbirth educator. When Lorenza excitedly describes her work helping women discover their strength, courage, and power during this significant moment in their lives, you can literally feel the depth of her passion and the intensity of her commitment. I have attached a short video/digital story,... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467727 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:55:42 +0100 3467727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463565&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fgiving-survivors-a-voice-maggie-ginsberg-schutz Entrant: Deborah Schutz Nominee: Maggie Ginsberg Schutz, freelance writer and creater of Violence UnSilenced Violence UnSilenced was created by Maggie Ginsberg Schutz in February 2009, to shed light within the blogging community on domestic violence and sexual abuse/assault by giving survivors a voice. From the mission statement: One of the last hurdles to eradicating abuse is the culture of silence and shame that exists yet today. You very likely have people in your life that are being abused, you just don’t realize it. Victims are led to believe they are alone, that no one will believe them, and that people will think less of them. Heavy societal pressure generally falls on the victim (ie, “Why doesn’t she leave?”) instead of on the person committing the crime (ie, “Why doesn�... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463565 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:20:20 +0100 3463565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460145&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fsolar-powered-solutions-for-childbirth-dr-laura-stachel Entrant: Cynthia Demsey Nominee: Dr. Laura Stachel, Founder of We Care Solar Dr. Laura Stachel, an obstetrician, studying for her PhD in Public Health, founded We Care Solar to save the lives of mothers and infants by providing solar-powered solutions for skilled obstetric care. Each year, over half a million women die from pregnancy complications in developing countries. Maternal mortality worldwide accounts for more than half a million deaths a year; 99 percent of these occur in underdeveloped countries. For every maternal death, at least 20 women suffer severe complications from childbirth. While studying in Nigeria, Dr. Stachel observed firsthand that obstetric emergencies require prompt, appropriate, reliable medical and surgical care.  Dr. Stachel saw how unreliable power and commun... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460145 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:11:45 +0100 3460145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440767&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Ffighting-cervical-cancer-around-the-world-john-varallo Entrant: Maureen Reinsel Nominee: John Varallo, MD, MPH, Senior Technical Advisor Obstetricians and gynecologists choose to dedicate themselves to women’s health, but that alone does not qualify them as a Women’s Health Hero. A hero humbly exceeds the average expectations to create true and lasting positive change. Dr. John Varallo, through his selfless and untiring contributions to women’s health in the United States, Guyana, Tanzania, Uganda, Belize, Guatemala, and Australia, is a Women’s Health Hero. While I know him through his work on cervical cancer prevention and treatment in Guyana, it is far from his only contribution to women’s health globally. Dr. Varallo works with the most vulnerable women, and inspires others to join him through education and collaboration. Dr. Vara... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440767 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:52:10 +0100 3440767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437682&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fspeaker-of-the-house-nancy-pelosi Entrant: Sandra Gandsman Nominee: Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman and Speaker of the House There is no woman in the country who deserves this honor more than Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. By sheer strength of will, this woman has led an unruly Congress into passage of the most far reaching health care legislation in the history of our country.  She persisted when others might have folded under the stress of constant attacks both personal, ugly and unrelenting. While there is much still to be accomplished in health care, this is a brave new start, and Congresswoman Pelosi should be applauded for her success. While some women may argue that she gave in to the right wing and the anti-choice minority with regard to abortion rights, I, however, would argue that she understood the historic movement s... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437682 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:58:42 +0100 3437682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3432856&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fa-true-gem-rachel-lloyd Entrant: Meghan Ward Nominee: Rachel Lloyd, Founder and Executive Director of GEMS It is with profound admiration and respect that I nominate Rachel Lloyd as a women’s health hero for the 2010 Our Bodies Ourselves Women’s Health Hero awards. Rachel Lloyd is the founder and executive director of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services in New York City, also known as GEMS. GEMS helps girls and young women escape lives of forced prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation. GEMS provides counseling, shelter, educational services and many other services needed for victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States. In addition to helping young girls and women escape lives of prostitution, one of GEMS primary goals is to educate the public about the current attitudes and b... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3432856 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:49:16 +0100 3432856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429156&cid=t_325235_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2Fwhos-your-health-hero-nominations-open-april-1-for-obos-womens-health-heroes-awards When Our Bodies Ourselves launched the Women’s Health Heroes Awards in 2009, we didn’t anticipate the outpouring of essays and videos we received (from seven countries!) or how incredibly difficult it would be to select two honorees from the close to 100 submissions. We circumvented the second issue by selecting 20 Women’s Health Heroes — and addressed the first part by making it an annual event. By making these changes, we are able to direct more attention to the challenging and rewarding work done around the world to improve the health and well-being of women. And, within five years, our Women’s Health Heroes Hall of Fame will include 100 people who have made a difference. So without further ado, I’m delighted to announce the launch of the 2010 Women&#... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429156 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:27:45 +0100 3429156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429121&cid=t_325235_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F31%2Fcoming-soon-2010-womens-health-heroes-awards%2F Nominations for this year’s Women’s Health Heroes Awards from Our Bodies Ourselves open on April 1! Learn more about how to make your nominations at http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/heroes.asp. You can also download widgets to spread the word from your own site. Christine will be posting official details at Our Bodies Our Blog as well. You can also still check out the profiles of last year’s winners! Filed under: Events & Observances (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429121 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:09:12 +0100 3429121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2404977&cid=t_325235_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F11%2Fat-our-bodies-our-blog-meet-the-2009-womens-health-heroes%2F Our Bodies Ourselves has announced their 2009 Women’s Health Heroes, honoring the work of women’s health advocates worldwide. Christine has a bit of info on how the quantity and quality of nominations was truly delightful and inspired the turning of the whole thing into an annual contest! You can also still read about all of the wonderful nominees. Also, here’s the release on the awards, which is set up to be easily shared via Facebook, FriendFeed, Twitter, and the like. Please do pass it on! Posted in Events & Observances (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2404977 Mon, 11 May 2009 23:47:45 +0100 2404977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1790353&cid=t_325235_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FrNTg2nsEL5M%2F So after that much-mentioned too long wait, Charlie just finished his first week back in the classroom, for the 2008-2009 school year. He’s now at the middle school in our town, which is in a bigger, 70s-ish type building with lower ceilings and not as much natural light as his old school. (And no more playground.) The bus has been coming at 7.20am which is a godsend to Jim and me—-we put Charlie on and off we go to work; as Charlie is home before 3pm, the earlier starting time is more than appreciated. 7.20 is a lot earlier than the time Charlie’s bus used to come—-8.35am—-so that’s been a bit of a rude awakening (kind of literally). The bus driver and bus aide are very punctual (yay) and a bit more, shall we say, insistent that Charlie hop on and, soon... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1790353 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:26:58 +0100 1790353