Healthy Women Today Newsletter

Spotlight on Women's Health

Interview with a woman pregnant with twins

Jennifer Oldal's discovery that she was having twins was an unexpected twist in her first pregnancy. Now in her second trimester, her pregnancy is well underway. She's experiencing new symptoms, like heartburn, and beginning to think about delivery and her birth plan. Read her interview to see how she's handling this exciting time in her life.

Read Jennifer's story.

Menopause

Menopause is sometimes called "the change of life." A woman will know she has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row (and there are no other causes, such as pregnancy or illness, for this change). This happens for most women after age 45.

Learn more about menopause.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

Today, garlic is promoted as a health food, promising medical benefits such as lowering cholesterol. Although research does not support such promises to date, garlic is a delicious ingredient that can enhance the flavors and aromas of a variety of dishes.

Learn more about garlic and find a tasty recipe to try.

Health News Headlines

• HIV and Violence Against Women: A National Conference - August 22, 2009
• Dad's Genes May Play Greater Role Than Thought
• Have Purpose in Life? You Might Live Longer
• New National Online Resource Provides Practical Advice and Hope for People Dealing with Emotional Health Issues Related to Financial Stress
• Depression May Lead to More Preemies Among Blacks
• Coming Soon: Lung-Cancer Spray?

Get more news.

Health Observances

• Hemochromatosis Awareness Month
• International Group B Strep Awareness Month
• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
• Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Week (July 27 – August 2)

Keep track of upcoming health observances.

The Woman Activity Tracker is a program designed to help you be physically active all year long! Set personal goals, earn virtual awards, and interact with a community of women just like you!

Start being acting today! The quick-start program guide Getting Active with the Woman Activity Tracker (PDF, 922 Kb) includes a place to log your weekly goals and activity and is perfect to give to friends, family, or co-workers to encourage them to participate in the Woman Activity Tracker with you!

Learn more about the Woman Activity Tracker.

2009 Women's Mental Health Report

The Office on Women's Health is pleased to announce the release of 2 women's mental health reports. Action Steps for Improving Women's Mental Health (PDF, 4.2 Mb) brings together the most recent research, resources, products, and tools on mental health issues in women and explores the role gender plays in diagnosing, treating, and coping with mental illness. Women's Mental Health: What It Means to You (PDF, 5.8 Mb), is a consumer piece that addresses the stigma associated with mental health, with information on the signs and symptoms of mental illness.

		Download or order the new women's mental health reports.
		Learn more about mental health.

Addendum to Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notified us that they changed the Evidence Based Review (EBR) on breastfeeding, titled Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries. Ranjit K. Chandra, an author of the EBR, may be involved in fraudulent publications in regards to his research on breastfeeding and asthma risk. To address the issue, AHRQ has repeated the analysis by removing this study. They concluded that excluding his data from their analysis does not affect conclusions concerning breastfeeding and asthma risk made in the report.

		Read the full addendum.
		Learn more about Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries.

Do you plan on having a physical or well-woman exam this year?

Girls and Emotions

It might seem like your daughter's emotions change from one minute to the next. It can be hard to know if these emotional ups and downs are normal or are signs of a mental health problem. The resources in our parents' section on girls' emotions cover many of the mental health issues that teens face, including depression, suicide, cutting, and weight and body image issues.

Learn about girls and emotions.

Growing Great Girls

Get up-to-the-moment articles and links to information on the issues you're most concerned with as a parent.

Sign up today!

National Lupus Awareness Campaign

Together with the Ad Council, the Office on Women's Health has officially launched the National Lupus Awareness Campaign. The campaign encourages women to visit http://www.couldihavelupus.gov or call 1-800-994-9662 to learn more about this disease and its symptoms, and to get local resources. Women can also upload their personal stories, post comments, and create a much-needed communal dialogue about lupus.

Learn more about the National Lupus Awareness campaign.

New Book Available Now!

The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages is available to order online and in bookstores nationwide. From the nation's leaders in women's health, the Guide covers a broad range of health topics affecting women of all ages.

Order your copy.

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on its Web site. July's spotlight is physical activity.

Find statistics on physical activity.