September 2009 << Healthy Women Today Newsletter << womenshealth.gov

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Spotlight on Women's Health

Interview with a fitness instructor

Even with the knowledge that regular physical activity offers health benefits, you may not have a regular fitness routine in place. If you are having trouble getting started, take some lessons from Gena Burns, a fitness instructor and enthusiast. A mother of two children who juggles jobs and family, Gena finds staying active is just what she needs to balance her life.

Read Gena's story.

Deadline Extended!
Girls Health Be Heard! Sounding Board Contest

We're currently accepting applications and ask that you consider telling girls you know to enter. Being part of the Sounding Board gives girls the opportunity to share their opinions on anything from their favorite Web sites to the issues concerning their peers. Plus, as a member of the Sounding Board, girls will get free promotional materials such as backpacks, t-shirts, and baseball hats for participating in the discussion!

Learn more and download an application package.

Why Do I Have Acne As An Adult?

For many women, acne was something they worried about as a teenager. But for some women it’s a problem that can begin later in life — even around age 30 or 40. The good news is there are many treatments for acne. Learn about those treatments, as well as the triggers that can cause acne, in our updated fact sheet.

Learn more about acne.

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov call center

We received an e-mail from a woman with a fibroadenoma (feye-BROH-ad-in-OHM-uh) — a non-cancerous breast tumor. Her doctor recommended she have an ultrasound in six months to see if there were changes in her breast. She was concerned about waiting this long because her mother had breast cancer. She also injured her breast while skiing and wondered if that accident could have caused the fibroadenoma.

We told her that if she was concerned about the medical treatment she was getting, she may consider getting a second opinion. We gave her some resources on how to get a second opinion and how to talk to her doctor.

How to Get a Second Opinion
How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse
Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women (National Cancer Institute)
Fibroadenoma – Breast (MedlinePlus)

Learn more about breast health.

Call Us!
1-800-994-9662
TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Trained English- and Spanish-speaking information and referral specialists will find and order free health information or provide referrals to organizations to assist you with any health questions.

Learn more.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

Do you enjoy southern cooking? PDF A New Leaf: Choices for Healthy Living (PDF, 3.2 MB) is a collection of recipes from the Indiana State Department of Health that includes low-fat dishes perfect for everyone in the family! Try classics like macaroni and cheese (page 40) or try something new such as applesauce gingerbread (page 58).

Get more healthy cooking resources from the Indiana State Department of Health.

Health News Headlines

Get more news.

Health Observances

Keep track of upcoming health observances.

If you (or someone in your family) are headed back to school this month, why not ramp up your energy by going “back to fitness” with the Woman Activity Tracker. Get inspired by joining a team or reading the posts from our Woman Community. Even if you’re not headed back to school, turn over a new leaf and make this the best year yet.

See what it's all about!

Do you eat more fruits or more vegetables?

Teens and Acne

Acne is common among teens, but not everyone will have the same troubles. It may be worse in boys because they have more oils in their skin. Also, it can run in the family. If your teen has acne, she (or he) may have low self-esteem. Set aside a time to talk with your teen and share the information we have on skin care.

Learn more about teen skin care.

Growing Great Girls Newsletter

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

What's New on Womenshealth.gov?

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying. Or, six months, if a woman is 35 or older. Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile. Lots of couples have fertility problems. For more information on infertility, read our recently updated fact sheet on infertility.

Check out our infertility fact sheet.

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.

National Lupus Awareness Campaign

Women are encouraged to visit http://www.couldihavelupus.gov or call 1-800-994-9662 (for assistance in English or Spanish) to learn more about lupus and its symptoms, and to get local resources. Women can also upload their personal stories, post comments, and help create a much-needed communal dialogue about lupus.

Learn more about the National Lupus Awareness Campaign.

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on their Web site. September's spotlight is healthy aging.

Find statistics from your state.