July 2023 Volume 14

Is Women's Health Censored?

Do you ever wonder about what you don't see, especially with respect to women's health? Our guest today, Jackie Rotman, Founder and CEO of the Center for Intimacy Justice, has taken this issue on along with the social media giants that control what we see -– or don't see. The Center for Intimacy Justice is a social change organization committed to more significant equity and well-being in people's intimate lives. The Center aims to allow more information and expression about women's sexual health and wellness.

Influencing Policy to Improve Women’s Health

Are you ready to dive into the world of policy and legislation surrounding women’s health care and learn how you can make a difference?  It can feel overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to advocating for causes that are important to you.  Liz Powell, ESQ., MPH, is the Founder and President of G2G Consulting and a former legislative director on Capitol Hill. During this episode, she shares her experience raising government funding and crafting policy changes for health care issues. She also offers our listeners insight into the gaps in women’s research, barriers to innovation and tips on advocating for change.

Why We Should Focus on Women's Health Research 

Did you know that men and women may have different symptoms when they have a heart attack and that could impact on the treatment we get?  Kathryn Schubert, CEO & President of The Society of Women’s Health Research joins us to talk about the importance of women’s health research. We discuss why inclusion in clinical trials is important and how biological sex, even at the cellular level gives us clues to disease, which can impact diagnosis and treatment.  We’ll also talk about how you can advocate for increased funding and investment on women’s health research to improve health for everyone.

How Women’s Health Research Affects the Bottom Line: WHAM

If you've gone to the doctor and been frustrated by a lack of options, then you've probably experienced the effects of a lack of research on women's health and the impact of certain diseases on women. Unfortunately, it wasn't until 1993 that a law was passed to ensure the inclusion of women and other underrepresented groups in health research. Many of us see this as an essential health equity issue. But you may be surprised to learn that it also affects our country's economy, impacting all of us, regardless of biological sex or gender. Our guest, Carolee Lee, Founder, Women's Health Access Matters, created this organization dedicated to understanding the financial impact of a lack of funding for women's health research and developing solutions to address this critical issue. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the importance of women's health research and the economic impact of closing the gender health gap.

Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot

On October 26th, 2022, we hosted a webinar, “Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot”, where 11 experts joined me in 4 separate panels to discuss the various ways that policy impacts on women’s health. You can listen to these 4 panels by clicking the titles noted below or you can access the webinar in it's entirety via the webinar button.

Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot: Make Your Voice Matter

Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot: The Effect of Policy on 

Women’s Health Issues, Medical Training and Practice

Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot: Policy Implications on Women’s Health Research

Putting Women’s Health on the Ballot: Social and Environmental Factor on Women’s Health

If you have an event you would like to share with the Beyond the Paper Gown community, email us at info@womancentered.com

HERhealthEQ is launching a campaign to showcase life-saving stories of women benefiting from early cancer detection!

Share your story about cervical or breast cancer screening to spread the word about the importance of medical equipment access. You can send in a video telling your story or a short paragraph to be read aloud by the HERhealthEQ team. These can be made anonymous.

To share your story, email info@herhealtheq.org with the subject line "#MyScreeningStory"

Sign the Center for Intimacy Justice Petition for Meta & the FTC to #StopCensoringSexualHealth

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Mazie Hirono, Peter Welch & Rep. Schiff wrote a public letter in support of a legal complaint that the Center for Intimacy Justice filed asking the Federal Trade Commission to act to address Meta’s censorship of women's health ads and information primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health.

You can support the effort to #StopCensoringSexualHealth by signing the petition.

Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chickpeas

Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

- 2 cups water or vegetable broth

- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

- 1 ripe avocado, diced

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff it with a fork and let it cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro or parsley.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve the quinoa salad immediately or refrigerate it for a while to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Why is this recipe menopause-friendly?

- **Quinoa:** It's a whole grain that provides fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium and iron, which can be beneficial during menopause.

- **Chickpeas:** Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, they can help stabilize blood sugar levels and manage weight, which may be important during menopause.

- **Avocado:** A source of healthy fats and vitamin E, which can support skin health and may help with hormonal balance.

- **Tomatoes and Cucumber:** Low in calories, high in water content, and rich in vitamins and minerals, they help with hydration and provide essential nutrients.

- **Red Onion and Garlic:** Provide flavor and some sulfur-containing compounds that may offer health benefits during menopause.

- **Olive Oil:** Contains monounsaturated fats that support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory properties.

- **Lemon Juice:** A good source of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption and supports the immune system.

This quinoa salad is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for busy days. Remember, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated are essential components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during menopause.