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March 2024 Volume 22
Mitzi's Message
Dear Readers,
March has been a remarkable month, marking the celebration of Women's History Month and witnessing groundbreaking developments in women's health initiatives. I've highlighted some of the pioneers of women's health in my latest blog.
This month, we witnessed a historic initiative proposed by President Biden, emphasizing the administration's commitment to advancing women's health research. The proposed funds aim to address long-standing disparities and ensure that women's health issues are prioritized at the highest levels of policy-making. This move is a significant step forward, promising to accelerate research and innovation, and it underscores the critical need for continued advocacy and support in this area.
I've been blessed to be a small part of this change throughout the years. As someone who led the development of an academic women's health center, designated a Center of Excellence by the Department of Health and Human Services, I observed first-hand the impact of research –and lack of research– on women's health, the impact on women and their families due to lack of access to care, and the impact on those who have healthcare but were dismissed by their health care providers. It's gratifying to see the spotlight turned towards women's health and research. Hopefully, we'll bridge those knowledge gaps and find more ways to support women throughout our healthcare journey.
I'm hoping you'll also want to get involved, so watch out in the following months for more information on what we're doing at BTPG to help you be a part of this momentum.
In this month's podcasts, we've talked about everything from how we communicate in healthcare to the potential of cannabis in treating women's health conditions, and we even had a chat with the founder of the National Menopause Foundation. Each episode is a little piece of the puzzle, helping us see the bigger picture of women's health.
I believe the next chapter of women's health history will be characterized as the time of innovation in women's health. Entrepreneurs are translating the research and, in some cases, doing the research to bring treatments, diagnostics, and ways to tackle health issues to women and their healthcare providers. Stay tuned as we continue to talk to policymakers, clinical experts, scientists, and those out-of-the-box thinkers who are making it all happen so you can have the most up-to-date information.
Take good care,
Mitzi Krockover, MD
CANNABIS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH - WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Tune in to the latest episode of Beyond the Paper Gown featuring Genester Wilson-King, MD FACOG, a board certified ob/gyn, cannabis expert and medical advisor to AIMA, and Lanna Last, Founder and CEO of AIMA, a company creating cannabis-based therapeutics for pelvic pain as well as symptoms of menopause. Together they share insights into the therapeutic potential of cannabis, dispelling myths and highlighting its use for women’s health and delve into the “gender pain gap”. Discover their journey, from scientific research to advocacy, as they empower women to take control of their health and well-being. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on cannabis, women's health, and the need for more solutions to successfully address pain in women.
STRONG IN MIDLIFE: ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN THROUGH MENOPAUSE, BONE HEALTH AND MORE
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Claire Gill, the founder of the National Menopause Foundation and CEO of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, to demystify menopause and bone health. Claire breaks down complex topics into understandable insights, discussing how women can navigate menopause in the workplace, effectively communicate with their doctors, and choose the right menopause products. She emphasizes the importance of early education on bone health to prevent osteoporosis and shares practical advice for women of all ages on maintaining strong bones. This episode is a treasure trove of information and encouragement for women looking to take control of their health and wellness during midlife and beyond, presented in a way that's easy to grasp and empowering.
In our latest episode, we bring you a candid conversation with Steve Lichtenstein and Deena Baikowitz, where humor meets heart in a journey through life's transitions. Join us as they open up about their unconventional paths into filmmaking and comedy, sharing hilarious anecdotes and profound insights along the way. Discover how they've turned laughter and storytelling into a powerful tool for advocacy. From practical communication tips on how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, to the healing power of humor, this episode explores the intersection of health, humor, and humanity, promising laughter, learning, and a fresh perspective on living life to the fullest. Tune in now and let their contagious energy uplift and move you.
PRESIDENT BIDEN ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ADVANCING WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
(National Institutes of Health
Office of Research on Women's Health)
On March 18, 2024, President Joe Biden signed a new Executive Order (EO) that builds upon the establishment of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. This EO announces new actions to improve women’s health research by prioritizing investments in women’s health research, integrating women’s health across the federal research portfolio, galvanizing new research on women’s midlife health, and assessing the unmet needs to support women’s health research.
Welcome to a world of compassion, empowerment, and transformative change for women's health. At Beyond the Paper Gown, we proudly support and collaborate with non-profits dedicated to championing the well-being of women across the globe. Our mission is to amplify the impact of these organizations, which tirelessly work towards advancing healthcare, promoting education, and fostering community support for women in need. Together, we strive to create a future where every woman has access to the resources and support necessary for her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Join us in celebrating the strength, resilience, and unique needs of women as we stand hand in hand with these incredible non-profits, fostering a world where every woman can thrive.
The National Menopause Foundation is dedicated to revolutionizing how society perceives, understands, and experiences menopause. They embarked on their journey by listening to women, discovering that while many feel neutral about menopause, its symptoms significantly impact their lives. Night sweats and hot flashes are common, affecting 95% of women, with 64% reporting interference with their quality of life. Furthermore, 60% express concerns about aging and desire a supportive community.
With approximately 1.3 million women entering menopause annually in the U.S., and with a significant portion of life spent postmenopausal, it's evident we must enact change. Their mission is clear: to provide education, peer-to-peer support, activism, and research to empower women during this transition.
MAKE ACCURATE BREAST CANCER SCREENING ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
Mammograms work well for many women, but they are not as effective in finding cancer for the 40% of women who have dense breasts. Legislation has been introduced in Congress, such as the Find It Early Act (HR3086) by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) along with award winning journalist Katie Couric. This Bill would require all health insurance plans to cover supplemental screening and diagnostic mammograms for women at increased risk for developing breast cancer, including having dense breasts, with no cost sharing (co-payment or deductible).
CONTRIBUTE TO BREAST HEALTH SCIENCE
The Wisdom Study aims to learn which approach to breast screening is better: a personalized approach for each woman based on her unique risks for breast cancer, or the current one-size-fits all approach of annual mammograms?
With your help, we can answer this question and together, create a healthier future for all women.
LEMON HERB BAKED SALMON WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the lemon herb mixture.
3. Roast Vegetables: In a separate large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, and broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on another baking sheet.
4. Bake: Place both the salmon and the vegetables in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and caramelized around the edges.
5. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven. Serve the lemon herb baked salmon alongside the roasted vegetables. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is packed with nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the colorful vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for a March meal. Enjoy!
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Quotable Women
Inspiration
"...we must train all medical students, male and female, to understand the biological differences between the sexes, to take the time to listen to their patients, to respect their patients’ concerns and anxieties, and most of all…to take them seriously."
— Bernadine Healy, MD, Former Director, National Institutes of Health