In May, the Network Celebrates…
Older Americans Month Preeclampsia Awareness National Women's Health Week Sex Ed for All Month
The best science, stories, and strategies related to this month’s national health themes. Check back throughout the month for new additions.
Older Americans Month
According to the CDC, By 2060, almost a quarter of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older. Read on to learn about how to strengthen the health and quality of life for this growing population.
- Action Alert! May is Older Americans Month – 2023’s theme is “Aging Unbound,” which is all about exploring diverse aging experiences and combatting stereotypes. Learn more and get free resources for sharing here.
- How to Keep Your Bones Healthy and Prevent Fractures – The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) has compiled a resource guide about preventing fractures and other resources for consumers.
- Amazing Things Acheived By Older People – Get inspired by these incredible accomplishments by seniors. And these – there were so many lists!
- The One-Stop Shop For Menopause Resources – The North American Menopause Society has a free guidebook, expert FAQ compilations, and other ready-to-use tools.
- Tips For Fighting Loneliness And Social Isolation – The National Institute on Aging has compiled ideas about how to stay connected, and information on the link between health and connectivity.
- How to Thrive in Retirement – AARP has shared a list of happy retirement secrets based on member feedback. And experts weigh in on the best sports for older adults.
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support – The Alzheimer’s Association and the NWHN believe that no one should face Alzheimer’s alone. Browse helpful information and resources for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Dignity at the End – Hear from NWHN Board Member Dr. Julie Thai on how to navigate dementia and end of life care. Learn what an End of Life Doula could do for you and your family.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- A hot flash ruined my big moment. What I wish I’d known sooner. (I Lived It)
- How – and why – you should increase your social network as you age. (Op-Ed)
- The new face of Alzheimer’s: Early state patients who refuse to surrender. (I Lived It)
- Moving Is a Monumental Task for Many Older Americans. These Organizers Can Help.
- Multivitamins may help slow memory loss in older adults, study shows
- Age is just a number: How older adults view healthy aging
- More Older Americans Use Online ‘Patient Portals’ to Access Care
Preeclampsia Awareness
Preeclampsia occurrs in about 1 in every 25 pregnancies in the US (CDC). Preeclampsia is a life-threatening hypertensive disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preeclampsia and related disorders such as gestational hypertension, HELLP syndrome, and eclampsia are most often characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure, and even death of the mother and/or baby. Learn more about preeclampsia symptoms, treatment, and support:
- Action Alert! May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month – The theme in 2023 is “Move Preeclampsia Research Forward.” Researchers and clinicians still do not fully understand why preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorder occur. This needs to change. Learn how to raise awareness and advocate for more preeclampsia research from the Preeclampsia Foundation.
- Preeclampsia 101 – Learn about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia from the National Institutes of Health.
- Access to Preeclampsia Experts and Other Support – The Preeclampsia Foundation’s medical advisory board can be reached with questions at [email protected]. You can also call them, find a local support group, and access a toll-free maternal mental health hotline here.
- Preeclampsia Survivor Stories – Dozens of women and families share their experiences with preeclampsia here.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- I wasn’t on drugs. I had eclampsia. (I Lived It)
- The physical and mental toll of preeclampsia (I Lived It)
- To prevent preeclampsia, experts push for broader blood pressure testing at home (Stat)
- Mom felt like she was ‘drowning.’ It was a sign of a serious post-pregnancy condition (Today – I Lived It)
- American Women Need More Maternity Leave, Access to Pregnancy Care: PollThermo Fisher’s test to detect pregnancy-related complication gets FDA nod
National Women’s Health Week
- Action Alert! May 14 – 20 is National Women’s Health Week – The Office on Women’s Health created National Women’s Health Week as a way to encourage all women to make the choices which are right for them. Learn how to observe it here.
- The Origins of Mother’s Day – Contrary to popular belief, this holiday was started not by card companies, but by a maternal and child health care educator.
- The “Well Woman” Exam – What is it, and how do you get one?
- Self-Advocacy Tips for Women – Listen to episode 3 of the Your Health Unlocked Podcast to get tips from expert Tori Ford of Medical Herstory.
- An A-Z List of Health Conditions Disproportionately Effecting Women – The Office of Women’s Health has compiled it all in one place.
- Autoimmune diseases are particularly prevalent (and understudied), in women.
- Depression and the Mental Load – Depression manifests in women in unique ways. Learn about depression in women and what we mean when we say “the mental load.”
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- Doctors said weight and stress caused her symptoms. They came from a blocked heart artery. (I Lived It)
- This group of young women is seeing a staggering rise in uterine cancer. Experts don’t know why. (I Lived It)
- Women This Week: Women in the United States Are Losing Access to Reproductive Health Services
- Women’s health: end the disparity in funding
- Study Shows the Staggering Cost of Menopause for Women in the Work Force
- How To Advocate For Medical Care When You Need Help
- 9 tips to help you negotiate a medical bill
- Women’s health research lacks funding – these charts show how
- Health panel recommends women get screening mammograms at age 40
- Starting breast cancer screening at 40 saved my life
- Regular Health Visits Linked to Life Expectancy for Women
Sex Ed For All Month
- Action Alert! May is Sex Ed For All Month – #SexEdForAll Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and call for real investment in sex education in schools and communities across the country. Learn more and how to observe here.
- The Sex Ed You Probably Never Got – Listen to episode 15 of the Your Health Unlocked Podcast to discover all the sex ed you probably never got in school with expert sex educator Danielle Bezalel.
- Sex Ed Statistics That Will Shock You – The state of sexual education in 2023 is interesting to say the least.
- Self-Managed Abortion FAQs With Plan C – Listen to episode 5 of the Your Health Unlocked Podcast to learn about pregnancy termination options in a Post-Roe nation.
- Sex Ed Org Spotlight: Power To Decide – Power To Decide envisions a world where everyone – no matter who they are or where they live – has control over their bodies and can decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child.
- Must-Know Birth Control Info With Dr. Yen – Listen to episode 7 of the Your Health Unlocked Podcast for a complete run down of all the current birth control options and their comparative effectiveness.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- Review: Judy Blume goes Hollywood in ‘Are You There God?…’
- A Far-Right Moms Group Is Terrorizing Schools in the Name of Protecting Kids
- Students walk out of Philly schools to protest Pa. anti-trans, sex ed legislation
- Jayapal Introduces Resolution Supporting May as Sex Ed for All Month
- Sexual Health Check-In: U.S. Sees Concerning Increase In STIs
- Sexual Health Is Mental Health