The Women’s Health Activist Newsletter
Rx for Change: Alternatives for Chronic Pain
We’ve previously discussed the risks of opioids, and how pharmaceutical companies have encouraged over-prescription of these drugs that has created an opioid addiction epidemic. But what’s a person in pain to do?
The number of Americans who die from drug overdoses has doubled since 1999, and drug overdoses are now thought to be the leading cause of death among Americans under 50.1
Rx for Change — Help Your Doctor Break the Sample Habit
Does your doctor give you drug samples? It’s always nice to get something for free. But, medication samples aren’t like the free samples you get at the supermarket. If you accept a cube of cheese offered to you at a grocery store, you can decide to purchase more if you like it, and walk away if you don’t.
What is the NWHN doing to fight for women’s rights? Read on to find out.
I originally intended to title this column: “Trump officials can’t disguise their anti-birth control lies by claiming to care about women’s right to know the truth about their health.” But, that’s way too long, and Al Franken’s book title is the perfect description of leading anti-family planning policymakers. Trust me, they’ve really been telling some whoppers!
Rx For Change: Obfuscating Opioid Risks
Back when we were in training, more than 30 years ago, opioids were considered dangerous drugs that could cause addiction and life-threatening respiratory depression. Medical students were taught that opioids were very useful for end-of-life pain (especially for cancer, which can cause excruciating pain) and that they were important for a few days after surgery or a severe injury.
Young Feminist — Dating Apps: Finger Swipes as a Silent Act of Feminism
By Caila Brander At face value, dating apps can look a bit silly. Swipe, swipe, click, swipe — in a few minutes, you can make hundreds of snap judgments about other single people based on a few photos and brief…
Who Cares? How Doulas Engage in Radical Acts of Kindness
Kindness is not simply a soft skill; it is a powerful tool for changing lives for the better. Now more than ever, we find ourselves fielding questions about the necessity of doulas in the bigger picture of reproductive health services.
What Is the Gun Gag Rule, and Why Should It Matter to You?
Pediatricians ask lots of questions relevant to children’s health and well-being. Do you have a smoker in the house; is there a swimming pool; do you insist on the use of an infant/toddler car seat or a seat belt? Do you wear a seat belt? Does your child wear a bike helmet; brush his or her teeth; drink sugary beverages?
Trump’s FDA and PenceWorld: The Battles Ahead
“The president has left his stamp on government in ways that could outlast him, but the NWHN will be there to shine a spotlight.”