Healthy Women Today Newsletter - January 2012

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov information and referral center

A woman wrote to us after having her thyroid gland removed due to Graves’ disease. She wondered how the treatment for Graves’ disease would affect her ability to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. We sent her information on Graves' disease, like its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We also sent her information on pregnancy and Graves’ disease. We strongly suggested she follow up with her doctor about her concerns. We also reminded her that if she wasn’t comfortable with her doctor's recommendations, it is wise to get a second opinion.

• Thyroid Disease Fact Sheet
• Graves' Disease Fact Sheet
• How to Get a Second Opinion
• Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy and Fertility (Copyright © Columbia University Medical Center)
• Pregnancy and Thyroid Disease

HHS 2011 Year in Review

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took a number of steps that have improved the lives, health, and security of Americans. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius outlined the many accomplishments of the Department during 2011.

Watch the Secretary’s video.

The National Breastfeeding Helpline

The National Breastfeeding Helpline from the Office on Women’s Health has trained breastfeeding peer counselors to provide support by phone. The counselors can help answer common breastfeeding questions. They can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or lactation consultant. The Helpline is available for all breastfeeding mothers, partners, prospective parents, family members, and health professionals seeking to learn more about breastfeeding. Talk with a trained breastfeeding peer counselor in English or Spanish. Call 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) for support

Get more information about breastfeeding and its benefits for moms and babies.

Women are Living Well with Disabilities

Did you know that as many as 1 in 5 of American women have a disability? Women are affected by many different illnesses and disabilities, which can range in severity. Some disabilities are rare, and some are more common. Some disabilities are visible to others — such as blindness or paralysis. But many are not. For instance, some mental illnesses affect people's ability to do their jobs or manage a household. Some people are born with disabilities. Some disabilities result from illness or an accident. Many disabilities come on as people age. As the number of older Americans grows, so does the number of people living with a disability. Because women live longer than men, women are more likely to be limited in the amount or kind of major activity they can perform.

Get information important to women with disabilities.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

Recipes for Healthy Kids - Try out four of the top recipes submitted in a challenge sponsored by the First Lady's Let's Move! campaign and the USDA.

• Smokin’ Powerhouse Chili
• Porcupine Sliders
• Roasted Fish Crispy Slaw Wrap
• Central Valley Harvest Bake

Check out more recipes from ChooseMyPlate.gov!

Health News Headlines

• Sleep Might Help Deepen Traumatic Memories
• Health Tip: Limit Drug-Food Interactions
• Health Tip: Stick With Your Healthy New Year's Resolutions
• 1 in 5 U.S. Adults Suffers Mental Ills: Report
• Drinking Late in First Trimester May Be Most Hazardous

Get more news.

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on its website. September's spotlight is on National Cholesterol Education Month.