Office on Women's Health Blog
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Nicole Greene
Iwona was supposed to be in surgery that day to remove a large fibroid. But while she was getting prepped for surgery, the news came: She had stage 4 uterine cancer.
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One Woman's Story: Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
At least 1 million Americans are living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). ME/CFS strikes more people in the United States than multiple sclerosis, lupus, and many forms of cancer, and anyone can develop it. However, ME/CFS is four times more likely to occur in women than in men.
New Year's Resolution: Appreciating Last Year's Achievements!
It can be difficult to incorporate new habits into an already overextended life, with work demands, harrowing commutes, busy families, hobbies (hopefully!), volunteer activities, and the curse of constant connectivity. So I like to think of January as a time to review my accomplishments from the previous year, focusing on what I achieved instead of what I did not.
More Than 2.8 Million Reasons for Hope
Kathleen Sebelius, Debbie Wasserman Schultz
... under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance companies and employer plans must cover tamoxifen and raloxifene — like other recommended preventive services — without co-pays or other out of pocket expenses for women at increased risk for breast cancer.
An Interview With a Woman Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lindsey McGrath
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex chronic condition that causes a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Some people may experience symptoms that make it hard to do the daily tasks that most of us do without thinking, like dressing, bathing, or eating. Here to tell us about her experience living with ME/CFS is Lindsey McGrath. While the name of this disorder — chronic fatigue syndrome — focuses on tiredness, you'll learn there are many other symptoms affecting Lindsey's daily life.
One Woman's Story: Living With a Disability
Women can be affected by many different types of disabilities, each of which presents a unique set of challenges. Disabilities can impact a woman's ability to move, see, or even communicate. While disabilities may make everyday activities more challenging, that doesn't mean that women living with disabilities can't enjoy healthy, productive lives.
An Interview With a Woman Living With a Disability: Nicole Small
As many as one in five American women are living with a disability. Disabilities may present challenges, but many people can — and do — enjoy full, productive lives. Here to tell us about her experience living with spina bifida myelomeningocele is Nicole Small. At the age of 24, Nicole is committed to educating others about spina bifida. In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2013, read Nicole's story about overcoming the hardships and struggles spina bifida presents.
Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak Declares Thanksgiving "Family Health History Day"
The Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait tool provides you a free and easy way to record your family health information. You can organize your family history information and share it with your family and health care professionals.
November Is Family Caregivers Month
My mother called me last Thursday night to let me know she was in the hospital and would be having surgery the next day. As I drove to North Carolina to be with her, I was thinking about how many people are in a similar situation, providing care for a family member from a distance.
Q&A: Smoking and How It Affects Women
Did you know that two weeks to three months after quitting smoking, a woman's heart attack risk begins to drop? In honor of the Great American Smokeout, I spoke with Dr. Howard Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to learn more about smoking and how it affects women.
October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is when the Office on Women's Health recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Having worked in women's health for more than 30 years, I've come across many statistics about women's health. One that is particularly distressing is the number of U.S. women who have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.
