If you find this newsletter valuable, please forward or share it with a friend and join our community at BeyondThePaperGown.com
January 2024 Volume 20
Mitzi's Message: The Blessing of a Cold
Dear Readers,
Happy New Year! As we welcome January, not only does it mark the beginning of new resolutions, but it also brings into focus an essential health topic: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. As a doctor and a fellow woman, I’m here to remind you about the importance of regular health screenings.
We know the struggle is real when it comes to keeping New Year's resolutions. We start with good intentions, but life gets busy, and sometimes those well-meant promises fall by the wayside. This is normal, and it's okay. The key is to pick resolutions that truly matter and are manageable – like taking care of our health.
Screenings for cervical cancer and other conditions are more than just appointments; they are vital steps in staying in control of your health journey. This year, let's include these essential check-ups in our list of resolutions. For a list of recommended screenings, see our article "The Priority of Preventive Health".
Our commitment at Beyond the Paper Gown for 2024 is to continue delivering up-to-date health information through our podcast, this newsletter, and our blog. Your feedback is crucial, so if there's a topic you want us to cover, please let us know.
But that's not all. We're excited to expand our marketplace, offering you more resources and products focused on women's health. Our calendar will keep you updated on important health events, and we'll continue to spotlight non-profits dedicated to women's health. Plus, we'll provide you with more ways to get actively involved in promoting not just your own health, but the health of women everywhere. We’re here to help you stay engaged and make it easier to keep those health resolutions.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making small, consistent changes towards a healthier you. So let's embrace 2024 with a realistic approach to our health goals, supporting each other every step of the way.
Take good care,Â
Â
Mitzi Krockover, MD
11 Minutes of Daily Exercise Reduces Risk for Premature Death (Healio)
Engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity for 11 minutes a day could prevent nearly 16% of all premature deaths, according to researchers.
Women and Minorities Bear the Brunt of Medical Misdiagnosis (KFF Health News)
Hundreds of thousands of Americans become disabled or die each year because of a diagnostic error. But some patients are at higher risk than others.
SIGN THE PETITION TO #StopCensoringSexualHealth
Sign the Center for Intimacy Justice's petition urging the FTC to take action against social media discrimination against women's health advertising.
They are asking the US Federal Trade Commission to investigate and act on Meta’s discriminatory censorship of sexual health information for women and women and people of underrepresented genders.
PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF THE GENDER SIPARITY IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Are you a woman with an autoimmune disease? Do you feel your sex is taken into account in the management of your diseases?
DermAb.io wishes to promote the awareness of the gender disparity in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. You can help by answering or sharing our anonymous patient survey. Your contribution will broaden our understanding of the gaps in the link between women's health and autoimmune diseases. The results will be shared on the DermAb.io LinkedIn page and the data will not be sold or transferred to any third party.
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.
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.
Winter Power Greens Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup of roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing (or dressing of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
3. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare your greens. Wash and chop them if needed, and place them in a large salad bowl.
4. Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly before adding them to the greens.
5. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, walnuts, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and dried cranberries over the greens.
6. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad.
7. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
This winter power greens salad is packed with nutrients. The greens provide vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes add fiber and antioxidants, pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, walnuts offer healthy fats and protein, and cranberries add a touch of sweetness. Plus, the flavors complement each other beautifully.
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad as a part of your January meal plan, as it's not only great for women's health but for everyone looking for a healthy start to the year!
If you have an event you would like to share with the
Beyond the Paper Gown community, email us at info@womancenterd.com.
Quotable Women
Inspiration
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."
- Audre Lorde