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May 2024 Volume 23
Mitzi's Message
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the May edition of Beyond the Paper Gown. This month is an important blend of awareness initiatives and holidays emphasizing the significance of women and their health. Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms and caretakers! We also observe Mental Health Awareness Month, Maternal Mental Health Week, and Women's Health Week.
Reflecting the month's spirit, my May has been a whirlwind of women's health activities. I had the privilege of attending the second annual Women's Health Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange, where the energy around innovation in women's health was electrifying and highlighted the need and opportunity for investment in this sector. At the Golden Seeds Summit for angel investors, I led a panel on women's health investment, sparking discussions on gaps and opportunities in this vital sector. And just last week, I was present at the Women's Health Political Action Committee (PAC) launch in Washington, DC, which is dedicated to increasing investment in research funding and garnering support for women's health initiatives through education and advocacy. The enthusiasm at these events was truly inspiring. Check out our blog article about the progress we are making and opportunities to get involved.
Similarly, our podcasts this month delve into critical areas of women's health across a wide range of topics. We tackle health equity, with a special focus on women of color, and explore heart health, underscoring the significant influence of a woman's obstetric history on long-term heart and vascular health. Our conversation with the CEO of a company providing daily hormonal tracking offers valuable insights into infertility solutions and understanding perimenopause. Furthermore, we delve into pelvic health, a vital yet often neglected aspect of women's well-being. Our esteemed guests, including researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs, represent the diverse spectrum of expertise dedicated to improving women's health.
Beyond the Paper Gown's goal is to give you the information and resources to live your healthiest life. We cover everything from medical conditions and prevention to the intersections of innovation, investment, and policies. Please join us in making May the new start of a year focused on staying healthy and informed about women's health.
Take good care,
Mitzi Krockover, MD
DIVERSE VOICES, BETTER CHOICES: REPRESENTATION AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH
Join us on this compelling episode of "Beyond the Paper Gown" with host Dr. Mitzi Krockover, as we welcome the trailblazing Dr. Jayne Morgan, a distinguished cardiologist and Executive Director of Health and Community Education at Piedmont Healthcare. Dr. Morgan, leveraging her profound experience as a Black female physician, explores the systemic issues affecting women's healthcare, particularly in underrepresented communities. She discusses the critical need for diversity in medical research and training, and the impact of biases in AI and healthcare delivery. Discover how changing medical education and embracing inclusive research can lead to better health outcomes for all. Don't miss Dr. Morgan's powerful insights on transforming healthcare—tune in now to learn how we can all contribute to a more equitable health system.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN
In this important episode, host Dr. Mitzi Krockover is joined by Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a leader in preventive cardiology and a strong supporter of women's heart health. They discuss the often overlooked issue of heart disease in women, which is the number one cause of death for women in the United States.
Heart disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined, yet it remains underestimated and misunderstood, particularly in its impact on women. This episode explores why heart disease is so deadly for women, how their symptoms differ from men, and why their treatment often falls short. Dr. Steinbaum also provides invaluable insights into how simple lifestyle changes can prevent up to 80% of heart cases.
Women often face misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis because their risk of heart disease goes unrecognized. Our conversation delves into the challenges women encounter when seeking healthcare, underscoring the importance of education and self-advocacy.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a woman concerned about heart health, or just someone interested in learning more about this critical topic, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, knowledge is power — tune in to empower yourself with life-saving information and take charge of your heart health.
DOES YOUR PELVIC FLOOR NEED AN EXERCISE PROGRAM?
In this engaging episode, we're joined by Stephanie Schull, PhD, the innovator behind Kegelbell, as we delve into the often overlooked subject of women's pelvic health. Dr. Schull sheds light incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and organ prolapse, which can result from pelvic floor disorders. She advocates for the importance of candid discussions, early education, and a deeper understanding of our bodies to prevent and manage these conditions effectively. Dr. Schull also introduces Kegelbell, her pioneering invention designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve symptoms.
Tune in to discover how education and innovation are key to transforming the narrative surrounding women's pelvic health.
THE FUTURE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH: EXPLORING OOVA'S HORMONE MONITORING TECHNOLOGY
In this episode of Beyond the Paper Gown, host Dr. Mitzi Krockover explores the groundbreaking innovations in women's health with Amy Divaraniya, PhD, Founder & CEO, Oova. Dr. Divaraniya's journey from data science to women's health advocacy led her to create Oova, a platform empowering women with personalized data about their bodies through hormone monitoring. Oova's AI-powered tests provide valuable insights into fertility, perimenopause, and hormone fluctuations, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach to women's health. Join the conversation to discover how Oova offers personalized solutions and empowering women to advocate for their health with confidence.
BTPG Listeners can use discount code: OOVAPG10 to receive 10% off of an Oova product.
HOW DO YOU FEEL? ONE DOCTOR'S SEARCH FOR HUMANITY IN MEDICINE (available to preorder)
(By: Jessi Gold, MD, MS)
A moving memoir by psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold, who explores the hidden emotional and physical tolls of caregiving through her own experiences and those of four patients—a resident with OCD, a pregnant nurse with PTSD, a medical student with test anxiety, and an overwhelmed ER physician. Faced with a critical mistake, Jessi reevaluates her relentless commitment to others and the healthcare system's demands. By intertwining research, personal stories, and therapy insights, "How Do You Feel?" reflects on the importance of self-care for those dedicated to caring for others, revealing a universal message about maintaining our humanity in helping professions.
Do you have a question for
Dr. Jessi Gold? Email BTPG at info@womancentered.com
and your question might be asked during next week's interview!
The March of Dimes mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. Their goals are to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.
WOMEN'S HEALTH PAC ONLINE LAUNCH EVENT
May 28 2pm EST - 3pm
The Women's Health PAC is focused on ensuring women’s whole health is a priority on the national agenda by building a powerful, bipartisan political women’s health movement to influence the political process and support women’s health champions in key elections.
SPRINGTIME MOOD-BOOSTING SALAD
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh spinach (rich in folic acid, which can help alleviate depression)
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries (packed with antioxidants and vitamin C)
- 1/2 cup of walnuts (excellent source of Omega-3, which supports brain function)
- 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa (a great source of protein and fiber)
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (contains calcium and vitamin B12)
- 1 avocado, sliced (full of healthy fats and enhances the absorption of nutrients)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (can help combat stress)
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (loaded with magnesium, which can help fight anxiety)
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey (for a touch of natural sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients:
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Slice the strawberries and avocado, and chop the basil leaves.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, avocado, and quinoa.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.
Mix the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your taste.
Dress the salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss everything gently to combine so each ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing.
Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
This salad not only tastes great but also provides a mix of nutrients that can help improve mood and mental well-being. Enjoy this delightful dish and embrace the vibrant flavors of spring!
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Quotable Women
Inspiration
"...we must train all medical students, male and female, to understand the biological differences between the sexes, to take the time to listen to their patients, to respect their patients’ concerns and anxieties, and most of all…to take them seriously."
— Bernadine Healy, MD, Former Director, National Institutes of Health