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November 2023 Volume 18
Mitzi's Message
Dear Readers,
As the crisp November air greets us and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, this is the perfect moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for a truly wonderful journey focusing on women and our health needs.
I have had the pleasure of speaking with the extraordinary individuals who have graced our episodes: the dedicated scientists, compassionate clinicians, tireless advocates, creative innovators, and insightful policymakers who are the bedrock of progress in women's health. You can feel their passion for their work and I know I've learned much from each of them.
I am also immensely grateful for the BTPG team who helps to bring you these podcasts and newsletters. They are involved in the content, audio quality, social media posts, and website. They genuinely care about what we do to improve women's health; I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.
I'm also incredibly grateful for you, our listeners. Your engagement and enthusiasm make our podcast what it is—a space for meaningful conversations and learning. I appreciate your feedback and hope you will continue to let us know how we can serve you better in your health journey.
And speaking of gratitude, did you know that feeling thankful has real health benefits? Research suggests that gratitude can improve physical health by reducing stress and strengthening heart health. Emotionally, it's a boon, too, helping to elevate our mood and bring a sense of contentment to our daily lives.
I encourage you to join me in a gratitude challenge—perhaps by starting a gratitude journal, reaching out to those who've supported your health journey, or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on the parts of life you are thankful for.
Let's continue to support each other, to learn, and to grow. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your presence is a constant reminder of why this work matters, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Take good care,
Mitzi Krockover, MD
Featured Podcast - How to Balance Caregiving and Wellness: Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs
Join Dr. Mitzi Krockover in this episode of "Beyond the Paper Gown" as she welcomes Leslie Forde, CEO and Founder of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs. Leslie shares her research-based approach to redefining self-care for mothers, emphasizing the challenges of balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal well-being. With a focus on motivation, education, and activation, Leslie offers practical solutions for moms and other caregivers to prioritize themselves.
Work-Life Balance: An Expert’s Guide for Employers and Caregivers
Are you struggling to balance work and caring for your family? In this episode, Dr. Mitzi Krockover chats with Leslie Forde, CEO and founder of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, who shares her experiences and challenges as a working mother and caregiver and offers her 'Mom's Hierarchy of Needs' model to help prioritize self-care. In part II of her discussion with Ms. Forde, this episode offers insights for working parents and caregivers and employers and employees. Drawing on her years of research and consulting with employers, she emphasizes the employer's role in providing psychological safety, flexibility, mental health support, and affordable child care in the workplace to support mothers and other caregivers and how employees can effectively advocate for themselves. She also highlights governmental policies she feels are important in further supporting caregivers. If you're a working parent or caregiver, or if you know someone who is, this episode is packed with advice you can use right now
CALL TO ACTION!
Caregiving with Cancer Project Survey
Help parents and caregivers with cancer get the support they need at work.
If you are a parent or caregiver to an adult, and have been diagnosed with cancer, please take this brief new survey about your experiences.
This research is being conducted by Mom's Hierarchy of Needs in partnership with Emmanuel College and will be used to advocate better support for caregivers in the workplace, including resources for parents, caregivers and the organizations who employ them, on supportive wellness, benefits and work/life integration strategies.
Women's Healthy Aging Innovation Summit
December 6 - 7, 2023
Los Angeles, CA
We are pleased to be partnering with The Women’s Healthy Aging Innovation Summit 2023, taking place in Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA this December 6 - 7. This event will Bring together a room filled with fellow women’s health leaders for two days full of exclusive content with over 40 influential speakers, essential networking hours, and intimate roundtables. This is the leading summit for driving investment, research, and innovation in areas relating to women’s healthy aging.
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.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Click to learn more about additional non-profit organizations
COMMUNITY GIRLS CLUBS
The Community Girls Clubs aims to offer viable safe spaces for adolescents girls in Zimbabwe from a society where child sexual exploitation is rampant, gender based violence is the order of the day and a lot of emotional and physical abuse experienced by girls and young women. The Community Girls Clubs are safe havens for girls to come and innovate together, receive skills that will improve their economic stance, get educational assistance, receive one on one counseling services and psycho social support.
Join GlobalGiving and donate to this worthy cause of the Community Girls Clubs.
If you there is a non-profit you would like to share with the Beyond the Paper Gown community, email us at info@womancentered.com.
Discover exclusive opportunities for unique and health-conscious gifts in our holiday gift guide!
Check back often as our list grows!
The Health Benefits of Gratitude
The power of gratitude has intrigued scientists for many years. In 2003, psychologist Robert Emmons led a study to try and understand if gratitude impacts physical and mental well-being. The research looked at the well-being of people undergoing life difficulties, those with neuromuscular disease, and how different groups responded to cultivating a grateful outlook on life.
BEYOND THE PAPER GOWN RECIPE CORNER
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts:
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Coat with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the Brussels sprouts, and toss them to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roast in the Oven:
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Toss them halfway through cooking for even browning.
5. Prepare Balsamic Glaze:
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, mix balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup) in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the mixture has reduced and thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the dish for added texture.
7. Enjoy:
Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze immediately as a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving side dish!
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
"I've found that there is always some beauty left--in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you."
- Anne Frank