Women's Health Seminar Series

Join us on Tuesday, November 5 for the seminar "Living With HIV: Issues for Women" presented by Dr. Amy Baranoski and invited panel members. Our guests will be sharing life experiences so this session will not be recorded. Make sure you are present for this seminar!

Brewing Controversy

A Dallas beer company is receiving  much heated criticism over a slogan for the beer "Dallas Blonde" after images of the new promotion truck were circulated online. The beer displays a blonde doll and reads that it "goes down easy". While the company owner claimed that is is just a fun play on words, many are saying that it is yet another promotion of rape culture in the United States. Alcohol is often involved in many sexual assault cases and some feel that a slogan like this on a can of beer is both inappropriate and insulting.

The owner did apologize for the offense the slogan may have caused anyone and has decided to remove it from the Dallas Blonde promotion truck.

What do you think? Is the can a representation of American society saying it is okay to sexually objectify women? Or is it just fun crude humor? Let us know!

Read the full story here.

TGIF Quote of the Week

Happy Friday Everyone! 

Here is the quote of the week: 

It's a fine thing to rise above pride, but you must have pride in order to do so.

~Georges Bernanos

Have a good weekend !

New "Terms" for Term Pregnancies

For some time now 37 weeks of pregnancy and beyond has been coined "term" pregnancy meaning it is an ideal time for the baby to be born. That was up until yesterday when new designations were given to the final terms of pregnancy by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Beginning at 37 weeks, the new terms are as follows: 

• Early Term:  Between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days
• Full Term:    Between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days (Ideal)
• Late Term:   Between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days
• Postterm:     Between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond

The two groups created these new terms to discourage women and doctors from deciding on elective births before 39 weeks. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in outcomes when comparing babies born at 37 weeks with those born just 2 weeks later. They hope to prevent births before 39 weeks of gestation that are not natural or medically necessary. In the immediate future, it is possible that we will see an increase in healthy births and a gradual reduction in the expense of newborn care. Let us know what you think! Do you think these new terms will have an impact?


View the original story here: Ob-Gyns Redefine Meaning of "Term Pregnancies" 

Why Can't I Get Enough Sleep pt. II - Insomnia

If you have difficulty with falling or staying asleep which results in problems with functioning during the day, you may have insomnia. It is a common and frustrating problem that affects up to 4 out of 10 people. In addition to poor and unrefreshing sleep, insomnia has been associated with decreased quality of life, difficulty at work, heart disease, and mood disorders.

Insomnia may occur on its own (primary insomnia) or be associated with other problems, such as:

•  Psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety
•  Medical conditions, including heart burn, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and chronic pain
• Medications or substances such as alcohol
• Poor sleeping habits (aka sleep hygiene)
• Acute life stress, such as starting or losing a job

Because many conditions affect insomnia, it is important to identify causes or contributing factors. To start the process towards managing insomnia and getting a good night of sleep, a thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist is indicated. After this, strategies to treat insomnia may be determined.

Depending on the causes or conditions associated with insomnia, treatment ranges from non-medication related therapy (implementing good sleep hygiene, bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy) to the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs (melatonin).

For more information on insomnia:

http://yoursleep.aasmnet.org/Disorder.aspx?id=6

References:

Mai E, Buysse DJ. Insomnia: prevalence, impact, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and evaluation. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2008;3:167-174.

TGIF Quote of the Week

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!
Here is the quote of the week:

"An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
-Benjamin Franklin

Good Luck to our students with upcoming exams! Hang in there!

A Partnership Worth “Liking” – Facebook and NNEDV

The National Network to End Domestic Violence and Facebook have partnered up in an effort to keep survivors of domestic violence safe when using social media. In many stages of the domestic abuse cycle, using social media can be dangerous to the victim. Things an abuser finds online can cause further abuse, violence and stalking. Once the victim and abuser are no longer together, social media also can still allow an abuser access to the survivor’s life. 

Some say that abusers should simply stop using social media if they are worried about abusers following their activities. However, NNEDV and Facebook feel that this solution is unacceptable and isolating.  Survivors should have the same safety as anyone else when using social media. To help survivors, NNEDV and Facebook have created a guide to Facebook privacy and security settings. They hope that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for survivors who want to continue to connect with individuals who care about them. This guide could also be useful for those who are currently experiencing cyber bullying or other forms of virtual abuse.

Links:

NNEDV Privacy and Safety on Facebook : Guide for Survivorsof Abuse

Orignal NNEDV article about the guide

If you or anyone you know could benefit from reading this, please share it and help combat domestic violence!