Women need and want to know basic health information that is just for them. But that’s not all, it is important to keep up with the latest women’s health news, do in-depth homework on disease topics and make choices that lead to a healthy state of wellness. Here is a review of a 21-year-old women’s health organization with an exceptional online presence.
Explore Heath Topics and Health Centers
The National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is a non-profit organization that maintains quality health information by involving leading health care professionals. The group was a dream of founder Violet Bowen-Hugh, M.D., who started medical school in 1957 when few women were physicians. She was dedicated to improving the lives of women and had goals of setting up free resources and important research on women’s health topics.
At the Web site, click on the Health Topics A – Z tab, and find background information to self-educate before a health professional’s appointment. For example, find out facts about the hard-to-diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome – understand symptoms and view probable treatment. Finally, find suggested questions to ask your doctor.
In the Health Centers section (tab) are choices of various hubs like Living Well & Aging Well, where you can find alternative medicine articles like “Easing Pain with Omega-3s” and “Improving Sleep without Medication.” In this section, find Pam Peeke, M.D. and author, presenting down-to-earth, slightly irreverent video clips like “Menopot.” Check out the Sexual Heath Center –read “The Hormones of Desire” – the Diabetes Health Center (learn about the symptoms of diabetes), Heart Health Center (view 5 facts about women’s heart disease) and more.
Publications, Resources, Columns and the News Room
The Publications and Research section offers free booklets, such as a 24-page guide to the menstrual cycle, and the latest downloadable research studies, like “Calcium Helps Ward off Colon Cancer” (reported February 2009) and “Hand Washing 10 Times a Day May Help Keep Flu Away” (reported September 2009). Also in this part of the Web site are several blogs such as Real Women, Real Stories or Notes from the Nursery.
The Columns area features experts’ answers to posted questions, like what preventive tests a mid-life woman should have to prevent serious illness. In addition, read about how to find a clinical trial for breast cancer, or how to stop early stage osteoporosis in the spine.
The News Room section contains such items as the site’s top 10 health topics; number one is birth control pills. Here too are the results of the annual Women Talk surveys conducted by Harris Interactive– about half the respondents in 2008 stated they were under a lot of stress and had gained weight.
Real Women for Health! Joins Forces with NWHRC
Real Women for Health! is an online radio show that has discussions among women’s experts, baby boomers and radio host and wellness coach Kelley Conners. The site is dedicated to real women who serve as each other’s health and wellness advocates. The online show is on the cutting edge of technology by producing a social help site where women can empower themselves.
The first joint endeavor between the two groups began September 26, centering on the topic of coping with chemotherapy. To participate live (often Saturday mornings) or to listen later, right through your computer, go to the Web site to pre-register.
The NWHRC will Enrich Your Life
Take charge of your own health and educate yourself by visiting The National Women’s Health Resource Center Web site. Look for specific information or just explore – you will find a great, objective source for women’s health information. Bookmark and make the site your first line of wellness.
Reference
Love, Susan, M.D. Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
Peeke, Pamela, M.D. Fit to Live. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007.
 |
 |
 |
