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Home > Healthy Women Today Newsletter > January 2009

Spotlight on Women's Health

One person's story

Each year, 1 in 8 babies are born too soon; some will have lifelong health problems. Janice Biermann of the March of Dimes is working to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Learn about her work and her personal experiences with premature birth.

Read Janice's story

Benefits of Folic Acid

Folate, the man-made form of folic acid, helps keep your blood healthy. Folate can also help prevent some birth defects. Getting enough folate before and during pregnancy can help prevent certain defects of the baby's spine and brain:

Spina bifida (SPEYE-nuh BIF-ih-duh) is a problem with the spine. The nerves that control leg movements and other functions do not work. Children with spina bifida often have lifelong disabilities. They may also need many surgeries.
Anencephaly (an-en-SEF-uh-lee) is when most or all of the brain does not develop. Babies with this problem die before or shortly after birth.

Learn more about folic acid

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov call center

We received an e-mail from a woman who wanted information on prolapsed cervix. Her symptoms included pain in the pelvic area and cramps. She also mentioned she was pregnant and wanted information soon.

We told her that it is definitely very important for her to see a doctor. Her doctor will be able to answer any questions and make the appropriate recommendations for treatment. We also gave her links for her state health department in case she didn't have a doctor and/or health insurance.

Learn more about pregnancy

Call Us!
1-800-994-9662
TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Trained English and Spanish-speaking information and referral specialists will find and order free health information or provide referrals to organizations to assist you with any health questions.

Learn more

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). About 20 million Americans ages 15 to 49 currently have HPV. Scientists have developed a vaccine that helps prevent the types of HPV that most often cause cancer.

		Get more information on cervical cancer
		Get more information on human papillomavirus (HPV)

Health Observances

Keep track of upcoming health observances

We've listened to your feedback, and this year we are proud to announce a brand new program to help you stay active all year long: The WOMAN Activity Tracker!

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

sweet potatoes, red and yellow potatoes, and acorn squash Everyone is on the lookout for healthy recipes this time of year. Most farmer's markets are now closed, but these recipes from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources are packed so full of veggies you'll feel like it's already growing season!

Farmer's Market Recipes

Health News Headlines

Get more news

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is March 10, 2009. The purpose of this annual day is to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls and encourage women and girls to take action. Find or plan an event, issue or view proclamations, and learn more about HIV/AIDS by visiting our web site.

Learn more about NWGHAAD

What are your New Year's Resolutions about?

	Weight loss
	Increasing physical activity level
	Decreasing stress
	Something different

Have You Seen Our Teen Survival Guide?

The girlshealth.gov Teen Survival Guide is a pocket-sized publication for girls which answers questions like:

"Does chocolate cause pimples?"
"What do I do if the kids at school make fun of me?"
"Can I get a sexually transmitted disease from kissing?"

Preview the guide today and then call us at 1-800-994-9662 to order your copy (bulk orders accepted!).

Preview the Teen Survival Guide

Growing Great Girls

Have you signed up for Growing Great Girls, our newsletter for parents of girls?

Free 2009 Women's Health Calendar

The 2009 womenshealth.gov calendar is available. Order your free copy today by calling our toll-free Call Center. Hurry, we have a limited supply!

Order your calendar

The Healthy Woman - New Book Available Now!

The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages is now available online and in bookstores. From the nation's leaders in women's health, the Guide covers a broad range of health topics affecting women of all ages.

Order your copy

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on their web site. January's spotlight is New Year's Resolutions.

Learn more about New Year's Resolutions