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OWH: Your Leaders in Women's Health
It's official — 2016 is over and we're in a new year. For many of us, this is a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. … Read the full post
Why #CoverageMatters for Women's Health
The progress that the Affordable Care Act has made for women's health couldn't be clearer, and we shouldn't go backward on any of these improvements. … Read the full post
The Holidays: How I Cope With the Loss
It's during the quiet times that I recognize there is a void. My void has a name — it's Erskine Hallam Bishop. … Read the full post
4 Skills to Teach Your Daughter by 13
Parents can prepare their daughters for the trials of being a teenager by teaching them vital skills early on. … Read the full post
A New National Prescription to Improve Women's Health
Women's health was largely ignored in the halls of public policy, at the research bench, and in clinical settings when I was appointed the first. … Read the full post
In Pictures and Videos: OWH's 25th Anniversary Event
I was lucky enough to have a front row seat as the emcee for the day's special activities, and I want to share with you some pictures and videos from the event. … Read the full post
Using Digital Communication at World AIDS Day 2016
Here are some brief answers to a few common questions about digital communication for World AIDS Day 2016 … Read the full post
10 Reasons to Sign Up (or Re-up) for Health Coverage
Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began November 1. Here are 10 reasons why you should sign up — or re-up — for health coverage for 2017! … Read the full post
Rejoining the World of Women's Health
I'm thrilled to join the team here at OWH. It feels good to be back in the world of women's health — a little like reconnecting with an old friend. … Read the full post
Losing Ethan
Our beautiful baby boy was born at 24 weeks. When my doctor said that he was out, I held my breath, waiting and praying to hear him cry. … Read the full post
A Survivor's Right to Reconstruction
Many breast cancer patients who are eligible for breast reconstruction after mastectomy aren't aware of their rights and care options. … Read the full post
Domestic Violence and Your Health
Sometimes it is difficult to recognize the effect an abusive relationship can have on your health, but the impacts are substantial … Read the full post
One Size Does Not Fit All
Cultural acceptance of higher weights in the LGBT community challenges the expectations of typical weight loss programs … Read the full post
Farewell: My Fascinating Journey as OWH Director
It has been an honor to speak up on behalf of women and girls and ensure that leaders and policy makers understand their unique health needs. … Read the full post
Access to Contraceptives: A Path Forward
As a woman, a mother, and a doctor, I recognize that the ability to plan if and when to have children is essential to the well-being of all women. … Read the full post
Sex and the Senior Woman
There are many beliefs and myths about aging and sex. A common one is that people 55 and older don't have, think about, or want sex. That's not always true. … Read the full post
Ease Into Breastfeeding: The #First31 Days
Breastfeeding is different for every woman, but here are some common challenges moms face in the first day, week, and beyond, plus tips to get through them. … Read the full post
Pregnancy & Motherhood: Tips in Your Back Pocket
Text4baby offers pregnant women and moms the health information they need most, delivered right to the trusty device in their back pocket — their cell phone. … Read the full post
Busting 5 Common Myths about FDA and Women's Health
Sometimes, I act as a myth-buster, meaning I share how FDA uses information about sex differences in our work and counter common myths about FDA. … Read the full post
Let's Celebrate the OWH Staff
As we celebrate this milestone in women's health, I want to take a moment to recognize the OWH staff, because they've played a big role in helping us get here. … Read the full post
My Life With Lyme
On Easter Sunday 2007, I woke up unable to move from the neck down. It sounds scary, but I just thought I was getting sick. Little did I know how sick I was. … Read the full post
Uterine Fibroids: Finding Answers
With uterine fibroids being so common, why don't we know more about treatment options and what treatments will work best for different women? … Read the full post
5 Ways to Build Each Other Up
So often our health rises and falls with those around us, so try these five tips to help you make smarter choices together. … Read the full post
Postpartum Depression Is My Truth
I had something that nearly sucked the life out of me. After we got home from the hospital, I rarely got off of the couch for 30 days. … Read the full post
Tools to Promote Gender Responsiveness in HIV Prevention Programs for Women and Girls
Gender-related issues are a driver of the HIV epidemic among women and girls. That's why we developed the HIV Prevention Toolkit: A Gender-Responsive Approach. … Read the full post
Ladies, Let's Change Tomorrow
Together — as women — we can help build each other up! Join the #StateofWomen movement today to help change tomorrow. Find out how you can get involved. … Read the full post
Taking Care of Your Health — and Your Baby's
Moms have a lot on their plate, but with the Affordable Care Act and Text4baby, we can help make their health care a little easier. … Read the full post
Caregiving: Why We Have to Talk About It
Caregiving is hard work, no matter how much we love the person. Having been a caregiver, I want to share two important pieces of advice with you. … Read the full post
Back to Basics
The science is always evolving, but some things never change. For this year's National Women's Health Week, we get back to basics. Follow these simple steps. … Read the full post
Ladies, There's Never Been a Better Time to Start Taking Control of Your Health
There's a lot to being an adult that no one warns you about. At some point, you realize that you're in control of your life. All you have to do is take charge. … Read the full post
Finding Love on the Plate
During the first three months that I was a co-host on The Chew, I gained 20 pounds. That experience taught me I needed to reinvent the way I approached food … Read the full post
Endometriosis: 23 Years of Searching for Answers
I saw so many doctors, yet I was repeatedly told that nothing was wrong. It wasn't until I was 36, 23 years after my symptoms began, that I finally got answers. … Read the full post
Sexual Assault Can Happen in Relationships, Too
We often equate relationships with consent — leading to the misconception that sexual abuse cannot happen in marriages. This is far from the truth. … Read the full post
Women's Health Chose Me
I didn't choose to work in women's health. It chose me. I saw women marginalized early in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I heard them referred to as liars … Read the full post
What Your Gynecologist Wants You to Know
Does the thought of going to the gyno make you wince? With a little planning, your visit can be a powerful part of your overall health plan. … Read the full post
You Can Help Prevent Sexual Assault!
"It's not rape if we're in a relationship." False! Learn more about sexual assault and signs of unhealthy relationships. … Read the full post
A Time for Women and Girls to Discover Their Greatness
Women's History Month in March is an opportune time for all women to awaken and pursue their highest potential. … Read the full post
Tips for Pregnant Women to Prevent Zika Virus Infection
Zika may sound scary, but there are some basic steps pregnant women can take to protect themselves. … Read the full post
Women and HIV: Essential Reads!
Get the latest news on developments in HIV prevention, care and treatment, research, and policy to inform your conversations around women's health. … Read the full post
HIV Is My Roommate
People LOVE to say, "Oh she is living with HIV." Correction: HIV is living with me. … Read the full post
XOXO: Put Your #BestDefense Into Play
When it comes to sex, we want all women and girls to "gear up." Read this short checklist with ways you can defend yourself against HIV. … Read the full post
Barbra Streisand and Vivek Murthy: How We Can Help Save Women's Lives
Too many women are dying from a largely preventable disease. Cardiovascular disease kills one woman in America nearly every 90 seconds. … Read the full post
"My Cardiologist Says I'm a Miracle"
Heart disease was never something I worried about. But less than a year ago, I found out I had a 99% blockage in my left anterior descending coronary artery. … Read the full post
Eating for Your Health and Your Heart
I can admit it: I love food. But my mother taught me a long time ago that what you put into your body, and how much, matters. … Read the full post
Respect My Red: My Movement to End Assault
I was told by my parents that red means "stop." A red light, a red stop sign — these red signs aren't a suggestion that we stop. They insist that we stop. … Read the full post
Assessing Campus Climate to Change Campus Culture
Two years ago, the White House established the Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault. Here's what's happened since then. … Read the full post
Happy 25th Anniversary, OWH!
We've made great strides in women's health. Women are living longer and surviving breast and lung cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart disease more than ever before. … Read the full post
Participate in a Clinical Trial: Make a Difference
Clinical trials just don't come up in casual conversations. I want to change that. I want to get women talking about why it is important for us to participate. … Read the full post
3 Conversations to Have With Your Kids This Year
As a parent, what you say and do really matters. Set aside time to talk with your kids about topics that will make them healthier for years to come. … Read the full post
Let's Talk About Bladders
The bladder isn't given much thought. Unless it demands our attention, we simply ignore it. But ignoring it has costs. So let's start talking about the bladder. … Read the full post
Bottom Line: Mammograms are Still Covered
Recently, several organizations have updated breast cancer screening recommendations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). … Read the full post
6 Ways to Start Fresh This Semester
What's our New Year's resolution at Her Campus? Beyond acing organic chemistry, we want to help you make this semester way healthier than your last. … Read the full post
It's Time for the iGIANT
We want to believe that what is branded for use by women will improve function and safety, not just appearance. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. … Read the full post
I'm Young and Healthy, But I Still Need Insurance
Everyone deserves great health coverage, including you. Check out the five things you should know about applying for health insurance. … Read the full post
Caregiving Changed Me: One Daughter's Story
Agreed denial. That was our little dance — my mother and me — when it came to her health concerns. … Read the full post
Beat the Holiday Blues
There are a million different reasons why people might feel down during the holiday season. Here are some simple steps you can take to lift your spirits. … Read the full post
Be Empowered: Know The Facts First
Talking about sex isn't always easy, especially with your kids. It's awkward, but having the talk can help them be smart about sex and relationships. … Read the full post
Making Strides Toward an AIDS-free Generation
This World AIDS Day, let's reflect on the many people we've lost to HIV/AIDS and the many lives we can save in the years to come. … Read the full post
Treat Yourself to Peace of Mind
It's that time again! Whether you're renewing a plan you love, increasing your coverage, or applying for the first time, it's time to get covered! … Read the full post
A Veteran and Military Spouse Shares Her Story
Tonya Willis, a veteran and military spouse, tells us about the challenges military families face and shares advice on finding support in your community. … Read the full post
4 Reasons to Say, "Thanks, Birth Control!"
More than 88% of women of reproductive age in the United States have used birth control at some point in their lives. There are a lot of reasons to be thankful … Read the full post
2 Words, 2 Years, 5 Posts You Need to Read
Women's health. Two words, so many topics. Check out five of the OWH Director's favorite posts and why she think every woman should read them. … Read the full post
Giving Power Back To Survivors
Getting appropriate medical care is a basic right. Victims of domestic violence can now take back control with their own health insurance. … Read the full post
5 Graphs to Help You Understand What Anxiety Feels Like
Do you know what anxiety actually feels like? Find out with these five simple graphs. … Read the full post
New Funding for Better IPV Screening and Follow-up
OWH's new grant program funds academic institutions to research effective public health responses to domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. … Read the full post
#WhyIStayed Is Only Part of My Story
I was experiencing domestic violence, but I was not ready to admit it. And I was not ready to leave. … Read the full post
Making a Difference for National Hispanic Heritage Month
This National Hispanic Heritage Month, let's all agree to be the human beings that César Chávez called on to make a difference. … Read the full post
Know Your Terms – It's Best for Your Baby
"Due date" is simply an estimate. And research shows babies are still developing right up until week 40. So when is the best time for your baby to arrive? … Read the full post
7 Tips to Help You Squeeze in More Exercise Today
A 30-minute workout is only 2% of your day. If I can do it, so can you! Check out these tips to help you get started and stick with it. … Read the full post
Black Breastfeeding Week 2015: Lift Every Baby
Yes, breastfeeding is the best nutrition for babies. But breastfeeding has never really been just about breastfeeding. … Read the full post
8 Things You Need to Know About Pumping at Work
Location, location, location. It's one of the biggest concerns for nursing moms who plan to pump at work. But there are ways of making space for you to pump. … Read the full post
Join Us: Support Nursing Moms
Supporting nursing moms makes sense — and it's the right thing to do. Read what federal employees have to say about their experiences pumping at work. … Read the full post
Feminism and My Path to Recovery
I still remember the first time I felt "fat." I was in third grade. … Read the full post
Everything You Should Know About HPV — From One of the 80% of Women Who Will Have it
Whenever someone asks me (usually in a medical setting) if I have an STI, I always almost forget that I do. But then I remember: Oh yeah, I have HPV. … Read the full post
5 Tips: Breastfeeding After Maternity Leave
What's one of the biggest hurdles mothers face when breastfeeding? Returning to work. Here are five things that will make the transitions easier … Read the full post
4 Vaccines for a Healthier Teen
Do you know which vaccines your teen needs? Here's the list of four vaccines recommended for almost all adolescents. … Read the full post
Remembering Rachel
When Rachel passed, the funeral had to be held at a bigger chapel than originally planned. The cards and letters were overwhelming … Read the full post
Medicaid: 50 Years of Helping People Like Me
Last week, I took time off work for a routine medical exam. I need assistance with daily activities like dressing and bathing, but I went alone … Read the full post
Make a Difference in the Lives of the Men You Love
Why are we talking about men's health on a women's health website? Because men's health affects women in some pretty significant ways … Read the full post
7 Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun
A few years ago I had a small skin cancer removed, making me one of the nearly 5 million people treated for skin cancer every year in the United States … Read the full post
What It's Like Living With Endometriosis
The pain got worse and worse. Eventually it was unbearable. Sex was impossible. I felt exhausted all the time. There were many times when I couldn't get out of bed. … Read the full post
How ABC's Tory Johnson Became a Healthier Woman
It's been three years since the conversation that changed my life. My boss at ABC News told me I needed to "lose weight or lose my job." … Read the full post
5 Things to Know: Planning for a Healthy Retirement
May is clearly my month! We focus on my kind of people: older women. As wise as I feel, there are things we wish we had known when we were younger … Read the full post
Start the Conversation: Time to Talk With Your Teen
Did you know that, as a parent, you have a strong impact on whether your teen makes healthy decisions? This includes decisions about sex …Read the full post
Eliminating Hepatitis B in the U.S. — Mothers Matter!
Although transmission of hepatitis B from mother to baby is preventable, an estimated 952 infants in the United States were infected perinatally in 2009 … Read the full post
Better Women's Health Across the Generations
As the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants from Haiti, I have a deep respect for the rich traditions of the generations that preceded me … Read the full post
5 Small Changes That Can Improve Your Health in Your 20s, 30s, and Beyond
Sometimes it feels like being healthy is just a list of things we shouldn't do. The no's can steal the joy out of life. What if we told ourselves "yes" instead? … Read the full post
Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was Younger
I am 64 years old. There, I admit it. Now that I am older, I'd like to share some of my thoughts on things I wish someone had told me when I was younger … Read the full post
Happy Mother's Day! (cringe)
Why would a woman would cringe at that? Maybe she recently lost a child or suffered a miscarriage. Maybe she misses her mother. But often, it's because she's experiencing infertility … Read the full post
5 Nerdy Things You Should Know About Birth Control
Birth control — 99% of women have used it. Yet it continues to be a taboo subject. Here's the thing about taboos: They make it easier for myths to
spread … Read the full post
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Assault
Sexual assault. It's an ugly topic, and one that is difficult to talk about. But we must face the reality that the kids in our lives may be at risk … Read the full post
Prescription Painkillers: Know the Risks
Prescription drug overdoses are on the rise among women. Prescription opioid misuse and abuse resulted in over 200,000 emergency room visits in 2010, twice as … Read the full post
Minority Health Month: Making Progress on Health Disparities
Half a century ago, our nation was in the midst of a Civil Rights revolution. Since then, we've reached several milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Civil … Read the full post
Stop STIs: Six Steps to Safer Sex
Whether you call them STIs or STDs, one thing is true: Women are at risk of infection. Protecting yourself is an important part of staying healthy … Read the full post
Teens' Use of Birth Control
If you're a teen and are having sex, you need to know the most effective options for preventing pregnancy. Title X family planning center providers can help … Read the full post
Kissing and Hurting
My rape changed everything: my relationships, my life goals, and how I viewed the world. The world became a place where trust could be broken … Read the full post
Your Kid Deserves a Shot at a Healthy Life
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases around, and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against getting infected. In the United States, we have more than 50 years of experience with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine — also known as the MMR vaccine … Read the full post
Breaking Down Stigma — I Care About HIV/AIDS
I am not HIV-positive. But I care. In fact, I think it is vitally important for all of us to care about the well-being of those that are living with HIV/AIDS. After all, we care about people with cancer. We care about people with Alzheimer's and diabetes. But a stigma remains when it comes to HIV and AIDS … Read the full post
Stepping Out of the Shadows, Together for Women & Girls
Today, the Office of National AIDS Policy, Office of the Vice President, and the White House Council on Women and Girls commemorate the 10th observance of National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Along with other federal, national, and community organizations and advocates, today we celebrate our accomplishments to date in improving the lives of women and girls affected by HIV and recognize the work still ahead … Read the full post
HIV/AIDS: In Their Own Words
Today, about 1 in 4 people living with HIV in the United States are women. Each woman touched by HIV/AIDS needs our support and our understanding. They need family, friends, and treatment. And they need us to listen to their stories … Read the full post
Life After an AIDS Diagnosis
I don't think anything can prepare you for the moment when they unveil the piece of paper that contains your fate. Even though the odds seemed to be against me, I was not prepared to be told I had HIV. Turns out, the doctor had worse news: It was actually an AIDS diagnosis and the doctor gave me 3 to 6 months to live … Read the full post
That's Why I Call It Crazy Love
A few weeks before I met the man who physically abused me, I told my roommate I'd never be stupid enough to let a man beat me. I wish I'd known that abusers never hit you on the first date … Read the full post
What It Feels Like When a Woman Has a Heart Attack
What do you see when you imagine a heart attack? Does the victim — probably a man — stop what he's doing, clutch his chest, and fall to the floor? We call that the "Hollywood Heart Attack." It doesn't paint the most accurate picture, particularly for women. The truth is: Heart attacks can be much harder to spot. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. More women than men die from their heart attacks … Read the full post
It Happened To Me
Just a month before my 27th birthday, my world stopped. It was Christmastime, and most everyone around me was preparing for the holiday festivities; but not me … Read the full post
Is Your Manicure Making Someone Sick?
I chose to become a manicurist to provide for my family. Although there are many good things about the job, there are also significant hazards … Read the full post
No One Should Be for Sale
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It is insidious, widespread, and profitable — and affects more than 20 million men, women, and children around the world … Read the full post
Don't Let Little Health Problems Turn Into Big Ones
Getting covered may not seem like a priority if you're young and healthy and your budget is tight, but insurance is one of the best ways for you to take control of your health. Having health insurance is empowering! It's your ticket to preventive benefits … Read the full post
Putting Down My Phone: A Resolution
A few months ago, I took a fall. What made this different — and a bit humbling — was I doing something millions of Americans do every day. I was on my phone … Read the full post
Elena's #GetCovered Story: Pursuing Her Dream to Farm
The St. Luis Valley can be very cold and the life of a farmer here is not easy, but that has always been my dream. My family arrived in the valley in the 1860's and was among the first Hispanic settlers to come here. I'm the sixth generation of a proud family of farmers. It was a hard dream to pursue without health insurance … Read the full post
6 Tips for Healthy Aging
Aging is a natural part of life, and it's up to us to make the most of it. To me, that means being active and feeling my best. No matter your age, you can feel your best, too! Here are six easy ways you can stay active and healthy in 2015 … Read the full post
Season's Eatings
I am generally a healthy eater and try to exercise frequently, but all of the tasty treats available this time of year do make it a challenge … Read the full post
Say "No" to Holiday Stress
Welcome to the holiday season, an annual test of endurance for many women. The key to making it through, is to make choices that will eliminate the big stressors. Here's my guide to a less stressful holiday season … Read the full post
Our Women Veterans Today
Did you know that there are more than 2.2 million women Veterans in the United States? Yet many do not know that they may be eligible for health care and other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If a woman has served, she deserves the services and benefits she has earned. … Read the full post
Our #GetCovered Story: Insurance Let Us Get Through a Health Crisis Together
In July 2013, my wife Sharon was diagnosed with both lung and breast cancer. My immediate thought was that I would need to resign from my job as a vice president for sales of an education company in order to become a full-time caregiver. … Read the full post
Best Bones Forever!
I never imagined I would dance on the White House lawn with the First Lady. Who knew building strong bones could be so much fun? Thanks to Best Bones Forever!, OWH's bone health campaign for girls, and its focus on friendship and fun, our team got to do this and more. … Read the full post
Share Your Story and Help Make a Difference
It takes courage to share a personal story, but they often are the most powerful. They inspire us, stick with us, and change the way we think about the world. Personal stories also remind us that we are not alone … Read the full post
Time to Get Covered
The last thing anyone should have to worry about is health coverage and how they will find a plan that fits their needs and budget. Luckily, you don't have to — Marketplace Open Enrollment for 2015 starts today! … Read the full post
Family Health History, a Priceless Gift to You and Your Family
Why is it important to discuss your family's health history? Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease often run in families. Tracing the illnesses of your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your healthcare practitioner predict your risk for specific diseases and make vital screening and treatment decisions before any disease is evident … Read the full post
Let's Commit To Ending Domestic Violence
One out of every three women in the United States will experience some form of domestic violence in her lifetime. This is unacceptable, and we as a nation must do better. We can start by bringing the conversation out of the shadows. We must erase the stigma associated with domestic violence. That is why national Domestic Violence Awareness Month is so important … Read the full post
Domestic Violence: A Provider Perspective
Identifying current or past abusive and traumatic experiences can help prevent further abuse, lessen disability, and lead to improved health status. Because health care providers are often trusted resources in their communities, they are in a unique position to connect individuals who experience IPV with supportive local services — as HRSA's Chief Public Health Officer (and family physician) RADM Sarah Linde knows all too well … Read the full post
Shining Light on Violence Against Women
Domestic violence has been in the news a lot lately. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows how staggering the problem is: over 38 million women in the United States experience violence at the hand of a husband, boyfriend, or other partner during their lifetime. Or another way to think about it: one in five women will experience IPV during her life … Read the full post
Breast Cancer Fast Facts
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer … Read the full post
Empowering Women Through Affordable Health Coverage
Affordable, quality health coverage is changing women's lives. Women like Betsy Furler, a health care professional and a mom in Houston, whose family couldn't find affordable health insurance. Betsy used to take jobs just for the health benefits, while working to establish her own speech therapy business … Read the full post
Turning 26 Soon? Start Birthday Shopping for Health Insurance Now!
Were you — or was someone you love — born in late 1988? Start birthday shopping for health insurance now! Why? Because turning 26 means you can no longer be covered under your parents' health insurance plans … Read the full post
Reflections on the 30th Anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
In 1982, I remember standing on the porch of the Crisis Center in Manhattan, Kan., with my four-year-old son and five-year-old daughter, waiting to meet the domestic violence advocate who answered my call for help to escort us to a local shelter … Read the full post
Breast Pumps and Insurance Coverage: What You Need To Know
We've got the information you're searching for about breast pumps and insurance coverage … Read the full post
It's On Us
Today, I took a pledge to help end sexual assault on college campuses. As a woman, mother and the Director of the Office on Women's Health, this is a deeply personal issue for me. Before I ask you to join me in taking this pledge, here are the facts … Read the full post
Suicide Is on My Mind
I'm a survivor of suicide. For me, that means that I've attempted to end my life by suicide and survived the death of my aunt who ended her life with a gun … Read the full post
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