Can the New Graphic Ads Make You Stop Smoking?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a  54 million dollar, 12 weeks,  STOP SMOKING ad campaign in an attempt to bring the number of smokers down nationwide.  Federal officials are projecting the ad campaign will help 50,000 people quit smoking. The FDA is also expected to launch a major campaign later this year

The ads began March 19th, 2012 on television, radio, online and billboards, as well as in theaters, magazines and newspapers nationwide. The campaign is called "Tips From Former Smokers".  If you have not seen these ads we want to warn you that they are pretty graphic showing former smokers with amputations, diseases and other disabilities caused by the cigarette. 

Take a break

Ok so maybe don't hide under your desk

Can you believe we're already more than halfway through March? The days are flying by, and every day seems to get busier than the day before. Workshops to attend, presentations to make, work to do, charts to review, platform training (insert your head spinning) it goes on and on and on! Here is one more important thing to schedule, a break! Sometimes we think in our quest to be "the best", you have to pack in as much as possible in your schedule. Maybe it's also the passion we feel for our projects that keeps us up late at night still working. One thing that's indisputable, is that the human body needs rest. Just exactly how much depends on every individual, but most studies say between seven to eight hours a night - not a week! So clearly that's not going to happen every night, but sometimes it's ok to push yourself away from the computer. Turn off your phone and break all your plans and lists and take a freaking break! Give your body some time to rejuvenate, laugh at something ridiculous. Make having no plans, your new plan for the day. 

How will the new pap test guidelines affect you?

Any questions?

Last week the United States Preventative Task Force changed their recommendation on how frequent women should have a pap test performed. The pap test (or pap smear) detects changes in the cells of your cervix that if left untreated, may or may not develop into cervical cancer. Previously many doctors recommended women have one annually or within a two year span in order to catch any signs of cancer at it's earliest stages. Three other organizations, the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), were all also in agreement with these new guidelines.

Do You Have a Healthy Vagina?

We are certain that after so many years you know how to take care of your coochie, va-jay-jay, punani, muff, fuzzy taco or whatever your pet name is for your vagina.

 Even though there is no manual on how to take care of your vagina there are a couple of rules that we are sure you already know like no douching, don't leave tampons in too long and havng your annual pap test.  As we get older and reach peri-menopause and menopause there are a few new symptoms or issues you should be aware.

The following are the top most common vaginal mistakes in women forty and older according to ob-gyn doctors. These harmless habits can have a big impact on the health of your lady parts.

International Women's Day

The truth!

Happy International Women's Day! This year's theme is "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures". Today we have so much to celebrate, and even more to keep fighting for. Women around the world are still dealing with social and economic inequalities, violence, and health care issues including control over their reproductive rights.

Women's History Month

Is this you?

The month of March starts Women's History Month. This year the theme is Women's Education - Women's Empowerment. Along with reading quotes, speeches and learning more about the amazing women before us who helped fight for the rights we have now, this month take some time to ask yourself:

What have I done recently to help empower another women?
Am I happy where am I right now? If not, how can I change that?
Will my daughter grow up to be just like me?
Do I know where each candidate stands in terms of my reproductive rights?
Have I taken time to make my health a priority?
What defines what a woman is?