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Q&A: Liz Powell and Elizabeth Garner Are Changing the Women’s Health Game
Read More: Q&A: Liz Powell and Elizabeth Garner Are Changing the Women’s Health GameThink back to 1993. What do you remember? Seeing the movie Jurassic Park on the big screen? Listening to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” on the radio? Surfing the World Wide Web for the first time? 1993 was also the year the government began requiring that the National Institutes of Health include women…
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Rural Communities Face Limited Access to Cervical Cancer Screenings
Read More: Rural Communities Face Limited Access to Cervical Cancer ScreeningsWhen Claudia Perez-Favela, a mother of two in California, experienced irregular periods and heavy bleeding, she was concerned that these could be symptoms of cancer. She knew there was a history of reproductive cancer in her family, but she couldn’t see the doctor right away because she was uninsured. After she got health insurance, she…
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Las comunidades rurales enfrentan un acceso limitado a pruebas de cáncer cervical
Read More: Las comunidades rurales enfrentan un acceso limitado a pruebas de cáncer cervicalEnglish Cuando Claudia Perez-Favela, madre de dos hijos en California, experimentó períodos menstruales irregulares y sangrado abundante, le preocupó que pudiesen ser síntomas de cáncer. Sabía que tenía antecedentes familiares de cáncer ginecológico, pero no podía tener una consulta con un doctor inmediatamente porque no tenía seguro. Después de obtener un seguro médico, trató de…
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How Biosimilars Help with Chronic Conditions
Read More: How Biosimilars Help with Chronic Conditions+ Infographic text Biosimilars are medicines used to treat many chronic diseases. And they’re close copies of biologics. What are biologics? Medicines made from living cells Biologics are complex medicines made from living cells, like yeast or bacteria. Regular medicines (like aspirin or antibiotics) are small molecule drugs. They’re made with chemicals. They have a…
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Biosimilars, Explained
Read More: Biosimilars, Explained+ Infographic text Slide 2: Biologics in Brief Biologics are medicines made from living cells. They’re made of large, complex proteins that can target disease in ways other drugs can’t. Because they’re so complex, they cannot be copied exactly. But medicines that work in a similar way — called biosimilars — can be made based on biologics.…
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Qué son los biosimilares: Un mejor acceso a medicamentos avanzados
Read More: Qué son los biosimilares: Un mejor acceso a medicamentos avanzadostales como la artritis reumatoide, la artritis psoriásica, la esclerosis múltiple, el lupus, la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria, la enfermedad de Crohn y psoriasis en placas. El cáncer puede tratarse con biosimilares, incluyendo terapias dirigidas para cánceres específicos tales como el cáncer de mama con mutación del gen HER2. Trastornos endocrinos tales como la diabetes frecuentemente…
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Understanding Biosimilars: Better Access to Advanced Medicines
Read More: Understanding Biosimilars: Better Access to Advanced MedicinesThe term “biosimilars” sounds like something straight out of a science-fiction novel, but luckily they’re real advances in medicine. But, to better understand them, we must first understand a type of medicine called biologics. So, let’s back up. Most medicines people take are small molecule drugs, which means they have a simple chemical structure and…
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What Is a Patient Advocate?
Read More: What Is a Patient Advocate?Mallory Frazier, BCPA, a board-certified patient advocate, is something of a medical mystery solver. She used her research skills to get to the bottom of her own rare disease and now helps others navigate the healthcare system. “Women with chronic illnesses have often been in pain daily for decades by the time they reach midlife.…
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Patients Are Being Denied Access to Their Medical Records
Read More: Patients Are Being Denied Access to Their Medical RecordsWhen Brenay Torres, a mother of two in West Virginia, found a lump in her breast, she was sent for an ultrasound after her mammogram was inconclusive. But when she tried to set up the ultrasound appointment, she ran into an unexpected roadblock. “That is when the nightmare began,” Torres said. She was sent to…
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Navigating a Rare Disease
Read More: Navigating a Rare DiseaseFor a long time, Sabrina Riddle feared she’d never really know what was going on in her head. In 2011, she went to her healthcare provider (HCP) with what she thought was an ear infection. She was prescribed antibiotics, but they didn’t help. Nothing did. For months, Riddle walked around with intense pressure in her…
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The Importance of Cultural Humility in Healthcare
Read More: The Importance of Cultural Humility in HealthcareAmerica is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. In addition to racial and ethnic diversity, more than 350 languages are spoken in the U.S. In fact, 1 in 5 people speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But for some people, cultural diversity means…
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The Skinny on Microdosing GLP-1 Drugs
Read More: The Skinny on Microdosing GLP-1 DrugsMarch 3 -7, 2025, is Obesity Care Week. The term “microdosing” probably makes you think of psychedelic drugs — us too. But the latest trend in microdosing involves taking small amounts of the popular weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s. GLP-1 drugs have revolutionized the way we treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The injectable medications…
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Plain Language Summaries Can Give You the Power To Participate in Your Own Care
Read More: Plain Language Summaries Can Give You the Power To Participate in Your Own CareWhen doctors talk to each other about scientific research and medical discoveries, it can sound like they’re speaking another language. As a patient, you may think, “This is all Greek to me!” And it might as well be. When scientists publish their research findings, they’re not writing for you and me. They’re writing for each…
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Turning 65 and Getting on Medicare? You Could Lose Coverage for Obesity Care
Read More: Turning 65 and Getting on Medicare? You Could Lose Coverage for Obesity CareFor millions of people living with obesity, the class of weight-loss medications known as GLP-1 agonists have been game-changers (think Wegovy and Zepbound). Studies show that people on these medications can lose more weight than they can with just lifestyle changes alone. But for one group of Americans — people on Medicare — at least…
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Access, Affordable care act, Health insurance, Health policy, Maternity care, Medicare, Policy, Women’s rights
Where Do Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Stand on Women’s Health Issues?
Read More: Where Do Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Stand on Women’s Health Issues?There’s a lot at stake in this presidential election, and women’s health policy will be impacted by our new commander in chief and their administration, no matter who wins. So, as the 2024 presidential election fast approaches, make sure you know where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stand on important issues related to women’s health…
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Access, Endometrial cancer, Gynecologic cancer, Health disparities, Racial disparities, Uterine cancer
Why Are Endometrial Cancer Rates Rising?
Read More: Why Are Endometrial Cancer Rates Rising?Venus* never forgot the advice her OB-GYN gave her after she went through menopause. “If you ever have any kind of bleeding, see a doctor.” Those words came to mind in February 2022 when Venus noticed a small amount of blood even though she was no longer getting periods. She quickly scheduled an appointment with…
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Coping with the Costs of Cancer
Read More: Coping with the Costs of CancerFinances are not always the first thing people think of when they get diagnosed with cancer. Top questions may be, What’s the prognosis? What are the treatment options? And who are the best specialists? But more and more, you also have to grapple with the cost of cancer alongside the physical and emotional aspects of…
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Biosimilars Basics
Read More: Biosimilars Basics+ Infographic text What is a biosimilar? Biosimilars are drugs made from living material, such as bacteria or plant cells. They are modeled after another type of drug called a biologic that is also made from living material. The biologic that a biosimilar is modeled after is called the reference product. Why do people use…
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How Are Biosimilars Made?
Read More: How Are Biosimilars Made?Many people struggling with chronic, hard-to-manage health conditions have found relief with a type of drug called a biologic. You may be taking a biologic and don’t even know it. Some common biologics you may have heard of are adalimumab (brand name: Humira), infliximab (brand name: Remicade) and trastuzumab (brand name: Herceptin). Biologics can be…
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The First OTC Birth Control Pill Heads to a Supermarket Near You
Read More: The First OTC Birth Control Pill Heads to a Supermarket Near YouDid someone say reproductive rights on aisle 4? Well, it’s about time! The country’s first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill is now available in some retailers across the country. That means you can walk in and purchase Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill, without a prescription. The FDA approved Opill back in July 2023.…
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Biologics, Biosimilars and Generics: What’s the Difference?
Read More: Biologics, Biosimilars and Generics: What’s the Difference?+ Infographic text What are biologics? A biologic is a medication made from living materials. These sources include: Plant cells Animal cells Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast Biologics are used to treat many different health problems, including: Diabetes Arthritis Multiple sclerosis Psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases Crohn’s disease, colitis and other chronic bowel…
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Health Insurance 101: How to Choose Health Insurance if You Have Asthma
Read More: Health Insurance 101: How to Choose Health Insurance if You Have AsthmaIf you have asthma, choosing the right health insurance can help you get the treatments you need with less hassle. Asthma treatments fall into two main categories: Long-term medicines to control asthma, often taken every day Medicines that give short-term relief from asthma symptoms, sometimes called “rescue medications” For people with allergies that trigger their…
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Barriers to Biosimilars in the US
Read More: Barriers to Biosimilars in the USWomen in the United States can expect to spend nearly 50 years of their lives taking prescription drugs. And the cost of those drugs can be painful. In fact, 4 in 10 (43%) women haven’t been able to fill a prescription and nearly 1 in 10 haven’t taken their medicine as prescribed because of cost…
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Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Biosimilars
Read More: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About BiosimilarsBiosimilars are drugs modeled after another type of drug called biologics. Both can be used to treat a variety of health issues, including autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and some types of cancer. Biologics are made from a natural source, such as plant or human cells, and biosimilars are made in the same…
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Access, Affordability, Cardiovascular disease, Health insurance, Heart disease, Heart health, Medication, Prescription drugs
A Patient’s Journey: How to Navigate Health Insurance for Heart Disease
Read More: A Patient’s Journey: How to Navigate Health Insurance for Heart DiseaseFebruary 2, 2024, is National Wear Red Day and February is AmericanHeart Month. For the more than 60 million women in the United States living with some type of heart disease, navigating health insurance coverage can be overwhelming. A patient’s journey with heart disease should move seamlessly from diagnosis to treatment, with a strong partnership…
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9 Tips for Tapping into Telehealth for Menopause
Read More: 9 Tips for Tapping into Telehealth for Menopause+ Infographic text Trouble sleeping. Irritability. Unexplained weight gain. Hot flashes. If you’re a woman in midlife, menopause symptoms can be brutal. The good news: Consulting a healthcare provider (HCP) via telehealth can help you understand and manage your symptoms. Here are 9 tips for getting the most out of your telehealth visit: 1. Choose…
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Pharmacy Benefit Managers Are the Most Influential Healthcare Companies You’ve Never Heard Of
Read More: Pharmacy Benefit Managers Are the Most Influential Healthcare Companies You’ve Never Heard OfTaking prescription drugs may be more American than apple pie. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half the people in the United States report having taken at least one medicine in the past 30 days. (By comparison, just about 1 in 10 Americans say apple is their favorite pie.) Who…
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How to Talk About Obesity and Obesity-Related Insurance Coverage at Work
Read More: How to Talk About Obesity and Obesity-Related Insurance Coverage at WorkEspañol Obesity is so common in the United States that nearly half (4 out of 10) American adults live with the disease, which can pose serious health risks and lead to premature death. Many people living with obesity face discrimination or poor treatment in the workplace. Employers can help reduce stigma, improve working environments for…
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Cómo hablar de la obesidad y de su correspondiente cobertura del seguro en el trabajo
Read More: Cómo hablar de la obesidad y de su correspondiente cobertura del seguro en el trabajoLa obesidad es tan común en Estados Unidos que casi la mitad (4 de cada 10) adultos estadounidenses viven con la enfermedad, lo que implica riesgos médicos graves y puede causar muertes prematuras. Muchas personas que viven con obesidad enfrentan discriminación o malos tratos en el lugar de trabajo. Los empleadores pueden ayudar a reducir…
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Making the Most of Telehealth for Menopause
Read More: Making the Most of Telehealth for MenopauseJodi Miller, 49, was experiencing distressing changes to her skin, weight, moods, sleep schedule and menstrual cycle. But when she talked to her OB-GYN, she didn’t get much help. “I was told that all of what I was experiencing was a part of ‘the change’ and that there was nothing that could be done,” Miller…
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Health Insurance 101: How to Choose Health Insurance When You’re Living with Obesity
Read More: Health Insurance 101: How to Choose Health Insurance When You’re Living with ObesityApproximately 4 out of 10 American adults live with obesity, a medical condition that can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. There are treatments, like weight loss medications and surgery, that can help, but they can also be expensive. For example, medication prescribed for weight loss can cost around $1,000…
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Despite Challenges, Clinical Research Must Include Women of Reproductive Age
Read More: Despite Challenges, Clinical Research Must Include Women of Reproductive AgeHealthyWomen hosted a congressional briefing, “Women in Clinical Trials: The Challenge of Research During the Reproductive Years,” on June 1, 2023. Clinical trials have long been focused on white men, leaving women woefully underrepresented. Lack of diversity in clinical trials means that healthcare providers (HCPs) often don’t have enough data about how certain conditions affect…
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The Covid-19 Public Health Emergency Is Ending Soon
Read More: The Covid-19 Public Health Emergency Is Ending SoonAt the first hint of a sore throat or sniffle, my instinct is to reach for a rapid Covid-19 test, especially if I’m going to be around other people. It helps that I have a large stash of free Covid tests thanks to a federal public health emergency (PHE) requirement that health insurers pay for…
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My Struggle with Period Poverty Motivated Me to Help Other Women
Read More: My Struggle with Period Poverty Motivated Me to Help Other WomenAs told to Nicole Audrey Spector When I first got my period at the age of 13, I was excited. It was finally here: the beginning of womanhood. Menstruation and all that came with it wasn’t something that was ever discussed in my home, and until that moment, I’d never even talked about it with…
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The Cost of Racial Bias in OB-GYN Care
Read More: The Cost of Racial Bias in OB-GYN CareWhat does racial bias look like in gynecological and uterine health? A comprehensive review that examined multiple areas of reproductive health found racial and ethnic disparities that led to worse outcomes for women of color. The statistics tell the story. Maternal mortality rates are higher for Black women and American Indian/ Alaska Native women, who…
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How to Choose Health Insurance When You Have Endometriosis
Read More: How to Choose Health Insurance When You Have EndometriosisIf you’re one of the 6.5 million women in the United States living with endometriosis, you know how disruptive the chronic condition can be. Getting a diagnosis can take years — ranging from four to 11 years, on average. Finding the right treatment can be frustrating. Diagnosing and treating endometriosis isn’t just a pain (literally…
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How to Choose Health Insurance When You Have Fibroids
Read More: How to Choose Health Insurance When You Have FibroidsUterine fibroids are so common that more than three out of four women will develop them at some point during their lifetimes. Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms, but in one-quarter to one-half of cases, they do. Fibroids can cause heavy and long-lasting periods, pain in the pelvic floor and pain during sex, frequent urination, constipation,…
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Access, Cervical cancer, Gynecological cancer, Hpv, Prevention, Preventive health, Vaccinations, Vaccines
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Getting the HPV Vaccine as an Adult
Read More: How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Getting the HPV Vaccine as an AdultMedically reviewed by Nancy Berman, MSN, ANP-BC, NCMP, FAANP This resource was created with support from Merck. + Video transcript What you need to know about getting the HPV vaccine as an adult. Narrator: HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and several types of cancers, including cervical, anal, vaginal,…
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Access, Health care, Health disparities, Labor, Labor & delivery, Newborn, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Pregnancy & parenting
Can Living in the U.S. Increase Your Risk of Preterm Birth?
Read More: Can Living in the U.S. Increase Your Risk of Preterm Birth?If you’re a woman giving birth in the United States, you’re more likely to have a preterm delivery than women in most developed nations. If you’re Black or Native American, the chances of experiencing preterm birth are even higher, along with the risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. In 2021, a little over one in…
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Access, cancer, Endometrial cancer, Gynecological cancer, Health disparities, Racial disparities, Uterine cancer
Why Are Black Women More Likely to Die From Endometrial Cancer?
Read More: Why Are Black Women More Likely to Die From Endometrial Cancer?In 2012, Adrienne Moore noticed her menstrual cycles were changing. Her periods were becoming irregular, and they came with heavy bleeding and significant cramping when they did arrive. Healthcare providers diagnosed cysts, fibroids and even early menopause, but Moore said no one presented a treatment plan that worked. For the next four years, Moore searched…
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You Can Now Buy Hearing Aids Over the Counter
Read More: You Can Now Buy Hearing Aids Over the CounterIn August, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy change opened the door for hearing aids to be sold over the counter (OTC), and as of October 17, 2022, consumers can now purchase hearing aids directly, without consulting a healthcare provider. The Biden-Harris administration said the move will lower healthcare costs for consumers. Medicare provides…
