Healthy Women Today Newsletter - November 2011

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov information and referral center

A woman wrote to us looking for resources on how to quit smoking. Like many women, she had tried to quit several times, but was always overwhelmed with cravings and would start smoking again. We encouraged her to talk with her doctor or nurse about the various medicines and nicotine replacement products that are available to help people quit smoking. We also gave her information on where else she could get even more support.

• Smoking and How to Quit
• Smoke Free Women – Quit Smoking Today!
• Free Help to Quit Smoking (National Cancer Institute)
• Call from anywhere: 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)
• Help within your state: 800-QUITNOW (800-784-8669) (TDD: 800-332-8615)

American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a problem with the body's defense system, called the immune system. This form of diabetes usually starts in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It starts most often in adulthood and tends to run in families. Maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if you are overweight, and being physically active can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes. People who have diabetes must control their blood sugar levels. Diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication are used to manage diabetes. Check out our resources for living a healthy life and managing diabetes.

Learn more about diabetes.

Do You Feel Stressed Out Because You're Taking Care of Someone?

When people get sick, family members often are needed to help their loved one bathe, feed, and get dressed. People who help a loved one in this way are called caregivers. Caregivers must constantly manage multiple problems and priorities, often at the expense of their own health and well-being. This is called caregiver stress. Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month? Whether you are struggling with caregiver stress or looking for more information on how to support a friend who is stressed, we can help you find the information and resources you need.

Learn more about caregiver stress.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

Thanksgiving is a great time to come together with family, friends, and neighbors for a delicious meal. Don't let this special occasion ruin your healthy eating habits, though. Watch portion size and add one of these lighter options to your menu!

• Green bean and mushroom medley
• Orange honeyed acorn squash
• Apple cranberry salad toss
• Turkey salad with orange vinaigrette

Check out more recipes from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Health News Headlines

• Flu Shots for Pregnant Women Also Protect Newborns
• Breastfeeding, Vaccinations Lower SIDS Risk, Experts Say
• U.S. Diet Still Has Too Much Salt, CDC Warns
• Tanning Beds May Be Even Riskier Than Thought

Get more news.

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on its website. November's spotlight is on Prematurity Awareness Month.

Health Observances

• COPD Awareness Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Prematurity Awareness Month
• Get Smart About Antibiotics Week (November 14-20)
• Great American Smokeout (November 17)

Keep track of upcoming health observances.