Healthy Women Today Newsletter - December 2011

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov information and referral center

An HIV-positive woman wrote to us looking for resources on how to deal with her depression. She had tried counseling but still felt badly about herself, her HIV-positive status, and her appearance. She wants to have a "normal" relationship but feels rejected because of having HIV. We encouraged her to talk with local HIV support groups and friends for help. We also provided her with information on how to get support specifically for people living with HIV:

• HIV/AIDS
• Telling People You Are HIV Positive
• Depression Fact Sheet
• Living With HIV/AIDS (CDC)
• National Association of People with AIDS

The Heart Truth® Professional Education Program: Free Resources on Heart Disease

Awareness of heart disease among women has nearly doubled in the last 12 years, and it remains the #1 killer of women. More than 60 percent of women ages 20-39 and more than 80 percent of women ages 40-60 have one or more modifiable risk factors for heart disease.

Through our partnership with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Office on Women's Health is pleased to invite you to browse new Heart Truth Professional Education Program materials on women's heart disease prevention. We also invite you to earn free CME credits through new Medscape modules on women's heart disease (free registration required). Learn about motivational interviewing to support heart healthy behaviors and evidence-based prevention strategies and tools. These new resources have been updated to reflect the American Heart Association's newest cardiovascular disease guidelines for women. The Office on Women's Health encourages health care professionals to use these resources and stay up-to-date on women's heart disease risk and prevention. Join the Million Hearts movement with us, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth campaign, and our Make the Call. Don’t Miss a Beat. campaign. Help prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years!

Learn more about The Heart Truth.

Have a Stress-free Holiday Season

Many people feel stressed out during the holiday season. Remember that it’s important to take time for your mental health during this busy time of year. You will not have a healthy body if you don't also take care of your mind. Good mental health helps you enjoy life and cope with problems. It offers a feeling of well-being and inner strength. Just as you take care of your body by eating right and exercising, you can do things to protect your mental health.

Read more about how to have good mental health with these steps that you can fit into your busy life.

Are you or a friend being abused?

Violence and abuse affect women from all kinds of backgrounds every day. Sometimes, women are attacked by strangers, but most often they are hurt by people who are close to them. Violence and abuse can cause terrible physical and emotional pain. But you are not alone, and you can get help.

Learn more about the different kinds of violence that happen to women and how you can help stop it.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

The holiday season offers all kinds of tempting treats. You can still enjoy meals with family and friends, even if you are watching what you eat. Consider adding one of these delicious and lighter options to your menu!

• Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce
• Baked French Toast Fritters with Apples and Bananas
• Linguini with Clam Sauce
• Pesto Baked Polenta
• Roasted Beets with Orange Sauce

Check out more recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Health News Headlines

• NCI Launches Smoking Cessation Support for Teens
• Life After Cigarettes Is Happier: Study
• Health Tip: Keep Diabetes in Check During the Holidays
• Knee Pain Plagues Many Women Over 50
• Making Sense of Cancer Screening Updates

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. December's spotlight is on AIDS in honor of World AIDS Day.