Healthy Women Today Newsletter - March 2012

What Women Want to Know

Highlights from the womenshealth.gov information and referral center

A woman wrote to us because she hadn’t gotten her period in two months. She sometimes got late periods when she felt stressed, so she wasn’t too worried at first. But because it had been two months since she had a period, she got very concerned. She was scared that it could be some kind of cyst. We encouraged her to take a pregnancy test and also to contact her doctor right away. We also sent to her the following links to organizations and publications.

• Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle Fact Sheet
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Menstruation (MedlinePlus)
• Ovarian Cysts (MedlinePlus)
• Vaginal Bleeding (MedlinePlus)

Get Ready for National Women's Health Week

National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. The theme for 2012 is “It's Your Time.” National Women's Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. The 13th annual National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 13, 2012 and is celebrated until May 19, 2012. National Women's Checkup Day is Monday, May 14, 2012.

Learn more about how to participate in National Women’s Health Week.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls. It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH). It helps organizations across the country come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed specifically on March 10 every year, but OWH encourages organizations to hold events throughout the month of March.

Learn more about National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Are You Nearing Menopause?

Menopause is when a woman’s menstrual period stops permanently. Periods can stop for a while and then start again, so a woman is considered to have been through menopause only after one year without periods. Did you ever wonder if men have hormone changes, too? Or what the symptoms of menopause are in women?

Learn more about menopause.

Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Life

Cooking reflects the great diversity of our country. Try some classic American recipes today! These recipes are courtesy of USA.gov.

• Mrs. Truman’s Mac and Cheese
• Senate Bean Soup
• Senator Mikulski’s Favorite Crab Cakes

Check out more recipes from USA.gov!

Health News Headlines

• Health Tip: The Right Diet Can Boost Athletic Performance
• Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85?
• Health Tip: Minimize Breastfeeding Pain
• Mother's Voice May Help Premature Babies Breathe Easier
• Rheumatoid Arthritis May Raise Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder

Get more news.

Quick Health Data Online Monthly Spotlight

Every month Quick Health Data Online highlights topics of interest and relevant data available on their website. March's spotlight is on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.