Infant mortality rates are widely used in this country and internationally as a barometer of the quality of a community’s, or a nation’s, health care system – and with good reason.
Time to Support Older Americans and their Caregivers, Not Undermine Them
Respect your elders. Many of us have been given that advice by our parents, grandparents, teachers and mentors for as long as we can remember. So why don’t our public policies better address the needs of our country’s seniors and their families, and why do some lawmakers seem poised to dismantle the policies that older Americans rely on?
Seniors in America Today: “Not a Pretty Picture”
Earlier this week, I was privileged to be a part of Volunteers of America’s third annual discussion on aging issues. I was on a panel with Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post co-founder and editor-in-chief; Mike King, National President and CEO of Volunteers of America, Inc.; and Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, AARP Executive Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement. Our topic: How our nation’s public policies affect older Americans, especially women.
Relentless. Deceptive. Dangerous.
The “”war on women”” in the House of Representatives rages on.
The Affordable Care Act at One
This week is the first anniversary of the Affordable Care Act – the greatest advance for women’s health in a generation.
Let’s Not Reverse Our Progress on Stopping HIV/AIDS
Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, when we should all pause to remember that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still shaping and taking too many lives, in the United States and around the globe.
Just When You Think You’ve Seen It All
Sometimes I think there’s not much that can surprise me. But last week proved that theory wrong: the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prohibit federal funds for health care services provided by Planned Parenthood, and eliminate funding for all Title X family planning services, which are the sole source of health care for millions of low-income and uninsured women in this nation.
What, No Tiara?
Recently, a reporter conducted an analysis of the people considered to be “the most powerful” in the field of health information technology (IT).
Real Family Values
Every year roughly four million women give birth in the United States, and most of them (more than three-quarters) start out breastfeeding. Study after study has affirmed the value of breastfeeding in protecting both mothers and children from a host of acute and chronic diseases and conditions, saving billions in health care costs. Breastfeeding mothers also report feeling more closely bonded with their babies—a factor which may lower the risk of postpartum depression.
Time to Protect Common Sense.
Shame on Them!
For decades, women and families have been penalized by punitive and predatory insurance practices that have restricted their access to quality, affordable care. But the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is changing that. It is the greatest advance for women’s health in a generation.
How Far Have We Come When it Comes to Covering Women’s Birth Control? We Shall See.
Ten years ago today, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that refusing to cover prescription contraception in an employee health plan – if other similar preventive services and prescription drugs were covered in that plan -violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the amendment to Title VII, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It was a monumental victory for women, many of whom spend the majority of their reproductive lives (approximately three decades) trying to avoid an unintended pregnancy. Women rely on contraception to plan their families, and appropriately and safely space their children.
It’s Politics v. Science. Again.
It’s a fact: Contraceptive use improves overall health. It enables women to plan and space their pregnancies. It has contributed to dramatic declines in maternal and infant mortality. And it has been a driving force in reducing unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion.
Honoring our Families During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month
Imagine living with someone you are crazy about who gradually turns into a stranger. Alzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking disease, not just because it takes a loved one in death, but because first, it takes that person’s mind, personality, memory and character – the things that made us love them in the first place.
Six Months After Health Reform There is Much to Celebrate…And Lots of Work Ahead
Six months ago today, President Obama signed the health care bill into law. And with his signature, our health care system was opened up for renovation. But, like any remodeling job, we’ve got a long way to go before the final product will be ready for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Beaches, burgers, and bringing up better care…
The Labor Day weekend is upon us, and many of you will be able to enjoy a much-needed holiday.
Celebrating ella
On average, women spend at least 30 years being sexually active but trying to avoid pregnancy. That’s an awfully long time considering no contraceptive is 100% effective and things don’t always work out as planned.
What you shouldn’t have to expect when you’re expecting
Owning your own home has long been a central part of the American Dream. It’s as American as baseball, apple pie and mom. But according to this column in the New York Times, a lot of moms and moms-to-be are getting short shrift.
Great News: ‘Meaningful Use’ Rule Released Today!
We’ve said it before and you know it’s true: health information technology is for better health outcomes, not just better technology. And the new regulations released by the Obama administration show that they get it.
BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Berwick is Appointed!
Today, President Obama appointed Dr. Donald Berwick to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). I truly believe that Dr. Berwick is the best man for the job – he is a highly qualified candidate with extraordinary skill, vast experience and a deep dedication to improving America’s health care system.
