IWRW Newsletter

By Kathryn Au, March 18, 2009
Bisphenol A is a man-made organic compound found in many household products in the form of epoxy resin and polycarbonate plastic. Epoxy resin is used to line the insides of canned foods to protect the food from metal contamination, and polycarbonate plastic is used to make baby bottles, water bottles, eyeglass lenses, CDs and other household electronics, white dental fillings and dental sealants, sports helmets, and children’s toys. Bisphenol A (BPA) often leaches out of the plastic in food containers and canned goods into food and drinks. Scientists are alarmed about its chemical properties as an endocrine disruptor when it enters the body through food and drinks.

By Kathryn Au, March 4, 2009
The Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), a little-known piece of government legislation that was passed in August 2008 in response to the “Made in China” toy scare last year, will require all products sold to children to be tested for certain chemicals. One of the targets is a group of chemicals known as phthalates.

By Stacy Tressler, February 18, 2009
We know that there are many health benefits to be gained from exercise but if it was that easy then everyone would be exercising. With all the information out there it can be hard to know exactly how much and what types of exercise we should be performing. The good news is that you do not need to go to the gym, use fancy equipment or train for a marathon in order to reap the many benefits that exercise has to offer. The most important thing to remember is that it is never to late to start exercising and that everyone can be active in some way.

By Natalie Millis, February 4, 2009
It’s that time of year—when colds and the flu follow us into our houses for the winter!
Since most colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics and other medicines won’t do anything to fight them. Instead, natural remedies can be used to help reduce symptoms and even shorten the length of the illness. Studies have been done that prove the usefulness of many of these remedies our grandparents used.

By Stacy Tressler, January 21, 2009
Throughout history the Roman Catholic Church has provided medical care all over the world to those in need. Traditionally in the United States the Catholic Church has operated mainly private hospitals but more recently they have been merging with or taking over public hospitals. Currently the Catholic Church runs 15% of the hospitals in the U.S. and are the nations largest single group of non-profit medical facilities. The Church has very strict views regarding reproductive health that affects everyone who walks through their doors. As the church merges with hospitals across the U.S. many women may not be aware of how church doctrine may affect their health until they are in a crisis situation.

January 7, 2009
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects approximately 10% of women and can drastically alter one’s lifestyle. It is caused by an imbalance of hormones and is characterized by enlarged ovaries covered in bead-like cysts. The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance, which may be the result of a genetic predisposition.

By Stacy Tressler, December 24, 2008
The development and FDA approval of the first birth control pill in 1960 completely changed the face of women’s reproductive health. For the first time in history women had control over family planning and their own sexuality. Over the past decades the “pill” has undergone relatively few changes and new lower dose pills make taking the pill safer than ever.

By Nouf Bazaz, December 10, 2008
A cesarean section (known as a C-section) is a major abdominal surgery and should not be taken lightly. In cases where it is absolutely necessary, it can be a lifesaving technique. However, in the United States, one out of every three babies is born through a C-section despite the WHO recommendations that the rate should never be above 10-15%. A C-section not only interferes with the natural childbirth process but can also pose great risks to both mother and child.

By Ashley Olson, November 12, 2008
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more commonly known as Lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that has been known to affect multiple organ systems, including the heart, skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system. It is one of the country’s most prevalent diseases or conditions, more prevalent than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or AIDS.

By Ashley Olson, October 29, 2008
Hepatitis C, commonly associated with other forms of hepatitis such as hepatitis A & B, is a contagious liver disease that can range in severity from an acute illness to a very severe, life-long illness. The term hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver which is the main organ affected by hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is the result of an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are about 3 million American today who are infected with HCV, but many of them do not know it because they have no visible symptoms.

By Datriona Spears, October 15, 2008
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection affecting from 10% to 64% of the female population at any given time. But today woman are beginning to see more infections caused by bacterial vaginosis. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. Vaginitis usually appears when a woman’s normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection changes, it can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.

By Ashley Olson, September 25, 2008
Immunizations (a.k.a. vaccinations or vaccines) are shots that are provided for by health care professionals as preventative measures for many infectious diseases. Immunizations provide the body with a special form of immunity against specific antigens that cause disease. By immunizing the body, these vaccines tell the body what the disease looks like so if it ever comes in to contact with that disease, the body can actively fight against the antigens that are causing the disease.

By Nouf Bazaz, September 10, 2008
Women around the world are connected through a long tradition of breastfeeding. Modern day science has even heralded the benefit of breast milk; The American Association of Pediatricians affirms that breastfeeding leads to the "best possible health as well as the best developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant." However, this traditional practice is rapidly being replaced by man-made baby formulas.

By Nouf Bazaz, August 20, 2008
For centuries, Native women have honored their children by nourishing their babies with breast milk. Breastfeeding is the most natural and beautiful way to feed a baby while keeping its sacred spirit close to our hearts. Throughout the years, the promotion of formulas by multinationals has prevailed throughout Indian Country. This phenomenon has engendered a mechanized, desensitized way of life that severs the long-standing tradition of Native women; it can also have deadly consequences for babies and future generations to come.

By Datriona Spears, August 6, 2008
As a powerful stimulant, methamphetamine, even in small doses, can increase wakefulness and physical activity and decrease appetite. Oral ingestion or snorting produces a long lasting high instead of a rush, which reportedly can continue for as long as half a day.