Smart Women

RIP Etta James

2012-01-20T11:53:00.000-06:00

Sad to hear about Etta's passing. She was a legendary performer and a force to be reckoned with, pressing through many struggles and difficulties in her life. Today's female pop stars owe part of their career success to women like Etta who did it the hard way.

Size 6 = Plus Size?

2012-01-13T16:17:00.000-06:00

This article is discouraging to say the least. We have to stop buying into this garbage! On the bright side, organizations like Beauty Redefined have made it their mission to change perceptions of beauty that are so harmful to all of us. Hooray for them and many others who are pushing back against such ridiculous standards.

World's Most Beautiful Inventor

2011-12-08T16:49:00.002-06:00

I'm intrigued by this new book about Hedy Lamarr, early Hollywood starlet and....inventor? These are certainly not two descriptors typically heard together. Apparently, in Hedy's case, she embodied both in a big way. At her peak, she was called the "most beautiful woman in the world" and was a Hollywood superstar with a very lucrative contract by the standards of the day. Despite her success, Hedy was bored with Hollywood life and spent her spare time inventing, ultimately developing important technology for the military and the precursors to many modern wireless technologies. Now that is one smart woman!

Follow Smart Women on Facebook

2011-11-14T11:40:00.000-06:00

Good Monday morning to everyone! Smart Women has a new page on Facebook, so go there now and...well, you know what to do :)

Check That Label! Or, How to Detox Your Pink Ribbon Purchases

2011-10-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

We have already spotlighted Glamour Gone Good and EcoStiletto as good sources of anti-pinkwashing product info, now check out this article from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. They provide a quick rundown of the nasty, potentially cancer-causing chemicals that many pink ribbon products contain. Use it to educate yourself and your loved ones on what to avoid.

Pink Is SO Your Color

2011-10-14T15:01:00.000-05:00

Ever wondered when (or why?) the color pink became associated with females in the first place? More importantly, have you ever considered the implications of gender-specific colors? I know I have, and the ubiquitous pink ribbon of this month reminded me once again. I happen to like pink, generally, and certain shades look pretty darn good on me. What I don't like, however, is the near-vilification of the color because of its direct and automatic association with girls and women. When so many males take issue with making pink part of their wardrobe or instinctively veto any products or objects bearing this particular hue, women should rightly take some offense. After all, what's so wrong with "looking like a girl?" Are females so unacceptable and subpar that men feel compelled to refuse any signifiers that may feminize them to some degree--even if that signifier is wholly socially constructed? I also find it interesting that the color blue, directly and automatically associated with boys and men, really carries no such stigma. (I also happen to like blue, by the way.) With these thoughts in mind, I came across this article from Smithsonian Magazine that traces the history of children's clothing and its relationship to gender identity.

Shop Smart for Those Pink Ribbon Products

2011-10-14T12:21:00.006-05:00

We all know October means Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it also means pink ribbon-adorned products everywhere you look. Unfortunately, so many companies have jumped on the pink bandwagon that the market has become flooded with options, many of which are not good ones. Some are even downright counterproductive to cancer prevention. Just as "greenwashing" has become a buzzword, "pinkwashing" should be on everybody's lips this month. EcoStiletto has some wise words on this issue as well as some pink ribbon purchases you can feel good about!

Lessons Learned from Oprah, the Epitome of the Self-Made Woman

2011-05-31T13:00:00.002-05:00

Anyone paying the slightest attention knows that the final episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has now aired. Love her or loathe her, Oprah's incredible success story and the earth-shaking power of her influence, remains undeniable. Her final show (like all the ones before it) left us with some pretty valuable advice and maybe more importantly, a major vacancy in the television landscape left by a powerful female. Here's hoping another worthy woman will step up to fill her shoes. Have you had any "aha moments" watching Oprah over the years?

Wise Words of the Week

2011-05-31T12:42:00.000-05:00

"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." (Oprah Winfrey)

Wise Words of the Week

2011-04-18T08:46:00.003-05:00

“There are two ways of spreading light...To be the candle, or to be the mirror that reflects it.” (Edith Wharton)

Blog for Fair Pay Today!

2011-04-12T15:15:00.001-05:00

Today is "Blog for Fair Pay Day," a project of the National Women's Law Center (NWLC) and the blog MomsRising. Bloggers all over are posting on the Equal Pay issue because, sadly, this is still an issue in 2011. The Paycheck Fairness Act was reintroduced today by Senator Barbara Mikulski and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. A statement issued by the NWLC conveys the importance of this Act: "It's shameful that nearly 50 years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, women still earn, on average, only 77 cents for every dollar paid to men—a pay gap that translates to more than $10,000 in lost wages per year for the average woman worker. The Paycheck Fairness Act will strengthen and update the Equal Pay Act in critical ways. It will bar retaliation against workers for discussing salary information and facilitate class action equal pay act claims—essential steps in closing the wage gap." This issue affects every female employee in our country, so please re-post, change your Facebook status, and re-tweet in honor of Equal Pay Day!

Wise Words of the Week

2011-04-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

"When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question, 'Is this person between me and what I want to do?' If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. If the answer is yes, you have a more difficult road ahead of you. I suggest you model your strategy after the old Sesame Street film piece, 'Over! Under! Through!' Do your thing and don’t care if they like it." (Tina Fey)

Altered Images, Altered Perceptions

2011-04-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

This eye-opening article from the Smart Women behind Beauty Redefined should be required reading! The degree to which image manipulation has changed the way men and women perceive one another cannot be overstated. More importantly, the way women see themselves has been irreversibly altered due to this widespread practice. Tools such as Photoshop have raised expectations of personal appearance to impossible levels, and therefore, our perceptions have become falsely distorted. Please take a moment for this article and the incredible examples of image manipulation included here.

You Should Get to Know SAAM.

2011-04-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. This year's campaign explores common, everyday behaviors and offers individuals viable and responsible ways to intervene.Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website for more information on events scheduled across the country.

Wise Words of the Week

2011-04-06T14:16:00.002-05:00

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Wise Words of the Week

2011-03-30T16:57:00.001-05:00

"The trouble with some women is they get all excited about nothing--and then they marry him." (Cher)

Will Wonder Woman Still Be Wonderful for Today's Girls?

2011-03-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

You've probably heard that well-known TV series creator David E. Kelley is hard at work on a reboot of the 70s pop culture classic Wonder Woman. If so, you've probably also heard all the negative buzz surrounding this new version. People have been particularly critical of Kelley's choice of actress (who has the difficult task of filling Lynda Carter's famous red boots) and of the re-design of her iconic superhero(ine) garb. Click here to view a slideshow of her many incarnations as well as some interesting backstory on the character. As a kid, I always enjoyed watching Carter fight the bad guys and look good doing it. I have very positive memories of that show. The world of superheroes is unquestionably male-dominated, so Wonder Woman helps to fill a void in the minds of little girls. She becomes problematic only when more attention is paid to her somewhat revealing crime-fighting outfit than to the development of her as a character. Hopefully, the modern take will recognize this and continue to portray her as a positive figure for both girls and boys.

The State of the American Woman

2011-03-28T15:18:00.004-05:00

This month, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House Council on Women and Girls released a comprehensive report entitled: "Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being." The first report of its kind since 1963, it reveals extensive and detailed findings in categories including families, education, employment, crime and violence, and health. Take some time to look it over, note how things have changed for women over the years, and see if it describes your life...because the results are all about us! And, here's a related article on the report's conclusions about the state of modern marriage.

Wise Words of the Week

2011-03-28T13:30:00.002-05:00

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." (Anais Nin)

Remembering Geraldine Ferraro

2011-03-28T11:57:00.001-05:00

We've just lost another boundary-breaking woman: the first U.S. female vice presidential candidate, Geraldine Ferraro. She died on Saturday after a 12-year struggle with blood cancer. After Ferraro came onto the national political scene in the 1980s, things would never be the same again. For women with aspirations to gain entry into one of the ultimate men's clubs, Ferraro was living proof that it could actually be done. Her courage and spirit were undoubtedly sources of great inspiration to every woman who has since followed her path.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T14:09:00.004-05:00

News of Liz Taylor's death is all over the web today. Much has been said about the screen icon, but I will say only that she lived a life famously full of trouble and triumph, but through it all, she remained a truly fascinating and vital woman. She will surely be missed.

Wise Words of the Week

2011-03-23T13:55:00.002-05:00

"The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process." (Barbara Colorose)

Lindsay and Lexie: A Couple of Smart Women Doing Important Work

2011-03-21T16:11:00.004-05:00

I recently came across the blog Beauty Redefined, and enjoyed it so much that I added it to the links list. The issues discussed there are often on my mind and very close to my heart. Beauty Redefined is the work of Lindsay and Lexie Kite, 25-year-old identical twins and PhD students at the University of Utah. Their mission is to help people recognize and reject harmful messages about their bodies through honest discussion of body image, media influence, and women's potential. I look forward to keeping up with their progress!

Portrayal vs Betrayal

2011-03-21T15:19:00.005-05:00

In a new UK study titled "Portrayal vs Betrayal?", the largest ever of its kind, researchers find that women, black people, and gay people still suffer from negative portrayals in popular film. This finding may not be much of a surprise, but that does not make it acceptable. The positive side of this study is the fact it surveyed over 4,000 adults to arrive at its conclusions. In other words, it would seem that the general public agrees with what feminist and cultural critics have known for so long. As the saying goes: the first step toward change is recognizing that there's a problem.

Earth-Friendly Fashion

2011-03-21T14:57:00.006-05:00

The Guardian has a great resource available to eco-conscious shoppers called the Ethical Fashion Directory. Their interactive directory boasts a wide array of options for buying fair trade, organic, recycled, sustainable, and vegan fashions. They also kindly include a glossary of these terms for the uninitiated ;) Shopping categories include women's clothing, menswear, children and baby clothing, shoes, accessories, and undergarments. A step in the right direction for those who want to be both fashionable and responsible!

Never Negotiate Without Lipstick

2011-03-11T12:38:00.006-06:00

Whether you're closing a real estate deal, haggling for a lower interest rate or going for that big interview, never negotiate a contract without lipstick. Or whatever makes you feel most composed, complete, and in control of the situation. Joanna Pineda, CEO of Matrix Group International, suggests that "lipstick is a metaphor for preparing yourself physically and mentally" for nearly any situation. Good advice!

Wise Words of the Week

2011-03-11T11:54:00.003-06:00

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." (Anne Frank)

Happy International Women's Day!

2011-03-08T14:58:00.007-06:00

This year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day! The theme for 2011 is "Equal Access to Education, Training, and Science and Technology: Pathway for Decent Work for Women." Click here for more information, plus a listing of events and celebrations happening all over the globe!

MoMA's Mommas

2011-02-24T16:08:00.006-06:00

The MoMA offers a beautiful book titled Modern Women: Women Artists at The Museum of Modern Art that examines their contributions to the museum's world famous collections. The book contains 50 essays addressing issues related to women making art and how the art world--at the MoMA in particular--has been impacted by them. Preview and buy the book here.

Wise Words of the Week

2011-02-24T15:12:00.002-06:00

"People with clenched fists cannot shake hands." (Indira Gandhi)

Wise Words of the Week

2011-01-04T15:32:00.002-06:00

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." (Alice Walker, author)

Just Kids Is Just Wonderful

2011-01-04T14:25:00.013-06:00

Pioneering musician/writer/visual artist/poet/photographer Patti Smith deservedly won the 2010 National Book Award for her engrossing work, Just Kids. Even if you're not a Patti Smith fan (or even if you've never heard of her) this is a very rewarding book in many ways. She constructs such a lovingly detailed picture of New York City in the 1960s and 70s that you wish you could step into a time machine to be part of it. While living there, she seemed to have crossed paths with every literary and artistic luminary of the day and her anecdotes of those encounters alone are worth the read. Beyond the social and cultural milieu that provides the backdrop, the heart of the story is her relationship with best friend and partner-in-crime, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. The two meet when they are "just kids" and their connection is instant, complicated, endearing, and enduring over a lifetime.

Wise Words of the Week

2010-07-07T14:30:00.004-05:00

"Woman must not accept; she must challenge. She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression." (Margaret Sanger, women's health and reproductive rights activist)

Uber-Smart Song From Lily Allen

2010-07-07T13:46:00.013-05:00

I realize that Lily Allen's "The Fear" is not a new song. But, that doesn't make it any less worthy of a listen. She co-wrote this scathing little gem and hits all the right notes. Unfortunately, it's a pretty dead-on commentary on a growing segment of women (and men) in society. Download it for a musical tutorial on how not to act:

I want to be rich and I want lots of money

I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny

I want loads of clothes and f*ckloads of diamonds

I heard people die while they are trying to find them

And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless

'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous

I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror

I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner

[Chorus]

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore

I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore

When do you think it will all become clear?

'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear

Life's about film stars and less about mothers

It's all about fast cars and cussing each other

But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic

And that's what makes my life so f*cking fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption

And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function

I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror

I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner

[Repeat chorus]

Forget about guns and forget ammunition

'Cause I'm killing them all on my own little mission

Now I'm not a saint, but I'm not a sinner

Now everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner

[Repeat chorus]

"Chicks Pick Best In Blog"

2010-06-30T15:24:00.003-05:00

ForbesWoman reveals list of the 20 best marketing and social media blogs by women. Go, girls.

The Most Effective Feminists Might Just Be Men

2010-06-29T12:58:00.004-05:00

Katrin Bennhold writes in a New York Times article that men are the key to feminism's future because "other guys are more likely to listen to them." This statement seems pretty intuitive, but she expands on the power of that simple truth using examples of corporate policy changes in Europe. She also notes, interestingly, that Iceland is leading the way in closing the gender gap according to the World Economic Forum. America could definitely take some lessons.

Get Out of That Cancer, I Mean, Tanning Bed!

2010-06-29T12:45:00.003-05:00

Skin cancer is on the rise, especially among young women. Experts believe there is a link between the proliferation of tanning salons and the fact that young women make up over 70% of tanning bed users. Melanoma is a very serious and yet often preventable cancer. Get the facts and start loving your own beautiful skin! (Or if you must bronze your bod, at least get it from a tube.)

Nice Job, Ladies! Our Work Here Is Done...Right??

2010-06-29T12:09:00.009-05:00

Communication professor Susan J. Douglas makes a compelling argument that the realities of the status of American women have been fully obscured by contemporary media messages. Her book Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message That Feminism's Work Is Done, critiques popular culture (especially TV) and its ability to create "fantasies of power" in the minds of women. Douglas believes we've entered an age of enlightned sexism that encourages women to focus only on their appearance, competing with women, pleasing men, and shopping, because the hard work of achieving equality has been done. Read the full review from WeNews.

Wise Words of the Week

2010-06-29T12:01:00.003-05:00

"We have a responsibility in our time, as others have had in theirs, not to be prisoners of history, but to shape history." (Madeleine K. Albright, first female Secretary of State)

Is Pelosi the Most Powerful Woman in US History?

2010-03-30T11:41:00.012-05:00

Chris McGreal poses this question in an article from The Guardian. McGreal details the shift in perception of Nancy Pelosi from "political gift" to the Republicans to possibly the best Speaker for a century. Interesting read...

Celebrate Women's History Month

2010-03-23T15:42:00.008-05:00

March is Women's History Month and the Library of Congress, among several other national institutions, have joined together to pay tribute to the female side of our country's heritage. The theme for this year is "Writing Women Back Into History," and considering the current Texas textbook uproar, it's a good thing someone has our interests at heart in that regard.

The dedicated website is rich in information, images, audio, and video. Take a look. You might just feel a little inspired!

Wise Words of the Week

2010-03-23T15:38:00.006-05:00

"We've chosen the path to equality; don't let them turn us around." (Geraldine Ferraro, first female vice presidential candidate)

Wise Words of the Week

2010-03-02T12:33:00.003-06:00

"There will never be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers." (Susan B. Anthony)

In Remembrance of Award-Winning Poet Lucille Clifton

2010-03-02T12:25:00.008-06:00

Lucille Clifton addressed the difficult subjects of injustice, sexism, and racism in very beautiful ways. See the article and listen to Clifton read selected poems here.

Gender Equality Just An Illusion?

2010-03-01T11:20:00.012-06:00

Jessica Valenti, author and founder of Feministing.com, contributes this thought-provoking article to The Washington Post.

Wise Words of the Week

2010-02-22T14:39:00.004-06:00

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." (Harriet Beecher Stowe)

Oscars Take Note

2010-02-19T10:02:00.008-06:00

A proposal for film's biggest night that might actually work! Bob Mondello's idea to "unsex the Oscars."

Wise Words of the Week

2009-11-24T11:51:00.003-06:00

"One is not born a woman, one becomes one." (Simone de Beauvoir)

My Favorite New Hair Product--Straight From the Kitchen

2009-11-24T10:53:00.007-06:00

Don't know if it's the weather that can't make up its mind or what...but lately my hair has gone from a little oily to a total oil slick. When pricey products like normalizing, clarifying, and dry shampoos didn't make a dent, I reached into my fridge for the box of baking soda. A small handful of plain old Arm & Hammer mixed with the usual amount of shampoo (which forms a light paste) and voila! perfectly soft, non-greasy hair. A box of baking soda costs just pennies compared with a fancy "treatment" product, and after using it each day for a couple of weeks, my hair and scalp are back to normal! And we all know the wonders a good hair day can do.

"Pink It and Shrink It"

2009-11-19T11:57:00.005-06:00

That's the marketing credo when the product is a techno-gadget and the consumer is a woman. I guess they figure the typical gal wouldn't dream of touching a computer, cell phone, etc. if it isn't pastel, covered in rhinestones or emblazoned with a floral pattern. Click through this slide show to view some of the worst offenders.

And Now for Your Viewing Pleasure...Health Care

2009-11-17T13:57:00.009-06:00

Renowned performance artist Anna Deavere Smith brings entertainment to a less-than-entertaining issue in her new off-Broadway show Let Me Down Easy. Smith takes health care from its political platform and focuses on a very personal perspective in her documentary play that has opened to rave reviews. Read more about her one-woman show here.

Wise Words of the Week

2009-11-17T11:35:00.003-06:00

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." (Martha Washington)

A Sad (and Shocking) Statistic

2009-11-10T11:11:00.005-06:00

A report on women's health recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) cites HIV as the leading killer among young women worldwide. The report defines "young women" as between the ages of 15 and 49. It's hard to believe these findings are a reality, considering the public awareness push regarding HIV/AIDS in this country for more than 20 years. However, a significant percentage of these cases are in Africa, where education is so desperately needed. Any student of health communication or media campaigns will attest to the difficulties of creating effective public awareness messages. Be that as it may, HIV/AIDS education efforts clearly must be continued in all parts of the world until this statistic is no longer a factor. Read a related article here. Read the full WHO report on women's health here.

That's All She Wrote, But Did Anyone Notice?

2009-11-05T15:29:00.010-06:00

Publishers Weekly caused quite a stir upon the release of their Top 10 books of the year list. The reason: the list was without a single female author. A snub against ladies in the world of serious (read: non-chick lit) literature, or just an unintended omission? Read a take on the issue from The New York Times.

Wise Words of the Week

2009-11-05T15:16:00.003-06:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

Cute and Clever (My Favorite Combination)

2009-10-27T10:08:00.013-05:00

Find some seriously witty goods from the online store at Smart Women Company. All their items are both fun and useful plus they'd make great gifts. Check them out at: http://www.smartwomencompany.com/

Wise Words of the Week

2009-10-26T15:03:00.003-05:00

"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Who's Afraid of a Strong Woman (On the Silver Screen)?

2009-10-26T10:43:00.014-05:00

It seems TV has become a haven for women seeking meaty dramatic roles. A quick rundown from recent seasons should confirm this: See January Jones in Mad Men, Holly Hunter in Saving Grace, Glenn Close in Damages, Mary McCormack in In Plain Sight, and Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer to name a few. However, Hollywood doesn't appear to follow this trend, and is instead shying away from powerful female characters. The Washington Post paints a rather dismal picture of the current status for women in the movies. So, whose fault is it? Fingers point at the studios, who claim these aren't the kind of films women want to see and thus, are not profitable. In essence, studios are placing the blame on female moviegoers themselves. Are we actually contributing to our own big screen representational regression? Read the full article and judge for yourself.

Need an Idea for Your Daughter's Halloween Costume?

2009-10-22T10:24:00.009-05:00

Then you might want to skip this one.

Hate it? Think it's adorable? Either way, it definitely raises some issues.

(The link is from one of my favorite blogs, Monitor Mix, written by former Sleater-Kinney member and rock 'n roll goddess Carrie Brownstein. Editor's note: Ms. Brownstein has since stopped writing this blog. RIP Monitor Mix.)

You've Come a Long Way...Only About a Century Behind

2009-10-21T11:11:00.010-05:00

After winning the right to vote in 2005, Kuwaiti women have another milestone to celebrate. They can now obtain a passport without the signature of their husbands. This just reminds us that, despite our own setbacks, America is a pretty great place for us girls to be. Read the full article from BBC News.

Wise Words of the Week

2009-10-21T10:31:00.002-05:00

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." (Janis Joplin)

Revolution Via T-Shirt

2009-10-21T09:48:00.009-05:00

Words to live by, not just to wear. Share this sweatshop-free, non-toxic ink t-shirt with all the Smart Women you know! Find it (for a reasonable price) here.

Life in the Noughties

2009-10-20T16:50:00.010-05:00

Jess Cartner-Morley of The Guardian proclaims the noughties as the decade "when style came down from its pedestal." In this piece on lifestyle and consumer culture from '00 to '09, Jess explains how women gained access to prestige fashion and products in an unprecedented way with rather unflattering results. Style experienced a democratization of sorts, from high-end designers producing lower-end lines for mid-priced stores, to Clinton & Stacy bringing style to the hopelessly style-less on cable TV. The collective attitude, she claims, changed drastically: "We didn't just want stuff, we had to have it." Read her article from The Guardian in its entirety for a slice of humble pie with those Stella McCartney ankle boots.

Women Who Lived Through It All

2009-10-20T14:26:00.018-05:00

Smart Women loves to spotlight new publications by female authors! This book by accomplished journalist Gail Collins looks like a must-read. When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present chronicles the extraordinary transformation of the political and personal spheres for women in this country. Described as "a masterful storyteller," Collins enlivens her work by intertwining archival research with over 100 interviews with regular women to capture the memories of those who lived through it all.

Should you check this one out? If you:

a) are a woman
b) live in America

c) have been living and working after 1960

then it's probably worth a look!

See a review and read an excerpt on NPR.

October Reminds Us to Be Aware

2009-10-20T11:20:00.013-05:00

It's difficult to find a person who hasn't been affected, either directly or indirectly, by breast cancer. Most of us know someone (a friend, a family member, a coworker, a friend-of-a-friend) who has been dealt this blow. Incredibly, just while writing this post, I learned of a woman who has been recently diagnosed with the disease. This should come as no surprise, since the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that 192,370 new cases would be diagnosed in 2009 alone. The ACS also reminds us that breast cancer is the most common type among women with the exception of skin cancers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so go ahead and wear your pink ribbons, run in a Race for the Cure, and purchase BCA products to fund research. However, this month isn't just about awareness alone, it is about action. Learn your family medical history, understand your risk factors, commit to those monthly self-exams, and schedule that mammogram!

We all know that knowledge is power, but in this case, it could literally be the difference between life and death. The following sites are great places to begin informing yourself:
http://www.komen.org/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month.asp