Hydroxycut Max Fat Burner for Women

More than half of American have face serious problem with their weight all because of wide spread junk foods in the USA market. And this health problem forces them to search for weight loss pill. As we all know weight loss market is full with vast variety of weight loss products but definitely not all of them are effectual to provide distinct requirements together with desires of many individuals anticipating reduce their pounds.

The attraction of reducing your weight rapidly is tough to avoid. But do fat burning supplements and products reduce something? And are they a secure choice for weight reduction? Here's a look at hydroxycut max weight loss supplements and understand what it can do and couldn't do for you.

Hydroxycut Max Review - Is it Effective for Women’s Weight Loss

Hydroxycut is well known manufacturer which provides several products, but first time they introduce weight loss product which is formulated only for women. It’s important to know that women lose weight in different way than men. And that’s why it getting popularity because it designed to accomplished women needs. It formulated to fulfill the weight reduction desires of female fitness sportswomen as well as figure models, Hydroxycut Max will allow you to expose your attractive body and enter into the ideal shape of your life when combined with exercise and diet.

Ingredients

There are several great ingredients in Hydroxycut Max. Many of them have been clinically proven to promote weight loss in some way. . It is made up of both natural ingredients and laboratory which contain a key energy boosting ingredient like Caffeine anhydrous with Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Olea europaea extract, Cuminum cyminum extract, Mentha longifolia extract, Oleic acid, L-alanine, L-serine, L-glutamic acid HCL, L-threonine, L-isolecine, Co-enzyme Q10, Glutathione, Glutathione.

Advantage

Hydroxycut max for women is effective in several means:

* Enhance the speed of weight-loss.

* Perform exercises more effectively.

* Cuts down appetite resulting in good amount of weight loss.

* Improves strength together with enhancing activeness.

Disadvantage

* Hydroxycut Max is made from over 20 unexplained substances.

* The supplement is costly when compared with related products.

* Simply no refund guarantee is visible on the manufacturer's site at the moment.

* Dizziness

* Loss of appetite

* Sleeplessness

How Does Hydroxycut Max Work?

Hydroxycut max for widely known to supplement diet; i.e. it enhance metabolism and helps cut down excess fats. Hydroxycut Max focused on achieving 3 things: increased metabolism, energy and nutrients for women.

The first blend has ingredients like Cuminum Cyminum extract, Olea Europaea, Alchemilla Vulgaris extract and Mentha Longifolia extract. Combination of these ingredients helpful in appetite suppression and enhance the level of your metabolism.

The second blend for energy contains caffeine anhydrous which is helpful in boosting energy level.

In third level there are several oils, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids which have nutrition value in Hydroxycut Max.

The Facts Of Hydroxycut Max

This weight loss formula is introduced in liquid-cap form which the company states will attempt to work 5 times quicker when compared to a pill. With lots of clinically verified components to enhance weight-loss, it is promoted as a super-fast body fat burner specifically made for females.

Precautions

Hydroxycut Max contains more than dozen ingredients that claim to have tremendous fat-burning properties. Keep in mind before taking it you must seek advice from a your medical professional in case you have been diagnosed, treated or perhaps possess a family background of any medical problem, or if you are making use of any doctor prescribed or non-prescription medicine. Not designed for individuals under eighteen. Never use in case you are pregnant or even breastfeeding. Stop the use and immediately consult your medical professional if you experience uncommon signs and symptoms.

However, get more information about this product before purchasing.

Image Source - http://elfpressoffice.org/

Latino and Women Farmers and Ranchers Have Until May 1st to File A Claim

 

Earlier this month Latino USA reported that "in 2000, about 1400 Latino ranchers and farmers sued the US Department of Agriculture for denying them loans based on their ethnicity." Women, like Rosemary Love, were discriminated against on the basis of sex.

While the USDA has announced a claim process, Latino and women farmers are not a class action, thus they must file a claim in order to obtain financial compensation in the form of cash or loan forgiveness. 

Details as to how to file a claim can be found on the USDA's website. The DEADLINE has been extended to May 1, 2013. 

Photo credit: Colorlines

Louisville dental school to mark Women's History Month with women's art and oral-health fair and reception

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry will kick off its Women's History Month celebration March 18 with "Chew Art," an all-women's art and oral-health fair and reception.

In an effort to better engage with the community on issues related to oral health, increase oral health literacy and celebrate Women's History Month, the fair will focus on specific oral health care needs of women. The school will provide oral health information, and in some cases, limited screenings for women who live with diabetes, hypertension, who are pregnant or undergoing various treatments for cancer.

But the school says this event will not be like an ordinary trip to the dentist or health fair; it will be much more exciting! It is teaming up with Kristen Hughes, Arts in Healing manager at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, to employ an innovative Arts in Health Care approach. Unlike the normal clinical environment, original works of art, created by a group of local female artists, will be on display at the fair.

The "Chew Art" event will take place Monday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second floor of the newly renovated dental building at 501 S. Preston St. and will feature tapas, wine, sangria and live music in addition to the art displays.  To RSVP, email Deborah Wade at D0wade01@louisville.edu.

Study finds only counties in Appalachia, mostly in Kentucky, had increasing rates of death among both sexes as century turned

By Molly Burchett
Kentucky Health News

More than 40 percent of counties saw increases in female death rates as the 21st Century began, while the death rate for men rose in just 3 percent of counties, a study shows. Only Appalachian counties, mostly in Kentucky, had worsening rates for both sexes. (Click on a map for a larger version.)

Change In Male Mortality Rates From 1992–96 To 2002–06

Change In Female Mortality Rates From 1992–96 To 2002–06

On the Health Affairs maps above, blue counties showed substantial improvement, while those in aqua showed minimal improvement and worsening counties are in red.

The study identifies some shared characteristics among the 1,334 counties where more women are dying prematurely, but the main factors weren't medical or behavioral, according to David Kindig and Erika Cheng, authors of the study report.

Although counties with high rates of smoking and obesity had increased mortality rates, the report found socioeconomic factors in the Appalachian states of Kentucky and West Virginia, such as the percentage of a county’s population with a college education and the rate of children living in poverty, had more to do with increased mortality rates.

In Kentucky, Owsley County has been ranked last on health-related measures by the Population Health Institute. Areas like this in Appalachia suffered rising death rates in both sexes because college education is a rarity, child poverty is normal, recreational facilities are scarce, restaurants are mostly fast-food outlets, and adults lack social support, reports Geoffrey Cowley of msnbc.

The chart below shows how Kentucky compares to the national average in premature death and that Owsley County suffers from tremendously high rates.

County Health Rankings by University of Wisconsin's Population Health
Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (countyhealthrankings.org)

These findings provide supporting evidence for the ever-increasing need for significant health improvement efforts in Appalachia. According to the report, efforts must extend beyond a focus on health care delivery and include stronger policies affecting health behaviors and the social and environmental determinants of health,with corresponding investments in those areas. (Read more)

Kentucky Health News is an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Dawn Clark Netsch Dies at 86

The grand dame of Illinois politics has died. Dawn Clark Netsch was 86. I had the honor of meeting her on several occasions, usually at fundraisers and luncheons, and each time I would introduce myself to her, she was always gracious. Sometimes I wouldn't say anything, just stand back and watch her as she greeted fans, old friends in her friendly way. For me, she still has one of the best political ads ever -- the straight shooter. Sadly, I couldn't find it in a quick YouTube search, so let me describe it. When she ran for Governor of Illinois in 1994, she ended an ad with her playing pool and making a great shot while someone said "Dawn Clark Netsch, a straight shooter." You can see her holding a cue stick in the photo as she claimed victory after the Democratic primary.  Somehow I'm sure the ad will find its way to the internets today.

I did find that the Chicago History Museum has a 9-part oral history series on her.



She was an inspiration and while I didn't know her personally, I feel a great loss today. Especially as I am headed to a fancy luncheon where a lot of Chicago's power women will be in attendance. It's an event where the chances would had been high Dawn would have appeared. In a state filled with politicians who have broken so many promises and fallen from their pedestals, Dawn would always get a standing ovation anytime she was pointed out in a crowd.

Thanks, Dawn Clark Netsch. May we all serve as graciously as you did.

Report says veteran suicide rate is up from 2007

Almost every hour in this country, on average, a veteran commits suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 22 veterans per day took their own lives in 2010, up four a day from the 2007 rate. Perhaps contrary to public perception, the report said most suicides occurred among veterans over 50. It recognized Vietnam-era veterans as a risk group, as well as female veterans.

Military service members come disproportionately from rural areas. Kentucky has two army posts, Fort Knox and Fort Campbell.

(Among active service members in 2012, more died from suicide than in combat, we reported here. The Army said Friday that 325 soldiers committed suicides last year; if the tentative number is confirmed, it would be a historical high. "If that bleak total remains at 325, the toll in 2012 would have risen by 15 percent over 2011 when the Army sustained 283 suicides," NBC News reported.)

Reactions to the VA report ranged from encouragement to outrage. The VA pointed out that the daily veteran suicide rate has "remained relatively stable over the past 12 years," but the percentage of the overall national suicide rate accounted for by veteran suicide has actually decreased.  Veteran suicides accounted for about one-fifth of American suicides in 2010, down from one-fourth of suicides in 1999.

The VA said that showed its programs are working, but promised to take "immediate actions." NBC reported that "the top strategy" on the VA's agenda was an already-established task force that could help suicide screening identify warning signs earlier.

Some groups were dismayed by the VA report and demanded more action. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America called for more research and collaboration. "The country should be outraged that we are allowing this tragedy to continue," IAVA found and CEO Paul Rieckhoff told NBC.

On Feb. 13, the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will hold a hearing on veterans and mental health care. The Veterans Crisis Line -- 800-273-TALK -- is available for veterans who are concerned about their mental health. (Read more)

Health care is strong second to economy among concerns of Ky. registered voters; candidates compared on handling of issues

Health care ranks high among the concerns of Kentucky voters, according to the latest Kentucky Health Issues Poll taken for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

The poll, taken Sept. 20 through Oct. 14, asked registered voters to name the two most important issues in the Nov. 6 presidential election. The economy was mentioned by 65 percent; health care was second, with 42 percent. Foreign policy was a distant third, at 21 percent. The error margin on the sample of 1,160 voters is plus or minus 2.88 percentage points.

The poll did not ask voters whom they favored for president, but did ask which candidate they trusted to do a better job on certain issues. Romney, who is considered certain to win Kentucky, had a clear advantage on two issue areas, listed first:

• Dealing with the federal budget deficit: Romney 49%; Obama 36%

• Dealing with the economy and jobs: Romney 48%; Obama 36%

• Dealing with the future of the health reform law: Romney 45%; Obama 40%

• Addressing terrorism: Romney 43%; Obama 42%

• Dealing with the situation in Afghanistan: Romney 42%; Obama 40%

• Improving education: Obama 45%; Romney 40%

• Looking out for the best interests of women: Obama 42%; Romney 40%

• Making decisions about women's reproductive health choices and services: Obama 41%; Romney 38%

"This poll gives us a reliable snapshot of the issues most important to Kentucky voters as they decide who they will vote for on Nov. 6," said Dr. Susan Zepeda, president/CEO of the foundation. "Regardless of the outcomes of the election, our foundation believes it is essential for our elected officials to know what Kentuckians think about these issues." To download the full report by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati, click here.

Women, War and Peace

This year's Nobel Peace Prize was award to the three women above for their non-violent revolutionary ways. I could not contain my glee on Friday when I heard the news. I was clicking all over the internet for stories on them. The piece at Democracy Now! shouldn't be missed.

Tonight PBS starts a five-part series, Women, War and Peace, that will explore the issues these women deal with on a daily basis. I think only Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee are actually featured in the series, but the issues faced by women in the Arab world will be featured.

The series airs weekly, so set the DVR so you don't miss it!

And congrats again to these fabulous women! 

The Courier-Journal, continuing to explore Louisville hospital merger, says many more questions still need answering

The proposed merger of the University of Louisville hospital with Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare and with St. Joseph Health System of Lexington, which follows the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, continues to draw heavy attention from The Courier-Journal. Sunday's newspaper had a long column by editorial writer Pam Platt, and an editorial that online was packaged with a video discussion among the editorial board and U of L President James Ramsey, David Laird of Jewish and St. Mary’s, Dr. Daniel Varga of St. Joseph and James Taylor, CEO of University Hospital.

"On many levels, the merger . . . is appealing," the editorial began, saying the new system would be broader and more efficient and secure the three Louisville hospitals as they compete with Baptist Hospital-East and Norton Healthcare, which recently announced an affiliation arrangement with the University of Kentucky" hospital. "Two significant issues continue to make the merger problematic, however." In addition to the issues of reproductive care, the editorial wonders whether advances in medical science that conflict with Catholic teaching could cause the merger to "unwind," as hospital officials put it, and what the ramifications of that would be. (Read more)

In her column, Platt, right, focused on the merger's impact on women, saying it remains unclear. For example, "The partners say transportation will be provided for pregnant women wanting tubal ligations, as well as for their infants. But what will be the process for them accessing that? What are the details? . . . Many of us need more answers to additional questions . . . before we know if this merger is the answer not only for the business end of things, but for all the people who depend on the hospitals for their care." The merger needs state approval to proceed. (Read more)

Birth Control Blog Carnival: The Pill's Role in Radicalizing Me at 12

I've told part of this story before in different venues and mentioned it here as well, but let me tell it again.

I think I was about twelve when I asked my mom why we don't go to Church (my family is Catholic) and she replied to me quite simply that it was because the Pope would not let her take the pill. Now, I already knew what birth control was because my mom left her pack on plain sight. Her statement about the Pope not only jump started my critique of the Church, but also began my education on how my body, women's bodies, are "controversial" and always a topic of debate.

Summer's Eve has a new campaign out to try to shame women into "cleaning up their vaginal area" by trying to sell us on the idea that women's vaginas have been the source of history. "Over the ages and throughout the world, men have fought for it..." says the ad. While the campaign and the ad are chock full of racism, misogyny and bad taste, they are right on one thing. Throughout the ages men have fought over our vaginas...and our whole reproductive system.

Just this week the Institute of Medicine recommended that birth control should be free on all insurance plans since so many women use it at one point in their lives. NPR points to the "divisive politics of birth control" as to why it's taken this long for the government to say we should include birth control in the health care reform. Really, NPR? Birth control should be a gimme, a no brainer. But no, there are people in this country, in this world, who want to control when a woman can or cannot get pregnant.

The war for vaginas, Summer's Eve, is about control of vaginas, not some romantic fantasy you are trying to sell with your deodorizing towelettes.

Which is one reason (the other is that I take my pill as I'm about to walk out the door each morning) my almost-8yo (!!) daughter knows about birth control. She knows that some women take medicine in order not to get pregnant. I have told her since she was born (yes, I talked like this to my infant) that her body is hers. I'd rub her belly and get all squee about how all her tiny eggs are already there, just waiting. I've told her that she can have babies or not when she's older...way older. No pressure from old mom on the baby front. And yes, remind me I said that if I ever get all "But I wanna grandbaby!" on her.

It amazes me how much time women spend trying to NOT get pregnant. I've been menstruating for twenty five years and out of which, only three months have I wanted to get pregnant. I know, my eggs are efficient suckers. That means for 99% of my reproductive years, I've been avoiding the actual reproduction. And I'm sure I have another 5-10 years (maybe even more as I am Latina and all) left to go. I've been fortunate enough to be able to either pay for my pills or be supplied with "samples" over those years.

So let's hear it for birth control! GOOOOO BIRTH CONTROL! Thanks for helping me plan my family, my life and my career. Hopefully one day the kid will ask me, "Really? You actually had to pay for birth control? REALLY?!" 

This post is part of the "We've Got You Covered" birth control blog carnival (#bcbc). Click over to read other posts. 

Other things I've written...but not here

Woohoo! It's another post about stuff I've written for other blogs.

First up is a piece I did for Gapers Block last month on the Chicago Bandits and the grand opening of their stadium:

Opening night for the Chicago Bandits, Chicago's professional softball team, was a pitchers' duel between Bandit Monica Abbott and the USSSA Pride's Danielle Lawrie. After a picture perfect first inning, an errant throw by Abbott in the second led to the Pride getting on base. Thankfully she was saved by a clinic-worthy cutoff throw to home to keep the game scoreless. The duel resumed and continued until the bottom of the seventh, when the Bandits skillfully moved Megan Wiggins, who led off the inning, around the bases, capped off with Caitlin Lever's shot to right field to bring Wiggins home. The crowd erupted in a roar to signal the end of the game. [read the rest at Gapers Block]

Second is a bit of an op-ed I write for Gapers Block about the Chicago Red Stars shortened home season:

Women's professional sports has a long history of ups and downs. Women's professional soccer reached its peak in 2000 by riding the wave of Mia Hamm fever and the USA team winning the World Cup in sports bra-baring style. But then the fans did not show up and the Women's United Soccer Association folded in 2003. In 2009, the Women's Professional Soccer League opened shop with a Chicago franchise, the Chicago Red Stars, and played at the beautiful Toyota Park in Bridgeview. They fielded all-star players like Illinoisan Ella Masar and Brazil's Cristiane.[read the rest at Gapers Block]

And no, Andrew hasn't totally roped me into being on staff at Gapers Block. But I am joining their softball team.

Lastly, I wrote a ranty lil piece for Chicagonista on women and unions. I'm sure that one will "haunt" me in the future. But ya know what? I stand by that piece. And hopefully my future self will too.

Late last week, the Mayor said that the city workers union had to come up with contract concessions by July 1st or risk hundreds of layoffs. The current contract was signed by former Mayor Daley and built upon the idea that furlough days would continue and Mayor Emanuel does not want to continue them. And that means real money needs to be cut and by last Friday.

So why am I saying that this is a way on the working women of Chicago?

Think about it. Who are the bulk of Chicago teachers? Women. Women make up 60% of local employees*. When we get to state employees, it is 50.7% of workers, which makes Governor Quinn’s refusal to pay raises important to this state’s women…and as we know, when women are shortchanged, families are shortchanged. [read the whole piece at Chicagonista]

 I'm scheduled for a piece at Girl w/Pen soon, so head over there too.

Walmart low prices are at the expense of women's paychecks

I have to be honest, I really didn't expect the Supreme Court to toss the Wal-Mart class action. I don't know what I was thinking, but when I read that the USSC sided with Wal-Mart I yelped...and not a good one.

The issue that the class action hinged on? Commonality. Apparently because the majority did not think that all the 1.5 million women of Wal-Mart had a common experience, the case can't be a class action suit. I wonder where they leaves other large class action suits? But what really got my goat is the implication that Wal-Mart is so large that it can't be held responsible for what a few "bad" managers do in respect to women employees. Really? Wal-Mart is too large to sue for sex discrimination? Oh hell no!

Then in the majority decision, Scalia says that he believed that any manager would want the best person for the job, man or woman.

Really? This clearly shows that Scalia has no idea what happens in the real world and hasn't had to cold apply for a job since high school. A real, cold, apply for a job. Not a "My uncle Bob called his fraternity brother Skip and he wants to  meet you" interview. This from someone who should have recused himself due to his son being connected to the case. And conservatives complain about "the Chicago way" just getting to DC in Obama's backpack. HA!

Rep. Pelosi used this moment to restate why the Congress needs to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act: 

"Today’s ruling underscores the need to act boldly and strongly on behalf of women’s rights: we must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work," Pelosi continued. "It is a matter of fundamental fairness in our nation, and we must work — in the courts and in Congress — to correct this injustice throughout our country."

Which, by the way, WAS passed under Speaker Pelosi, but Sen. Reid and Sen. Durbin FAILED to whip the Democrats into line in order for it to pass. And I'll add that it was also President Obama's failure to make it a real priority.

Yes, I am PISSED OFF!

If you are pissed off, tell your Congressperson to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. There are also rallies on Tuesday, check if your city has one!

What we need to remember is:

• This was NOT a decision on the merits of the case. Merely on the ability for the women of WalMart to sue as a class action;
• This means that the individual women will need to make a decision if they will go this alone. After ten years, the word is that most of them will continue on;
• There is also some thought that perhaps instead of one big class, there will be a lot of smaller classes (managers, floor workers, executives, etc). We'll have to wait and see. 

Until then, I'm thankful I can keep my hard money out of Walmart's aisles.

Book Review:: Wheels of Change by Sue Macy

Do you remember the freedom you felt once you were old enough to get a two-wheeled bike and allowed to zoom around your neighborhood? Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy recalls when women first got their own set of wheels and set off unescorted into the world.

And that whole unescorted thing really ticked off conservatives at the time. As Macy notes in chapter 2, The Devil's Advance Agent, in the late 1800s women and men dated while being chaperoned by adults, sually in the home of the young woman. With the advent of the bicycle and society's approval for women to jump on board with this new fad, the reach of chaperones was cut. Thus begins the spiral to fogged up car windows on a Friday night. One has to remember that this was at the same time most physical activity, especially sporting activities, was seen as bad for women's bodies and especially their reproductive systems.

One also must remember that in the late 1800s women were wearing HUGE dresses. How is a lady supposed to ride a bicycle? Macy shows photos of bicycles that were designed for side-saddle as well as with contraptions so that dresses wouldn't get caught in the wheels or gears. Then the young women of the late 1800s rediscovered Amelia Bloomers invention - Lady Pants!  - or bloomers.

This is a fun trip through the joint history of the bicycle and women's rights. From wheels to bloomers to votes for women, it's all interconnected. You'll be amazed at how similar the conversations we are having today about women's rights sound a lot like the ones in the late 1800s about women riding bicycles.

This a National Geographic book for kids. But don't let that stop those without kids from not buying this book from IndieBound or Powells.

Disclaimers: A publicist offered me a copy for review for women's history month. Obviously, I'm late writing this baby up.

* Book links are affiliate links. If you buy your book here I could make a very small amount of money that goes towards this blog.

FUNDRAISER: Support The Race for Space!

Chicago Women's Health Center (CWHC) seeks community support to match a $35,000 challenge grant from the Topfer Family Foundation by June 30 to move into a larger space by the end of the year.

CWHC was founded in 1975 to specifically and thoughtfully address the barriers to gynecological health care for women, with special attention to the experiences of those often marginalized by systems of power including the economically disadvantaged, LGBTQ communities and people of color.

With an increasing need for quality, affordable health care, the organization sees moving to a larger location as an opportunity to better respond to Chicago?s health care needs. The goal of transitioning to a larger space has been in place since late 2008 when the organization launched its $150,000 capital campaign. Considering the tough economic climate for non-profits, the matching grant comes at a fortuitous time for the grassroots organization.

CWHC is in the final phase of The Race for Space! 

CWHC must raise $35,000 by June 30th before Topfer Family Foundation matches them. Through this matching grant, your gift can go even further.

DONATE TODAY!

National Women's Health Week kicked off yesterday; today is National Checkup Day

National Women's Health Week kicked off fittingly on Mother's Day, with communities, hospitals, health centers, churches and schools participating. The observance, which runs through May 14, is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health.

This year's theme is "It's Your Time." The goal of the week is to have women make their health a top priority by encouraging them to eat a nutritious diet; go to the doctor to get a regular checkup and preventative screenings; avoid risky behaviors like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt; get enough sleep and manage stress; and get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity and 1 hour and 15 of vigorous physical activity each week.

Today is National Women's Checkup Day, which is meant to promote regular checkups for early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses and sexually transmitted infections. (Read more) For a list of Kentucky-based events being held in honor of National Women's Health Week, click here.

URGENT: Call your IL State Senate on Wednesday!

Yes, another plea for my Illinois readers to please call your elected official! This is super urgent folks!

The Illinois Senate  voted on SB 1619 (Comprehensive Sex Ed). Unfortunately, we fell one short with a vote of 29 YES – 26 NO – 1 PRESENT.


The good news is that one of the YES votes was not at the capitol today. Therefore, the sponsor Senator Steans requested that SB 1619 be put on the Order of Postponed Consideration which allows bills that only fall a few votes short to have another chance for a vote.

La Raza ran a story on Latinas and sex ed. 

We are making progress on SB 1619!

Please keep generating calls into state senators asking them to vote YES on SB 1619! Capitol switchboard is 217-782-2000. A list of senators is available here: http://www.ilga.gov/senate/default.asp

URGENT: Call your IL State Representative on Wednesday!

HB 1958 - The Anti-Shackling of Pregnant Prisoners bill's amendment number 2 will be voted upon and we need this amendment to pass in order for the bill to continue to move forward.

Call state representatives and urge them to vote YES on HB 1958. http://www.ilga.gov/house/ Capitol switchboard 217-782-2000.

In 2000, Illinois became the first state in the nation to ban shackling pregnant women during labor, in legislation that passed unanimously. Corrections officials are violating the ban. Women charged with nonviolent crimes have been placed in leg irons, with their hands cuffed to chain belts, when brought to the hospital. They have been shackled by one wrist and the opposite ankle to their hospital beds, impeding labor. HB 1958 clarifies and strengthens the law to protect the lives and health of mothers and infants.

• 81% of women in Illinois prisons are mothers.
• 6% to 10% of women prisoners are pregnant while incarcerated.
• About 67% of women prisoners in Illinois are convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, property crimes such as retail theft or forgery, and prostitution.

No pregnant women have escaped in the ten years since Illinois banned the use of shackles on pregnant women in labor, according to sworn testimony from the Superintendent of the Cook County Jail’s women’s division and information from state corrections officials.

House Bill 1958 fixes gaps in the 1999 legislation banning the shackling of women in labor. Amendment 2 reflects major compromises to balance the safety of pregnant women with correctional security needs.

1. It removes the changes to the Unified Code of Corrections. Advocates will work with the Illinois Department of Corrections in the coming year to address recent violations of the 1999 act and to extend the ban on belly chains and leg irons to women in pregnancy-related medical distress and pre-term labor.

2. It allows sheriffs to handcuff pregnant women in front during transport, unless the woman is in labor or pregnancy-related medical distress. This is a compromise to prevent the use of belly chains and leg irons on pregnant women while allowing sheriff departments with small staffs to use cuffs when transporting a group of pretrial detainees to court hearings.

3. It removes the reference to the Tort Immunity Act. The section referenced is:
Neither a local public entity nor a public employee is liable for injury proximately caused by the failure of the employee to furnish or obtain medical care for a prisoner in his custody; but this Section shall not apply where the employee, acting within the scope of his employment, knows from his observation of conditions that the prisoner is in need of immediate medical care and, through willful and wanton conduct, fails to take reasonable action to summon medical care. Nothing in this Section requires the periodic inspection of prisoners.

Its inclusion or exclusion should not change how the Act applies – inmates still may not sue for denial of medical care unless wanton and willful – and it prevents the redundant reference which the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association found objectionable.

4. A simple annual reporting requirement remains in place to track instances of restraints used under the extraordinary circumstances exception. This is vitally important for transparency. It will provide the necessary information to determine whether the new framework is effective and to point the way for any future fine-tuning.

5. At the urging of the Illinois Sheriffs Association, a simple provision mandating training of correctional staff on the law has been added.

The proposed legislation:

• Protects the mother and fetus from chain belts and leg irons throughout pregnancy.
• Provides clear definitions to guide corrections officials.
• Provides exceptions for imminent risk of escape or harm, and for psychiatric restraints when medically necessary.
• Provides a simple reporting requirement for government transparency.
• Prevents trauma, violations of privacy and HIPPA violations by having officers posted outside the delivery room unless medical staff request their presence.
• Benefits from the lessons learned by ten other states and the U.S. Marshals in banning the use of shackles on pregnant prisoners.

Nationwide, lawmakers are taking a stand against this dangerous practice. Eleven states and the federal marshals have recently banned shackling and nine more states have legislation pending at present.

Thanks to CLAIM for being a leader on this issue!

Call state representatives and urge them to vote YES on HB 1958. http://www.ilga.gov/house/ Capitol switchboard 217-782-2000.

Madisonville hospital earns national award for program that helps pregnant women maintain, improve oral health

For its work in improving oral health in prenatal patients, the Center for Women's Health at Trover Health System in Madisonville has received a national award.

The William J. Gies Award for Outstanding Innovation is given to individuals and organizations dedicated to improving dental education, research and leadership. Trover Health System's program "Centering Pregnancy Smiles" focuses on educating women about the importance of maintaining their oral health while pregnant.

"Women may mistakenly think they can skip dental care when pregnant. However, now more than ever, regular oral health check-ups are very important," said LeAnn Todd-Langston, director of the Center for Women's Health. "Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put women at increased risk of dental disease. Some studies even suggest that infections in the mouth, including gingivitis and cavities, may increase the risk of delivering early. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the baby. By incorporating oral health education into the care our prenatal patients receive, we have been able to reduce the number of preterm and low birth-weight births at Trover." (Read more)

Tiffany Dufu is the new President of The White House Project

If you follow me on Flickr, you already knew this. I had no idea this information was embargoed until today. I swear! But hey, that's what happens when you invite people with digital cameras to an event, give them some awesome news and don't say "SHHHH!" Or maybe I was so freaking excited that Tiffany was going to be the next President of The White House Project that any shushing went over my head. Either way, CONGRATS TIFFANY!

Here's to passing of the baton. Thanks to Marie Wilson for her amazing years of leadership. I'm sure she won't be retiring to her porch, so let's keep an eye out for her next thing.

Again, congrats to Tiffany!

From the press release:

The White House Project...announces the appointment of its second President, Tiffany Dufu, on Inauguration Day, 2011.

“I can think of no better time to transfer the reins of power of The White House Project to the next generation than today, our country’s official Inauguration Day,” says Marie Wilson. “Tiffany is an extraordinary leader whose competence and passion for our mission will take the work to an entirely new level. For a founder, there is nothing more satisfying than leaving a loved institution in such worthy hands.”


Ms. Dufu has furthered her life’s work of advancing women and girls at The White House Project for the last four years, most recently as Vice President of Development and Administration. Over the course of her 15-year career she has raised nearly $20 million for nonprofits, forging new partnerships, support and strategies.

Says Tiffany Dufu, “The White House Project was founded to advance women’s leadership in all sectors of society, up to, and including, the U.S. presidency. As an African-American woman of the next generation, I believe that this transfer of leadership across generational and racial lines is emblematic of our country’s journey, and reflective of The White House Project’s mission and results. My vision for my administration is to harness the power of the 11,000 women we’ve already trained to lead around the country – half of whom are women of color – and to leverage technology to train hundreds of thousands more."

About Tiffany Dufu

Ever since she accepted the Girl of the Year Award in eighth grade, Tiffany Dufu knew that she wanted to make a profound impact. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, the daughter of a homemaker and a minister, Ms. Dufu was an early feminist who challenged the perceptions of adults around her who often insisted “little girls can’t lead.” She knew that she needed not only to affect change, but also wanted to be public about it – so that other girls could be leaders, too.


As Associate Director of Development at the Seattle Girls’ School, a nonprofit education institution committed to giving all girls the power to be innovative, confident, critical thinkers, Ms. Dufu raised $2 million in just under a year. As Major Gifts Officer at Simmons College, she managed a portfolio of more than 150 donors, and worked in recruitment to create a more diverse student body. While in Boston, Ms. Dufu was featured in a Boston Globe article that, within 24 hours, became the most-forwarded article in BostonGlobe.com history. She leveraged the overwhelming response to encourage a productive dialogue in the city about race relations, and soon became a fellow in LeadBoston and a catalyst for the Commonwealth Compact project, working to make Greater Boston a desired destination for people of color and women.

As Vice President of The White House Project, Ms. Dufu has forged new partnerships, has strengthened the Corporate Council and has refined the organization’s strategy. Having now raised nearly $20 million toward the cause of women and girls, she has been featured in The New York Times, The Seattle Times and on NPR, and is a frequent speaker on nonprofit fundraising and women’s leadership. She currently serves on the board of Harlem4Kids, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and holds a B.A. and M.A. in English and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.

As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Pretty much my whole career is about women in science & engineering. The murder of 14 young women who were studying to be engineers happened when I was still in high school, yet I still hear murmurs about women taking men's places in this or that. This act of terrorism was about privilege. The person who killed the women felt he was being overlooked because women were in the way. To think that some people still think that or make women feel like they are "in the way" or just there because they are women pisses me off like nothing else.

I've been busy with wrapping up my first semester in "The Great PhD Race," to write much or ask you all to remember to donate whatever you can ($10 or $100) to support the Chicago Abortion Fund. But I do hope that as you consider your end of the year giving, you will put CAF on that list. Thanks.