Becoming educated about the medical industry is not just a must for pre-med students. We owe it to ourselves to become informed about our bodies and how they are treated. Disease prevention and healthy habits can start now so that we may lead prosperous lives. Instead of relying completely on medical institutions, the wealth of information available to us via online resources can make us conscientious consumers of healthcare. We need to be aware of whether women’s health issues are receiving adequate attention and whether the necessary resources are being allocated to resolve women’s concerns. It is also important to support female health care professionals whose practices deviate from Western disease model norms and who know the female body on a personal level. Click on the links to the right to read FEM’s latest articles. Plus, check out the great medical resource links below.

http://www.womentowomen.com/default.aspx

This website was founded on the revolutionary idea that health services should be provided for women, by women. These female physicians are not afraid to offer advice and practices that deviate from Western medicinal models. Their information incorporates preventative and alternative health care methods that reinforce the “mind-body-spirit continuum.”

www.4woman.gov 

This site is “the federal government source for women’s health information.” It has all the basic info for women including steps for breast self-exams and general information about cervical cancer. The website also has a neat tool called WOMAN Activity Tracker where you can track your daily activity and set personal goals you would like to reach.

www.nwhn.org

As the National Women’s Health Network website, it provides useful information on a variety of health concerns without simply regurgitating “the doctor’s orders.” The Network promotes women’s awareness about their bodies “by developing and promoting a critical analysis of health issues in order to affect policy and support consumer decision-making.” The site includes archived articles featured in its bimonthly newsletter, The Women’s Health Activist.

http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/

Inspired by the legendary women’s health book Our Bodies, Ourselves, this website continues the tradition of informing women about their bodies so they needn’t rely on institutions of medicine for healthcare. They have an ample database of health information as well as a blog that acts as a forum for women’s concerns and elations. Don’t forget to check out their must-read list of publications!

http://www.fwhc.org/

The Feminist Women’s Health Center discusses women’s wellbeing without overlooking the fact that continued progress is made possible by the ongoing feminist movement. The Women’s Health section archives empowering, feminist-centered information on all health topics. The section “Many Voices – Many Choices” shares the touching stories of women who have had to face difficult situations. Regardless of whether you agree with their choices, it forces you to step into their shoes and that’s never a bad thing.

http://www.estronaut.com/index.htm

A Forum for Women’s Health provides information on a variety of women’s health issues, recognizing that women’s concerns are not limited to questions on reproductive health. The articles are written by experienced health writers who receive their data from women-focused research articles and texts rather than simply applying results from men’s health studies, like so many physicians and researchers are apt to do.

http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/

The Society for Women’s Health Research pioneered in advocating for the inclusion of women in medical studies. This non-profit organization acknowledges that biological sex does matter when it comes to health. Their homepage features links to the latest news in women’s health as well as practical fact sheets detailing the specifics of certain diseases and the differences between men’s and women’s physiologies. Facts we should all know!

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