October 2022
Stronger than Sticks and Stones: Promoting Women’s Bone Health through Preventive Care
Approximately 54 million Americans have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture. Risk of bone fracture is higher in women compared to men, in part, due to the influence of the hormone estrogen. Throughout a woman’s life, estrogen has important bone building function that is compromised when its production significantly reduces after menopause. Approximately half of all women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, and in older adults, complications related…
NIPS Explained: A Fireside Chat About Prenatal Genetic Screening
Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is a type of genetic screening that assesses if a pregnancy is at increased risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. Prenatal genetic screening is an innovative tool that can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health and pregnancy management, and may improve maternal and fetal outcomes by allowing preparation to care for children who may have a genetic disorder. NIPS (also referred to as cfDNA screening) can be…
Understanding the Tests that Could Save My Breasts
In the United States, there are more than 100 diagnostic tests and procedures available for detecting diseases and monitoring their progression. Diagnostic tools are also used to guide treatments and evaluate their effectiveness. Some tests are invasive, such as a biopsy or endoscopy; whereas others are noninvasive, such as x-rays and ultrasound imaging procedures. Innovations in diagnostics provide access to health information, helping women make informed decisions about their health care at every stage of their lives. Screening and diagnostic…
Closing the Loop for Lupus: A Fireside Chat
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by widespread inflammation that often results in damage to the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. An estimated 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus, and 90% are women between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus is more prevalent among women of color, who also develop symptoms at younger ages and have more severe symptoms and complications from the disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type…
Psoriatic Arthritis: More than Just Sore Joints
More than 8 million individuals in the United States have psoriasis. This chronic inflammatory skin disease is characterized by patches of red or discolored and irritated skin that are often covered by flaky white or gray scales, depending on the skin type. An estimated 10-30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) – a type of inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis. Approximately 40% of people with PsA report significant impacts on their everyday life, and despite PsA occurring…
November 2022
SWHR Policy Advisory Council Meeting
SWHR’s Policy Advisory Council will meet for its quarterly closed-door meeting. The Policy Advisory Council is a forum for industry, nonprofit, and other health care stakeholders to partner with SWHR to support emerging scientific research and public policy that will improve women’s health. Council members will have an opportunity to work collaboratively to develop policy positions, promote research, and create materials designed benefit women’s health. LEARN MORE