Well Woman

Well Woman, a Section on Women's Health


Since we're young and busy, we often take our health for granted. However, it is important to keep ourselves healthy, especially since we need all our resources to deal with college life. Thus Sister decided to devote a section to our health: how to identify various STDs and what to do about them; what kind of infections can attack our reproductive organs, no matter how old we are or whether wečre sexually active; concrete information on PMS; and answers to commonly asked questions. In addition, we tell you how to perform breast and vaginal self-exams in order to learn more about your body and have a baseline to compare changes to.

Just as importantly, we've included various resources that we've found helpful ourselves. We strongly believe that research is integral to getting and staying well. The more information you have, the better choices you will make. This is true before, during, and after treatment. Remember, you have the biggest stake in the state of your health. Look for resources on particular topics listed in the relevant articles. See below for resources that cover our overall health.

The New Our Bodies, Ourselves. This is our personal favorite. Since much of the information in this section is from this book (1992 edition) and in light of the recent release of the 25th anniversary edition, we hope you're encouraged to check it out. It's really a wonderful resource, covering topics including body image and diet, violence against women, anatomy and sexuality (in all senses of the word), and various health problems. The book has a very empowering tone and encourages women to question conventional responses and explore what's right for each of us.

Healthwise. Columbia's health education service coordinates a very varied approach to health care. They hold events all year long, show videotapes (check out the recent acquisition Tina's Appointment, about a woman's first gynecological exam), and hold talks on a wide variety of topics (call if you want to schedule one for your club, team, dorm, or floor). In addition, they run Go Ask Alice, an online service that allows you to ask any question anonymously. Topics range from sexual health to nutrition to relationships and dating. You can also browse through current and archived questions and answers. Everyone there is very friendly and approachable, and if you'd rather use the phone you can reach them at 854-5453.

If you are over 18 or sexually active (remember­you can be a virgin and still be sexually active), you should get a pelvic exam and a pap smear. If you've never had one before, call Healthwise (see above for their number) to make an appointment for a short but thorough discussion and video to know what to expect and find out about your anatomy. If you've had an exam in the past but not within the past year, it's time to schedule one. Call Columbia Health Services Primary Care at (854-2884) or Women's Health (854-4499) to make an appointment. If you are a Barnard student, call Barnard Health Services (854-2091) for an appointment.

Special thanks to Brenda Slade at Columbia Health Services and Judith Steinhart at Healthwise for their feedback on this section.

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