A Bolder Way Forward’s Post

I'm incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to discuss the significance of the new Biden White House and #ARPAH initiatives on #WomensHealth #Research with Maria Shriver, Maria D. Toler, Alicia Chong Rodriguez on the TODAY Show on NBC News How inspiring to be at a table with such brilliant and dedicated individuals who are committed to improving healthcare outcomes for women. We are witnessing a pivotal moment in medical history with regard to women’s health and #SexDifferences in Medicine and Research. With substantial funding due to the White House initiative and ARPA-H, we will have the ability to translate these #discoveries into sex-selective and #SexSpecific #diagnostictools and #therapies. This is a game-changer for #medicine, #healthcare, and #biotech industries initiated by FLOTUS and POTUS. As we navigate through Women's History Month, it is critcial to emphasize the significance of the synergy between our research and the Femtech field in addressing the unique healthcare needs of women. At the Innovation Center on Sex Differences in Medicine (ICON-✘) at MGH, we believe that 'when it comes to health, sex matters.' Incorporating this knowledge into the development of diagnostic tools and therapies is our collective mission. Our growing understanding of sex differences in multiple chronic illnesses is finally getting the attention it deserves, and it is important that we capitalize on this momentum to drive meaningful #change. By leveraging research and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we have the opportunity to transform the health journey of women (and men) worldwide. Watch our TODAY Show segment here: https://lnkd.in/eeBf9D68 #WomensHealth #ARPAH #MedicalResearch #WomensHistoryMonth #SexDifferences #SexDifferencesinMedicine #MGHPsychiatry #HarvardMed #ResearchReset SteelSky Ventures Bloomer Tech Massachusetts General Hospital Maurizio Fava

Recent studies* have illustrated how modern medicine was developed with male physiology as the default. Among the medical device industry, bias in the past has led to the testing and production of male-centric designs. For example, an artificial-intelligence system used to analyse chest x-rays and identify lung and chest diseases worked less well for women when trained on largely male scans according to a 2020 analysis by a team of scientists in Argentina: https://lnkd.in/et7UfRBJ As women’s healthcare becomes an increasing priority, FemTech is bringing a wave of innovation in womens health. It is exciting to see FemTech powered to a significant extent by female entrepreneurs. A Mckinsey study (https://lnkd.in/dE9TPtCY) found that more than 70 percent of FemTech companies had at least one female founder. JReg Consultancy Ltd are proud to have worked on a range of solutions to improve healthcare for women across a number of female-specific conditions including pelvic and sexual heath, menopause and maternal heath, as well as working with some extremely inspiring female leaders within the industry. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 this Friday 08 March is Inspire Inclusion. Are you in? Will you inspire inclusion? Strike the #InspireInclusion pose to show solidarity. #internationalwomensday2024 #femtech #inspireinclusion *Invisible Women (Penguin Random House, March 2019), Doing Harm (HarperOne, March 2019), and Sex Matters (Hachette Book Group, June 2021)

The new #GenderPainGap index shows that over 80% of young women feel their pain, including from their period, is dismissed by medical professionals. We're excited to be partnering with Nurofen on the #SeeMyPain campaign to break down period stigma and empower girls and young people with the knowledge and confidence to manage their periods and period pain. Read the full report: nurofen.co.uk/see-my-pain/ #PeriodStigma #YouthEmpowerment #HealthEquality #PeriodConfidence

Reflecting on the power of women's health, scientific evidence highlights a strong correlation between chemical exposure and #reproductivehealth in women. Meticulous examination on female populations reveals that chemical exposure correlates with a decline in ovarian reserve, a pivotal factor determining the duration of a woman's reproductive #lifespan and impacting her overall health. These findings underscore the crucial role environmental factors play in shaping women's #healthspan. Despite progress, there are still many barriers holding back #women's equality. #IWD reminds us of this ongoing struggle, which is not just one day of celebration but a continuous effort. While we acknowledge advancements in women's rights, it is imperative to recognize that women's health still lags behind men's in areas such as prevention, awareness, research, and understanding! The neglect of women's health is a widely acknowledged issue, evident in the insufficient research, inadequate funding for projects promoting women's health and societal perception of reproduction, particularly regarding menstrual health and menstrual blood. This happens because there are knowledge gaps in acknowledging this as an integral aspect of women's longevity and autonomy. As we mark 8th of March, it's crucial to address these problems urgently. The imperative for increased funding in women's health research, fair allocation of resources to address women's health issues and promote preventive care for menstruating women, and the recognition of reproductive health as a fundamental human right cannot be overstated. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of those who have fought tirelessly for women's rights but also pave the way for a future where every woman can flourish without facing barriers or constraints. It is within this context that we must confront the reality: while celebrating achievements, we cannot overlook the persistent disparities in women's health.

We’re thrilled to introduce Campaigns We Love, a series dedicated to spotlighting bold, stereotype-shattering campaigns that represent women as their true, authentic selves. Each campaign we highlight breaks the mould, pushing boundaries for inclusivity and real representation while challenging outdated media norms. Nurofen 'See My Pain' by McCann London. Nurofen 'See My Pain’ campaign tackles a pressing issue: the dismissal of women’s pain by the healthcare system. Phrases like “Toughen up, your pain is normal” expose the reality that many women’s symptoms, especially those of women of colour, are frequently ignored or minimised. 👉 This campaign is part of Nurofen’s ongoing ‘See My Pain’ initiative, which launched in 2022 to raise awareness of gender biases in pain management. 🔍 Why It Matters: Research shows that half of women believe their pain is often undermined, dismissed as exaggeration, or even imagined. Known as the gender-pain exaggeration bias, healthcare workers frequently assume female patients are overstating their discomfort. A 2023 study "Women exaggerate, men downplay: Gendered endorsement of emotional dramatization stereotypes contributes to gender bias in pain expectations" and the landmark 2001 report "The Girl Who Cried Pain" reveal that women's pain is consistently taken less seriously than men's, leading to less aggressive treatments for women. This campaign, produced by McCann London, alongside Interpublic Group (IPG) Momentum Worldwide and Chiswick Scenery, is a step towards holding the medical system accountable and validating women’s experiences. Let's celebrate these campaigns that are not just changing the narrative but redefining it!  #WeHatePink #CampaignsWeLove #AuthenticRepresentation

Yesterday was the International Women's Day, still in the spirit of celebrating women and their achievements while calling for investments and inclusions, let's take a moment to recognize the importance of women's health. Women's health is more than just physical health; it also encompasses mental, emotional, and reproductive health. But we know that many women around the world still face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, and that needs to change. According to the World Health Organisation's statistics: - Everyday, approximately 810 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. - Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. Each year, over 500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and nearly 300,000 women die from the disease. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and two-thirds of cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, and nearly all cases are preventable. - Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and breast cancer are among the leading causes of death among women. - Mental health: In any given year, around 5% of women suffer from depression, and around 7% suffer from an anxiety disorder. Depression is the leading cause of disability among women of reproductive age. And women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. However, when women have access to quality healthcare, they can make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. They can also feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being leading to improved work output and increased productivity. Hence, we must work together to ensure that *all women* have access to the care they need and deserve. Let's make women's health a priority; Let's create a world where all women can access the care they need. Together, we can make a huge difference. Inspire inclusion, Invest in women, Accelerate Progress! Happy International Women's Day! #iwd2024 #internationalwomensday #womeninleadership #choosetochallenge #womenempowermentmovement #womenshealthcare #womensrights #reproductiverights #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #nursingexcellence #inspireinclusion #icn #cdc #unfpa #worldhealthorganization #wholehealthcaresystemsintl

#DYK women are 2 times more likely to die from a heart attack than men? A new generation of female entrepreneurs are working to address the common misdiagnoses and care delays in women's heart healthcare. “We cannot let women continue to die avoidable deaths,” said Maayan Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Hello Heart. Learn more about this #SaturdaySpotlight and how women are working to tackle the #1 killer among women, #heartdisease at the link below. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eRxzdTCQ

The International Theme of this year's International Women's is 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.' In Toronto, our theme is 'No One is Free Until We are All Free' Read the following slides to learn about brain injury and its impact on women - and how both themes are more than relevant when it comes to brain injury - and the status of women / gender diverse people as a whole. 🙏🏽 to Brain Injury Canada/Lésion Cérébrale Canada & ONTARIO CAREGIVER COALITION for the great info! #internationalwomensday2024 #braininjury Image Description in Comments

Sent by Copilot: The beauty of femininity and the complexity of women’s health, including the issue of sexual violence, can be intertwined in a narrative that both celebrates the resilience of women and acknowledges the challenges they face. Here’s a creative piece that encapsulates this theme: In the tapestry of life, woven with threads of strength and softness, Lies the beauty of femininity, a spectrum vast and boundless. It’s in the grace of a dancer’s leap, the curve of a mother’s embrace, The fierce fire in a leader’s eye, the gentle touch of lace. Yet, beneath the surface of this beauty, lies a depth untold, A complexity of health and heart, stories brave and bold. For women bear the weight of pain, often silent, unseen, Enduring the trials of their health, in a world both harsh and keen. And in the shadows lurks a threat, vile and cruel and stark, The specter of sexual violence, leaving wounds and a lasting mark. It’s a battle fought in silence, a war against consent, A violation of the sacred, a trust so deeply rent. But from the ashes of this pain, a phoenix rises high, With wings of education, advocacy, and the will to defy. For every woman is a warrior, in her own unique way, Fighting for a future where her health and safety stay. So let us weave a new chapter, where support and love entwine, Where the beauty of femininity and health can truly shine. Together we’ll build a world, compassionate and just, A place where every woman thrives, in this we place our trust. This piece aims to honor the resilience of women, celebrate their inherent beauty, and advocate for a world where their health, including protection from sexual violence, is prioritized and safeguarded. It’s a call to action for society to address these complex issues with empathy, support, and unwavering commitment