Women And Health

By Danielle Christopher

Saving Women’s Hearts by Martha Gulati and Sherry Torkos
When someone mentions the term "heart disease," most people picture an overweight, middle–aged man. The risk factors, however, are the same for men and women. I was surprised to learn the reality: heart disease is the number–one killer of women in North America. It accounts for a third of all deaths in women, far surpassing the prevalence of breast cancer. That alone opened my eyes and motivated me to read this book.

Saving Women’s Hearts educates women on how to reduce their risk, encourages them to become proactive in guarding their heart health, and attunes them to symptoms that their doctors may overlook. It’s a book written by cardiologist Martha Gulati (MD, MS, FACC, FAHA) and pharmacist Sherry Torkos (BSc Phm). It addresses both the conventional medical approach and the role of natural medicine.

Knowing is half the battle and although the stats can be frightening, the good news is that most risk factors for heart disease can be altered. Saving Women’s Hearts teaches women how to do just that, and lower their risk.

What’s Up Down There? by Lissa Rankin, MD.
Combine Samantha Jones of Sex and the City and Eve Ensler of The Vagina Monologues, throw in a medical degree, and you’ll have Lissa Rankin. She has the humour and style of your best friend with the knowledge and resources of an OB/GYN. Lissa peppers personal stories and facts in What’s Up Down There?

Ever wondered why we have pubic hair? Want to know if your baby can feel you having sex during pregnancy? Don’t understand how male gynaecologists can have a sex life without feeling like they’re stuck at the office?

If you are too shy to ask questions at your next doctor appointment, this is a great resource from Lissa. Amazingly, when she was a med student, every doctor tried to talk her out of becoming an OB/GYN due to terrible hours and the lack of a social life. As she progressed, she quickly realized how deeply she cared for women and the issues we face.

As a practicing gynaecologist, a nationally-represented professional artist, teacher, mother and author, Lissa Rankin started a simple blog in 2009 to document her personal quest to integrate all the fragmented facets of her being. OwningPink.com immediately caught fire with readers from all walks of life. She is this generation’s Dr. Ruth of gynaecology.