Katie’s Notebook: March 10, 2025
Hello, Friends!
We made it through spring daylight savings and it feels like the end of winter is near. The sunset today is going to be 7:19pm which feels so much better than 5pm. My body almost takes a sigh of relief when the days are a little longer. It feels like there is more space in the day for playing outside, after dinner walks, porch chats with neighbors and a host of other warm-weather and light-outside delights. I found myself wondering if anyone had studied if physical activity increased in warmer weather, and of course there was a systematic review that discovered that the highest levels of physical activity occurred in the summer months, and sedentary behavior was highest in the winter months. (ICYMI— I made a video love letter to systematic reviews.) So treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers and get outside! (These running shoes are my favorite!)
Without further ado, let’s dig in to the FIVE:
Female health marketing struggles: The Center for Intimacy Justice just released a report which surveyed 160 sexual and reproductive healthcare companies and organizations and found that major tech platforms (including Google, Amazon, and TikTok) are routinely suppressing information vital to women’s health, while allowing similar content for men. Jackie Rotman, founder and CEO of Center for Intimacy Justice, emphasizes the urgency of reforming these practices. "Our findings demand a critical examination of how algorithmic biases shape what information is accessible online, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health for women and people of diverse genders," Rotman stated. Not only do these policies reduce access, they also amount to significant revenue loss for female health companies. While this isn’t the first I’ve heard of FemTech companies struggling with the major social marketing platforms, this is the first quantified report I’ve seen of this size. MUST READ.
Another landmark study just came out that found that when comparing similar surgical procedures conducted on women vs. men, 75% had lower RVUs (reimbursement measure ) for procedures on female patients in 2023. This study reveals a real disparity in the value of women’s healthcare.
Friendship novel: I read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow the last week of February. I think I can safely say it is in my top 10 favorite books now. It’s a love story between a male and female pair of best friends who meet as children and build a company together as adults. They are never in a relationship but their dedication to each other carries them through 30 years. (This is what I found particularly unique. There are so few stories where male and female characters deeply matter to each other and never cross the romantic divide.) Like all friendships, they have ups and downs as well as beautiful moments of devotion. It’s also a coming of age novel and explores the concepts of how our personal challenges shape our lens on the world. Add it to your cart or your Libby requests.
Food: Jennifer Garner’s Egg Bites are on my short list for make-ahead breakfast recipes to try.
Funding: This Nerd Wallet article outlines tons of small business and start-up grants — if your company has been funded by federal grants previously you’ll want to check out their list of private organization options in light of the potential US agency budget cuts. Additionally, The Embassy of Finland in New Delhi and UNICEF have launched a global call for applications from tech startups in low- and middle-income countries developing femtech solutions. The Gates Foundation has an open grant application for $150,000 for Innovative Data and Modeling Approaches to Measure Women's Health.
Findings: I’ve been digging into perimenopause and menopause for a new client and thought I’d share some of my favorite findings. Oura’s perimenopause report, UVA + Flo health study finds that women experience perimenopause symptoms earlier than expected, and The Menopause Society Patient Education site.
What I’ve Been Writing
ViVE 2025: A spotlight on women’s health tech, Digital Health Insights
Remote Patient Monitoring: Quietly Improving Healthcare, Digital Health Insights
Fun Finds
I’ve been trying to clear out microplastics as much as possible from the home. It is pretty difficult considering how much of our food comes wrapped in plastic, but one element I have focused on is the tea I drink. I consume 1-3 cups a day and the majority come in individual bags. The material that tea bags are made from varies but most are made of a “food safe polymer.” However based upon my research it still leaches bad things, particularly when they are heated and even paper tea bags can be problematic. I’ve been ordering loose leaf organic tea from this company and using this mug with a perfectly fitting strainer on top and it’s working out well! Another benefit: reducing landfill contributions!
I have seen this cute dress from Target in person on a few people and it’s sitting in my cart for my next Target pick up order. I LOVE a shirt dress and the tie on this is a fun take. While I am thinking of spring clothes, it’s about time for me to order another one of these perfect white t-shirts. I can never wait for it to come out of the dryer! I also just picked up this dress for a spring party or wedding. It looks gorgeous in person.
That’s a wrap on this issue.
Be well,
Katie
Note: As a solopreneur I use affiliate links for some of the products I believe in as a means of diversifying my income. When you buy something I have linked to, I may receive a small commission from that company at no cost to you.
