Katie’s Notebook: Sept 26, 2023
Good Morning,
I’m writing this in a plaid flannel dress that I’ll probably end up pairing with sandals later because #seasonsinthesouth but it’s sparking joy. I was hoping to share a new pumpkin bread recipe but the one I made yesterday wasn’t my favorite so stay tuned! This week I’m sharing fun children’s books, my favorite natural deodorant, and some side-eye towards women’s health news. Life is a mix of ups and downs, little happy things and complex problems to solve. I’m right here in the middle of it with you.
Favorite Fall Children’s Books: I love a seasonal story and raising little readers. I have checked out all of of these from the library and recommend them for the kids in your life: Bella’s Fall Coat 🧥 (beautiful illustrations), Fletcher and the Falling Leaves 🍁 (sweet, caring animals), My Leaf Book 🍂 (educational about different trees), Fall Frolic in the City 🌆 (highlights how people celebrate fall in different cultures), and How to Bake an Apple 🍎 Pie (fun early reader about spending time with grandparents.)
The “Pink Tax” applies to healthcare coverage: This hot-off-the-press analysis by Axios and Deloitte found that women spend $15.4 billion more annually out of pocket for health care (this is with maternity care spending removed!) There are theories for why this is the case such as greater use of preventative care and higher cost of mammography compared to other cancer screening. It’s time for policy makers and insurance companies to get creative in health equity for women’s costs.
Natural deodorant is back!: There comes a time in the summer where I have to switch from natural deodorant to an antiperspirant because the NC heat and humidity is relentless. I just restocked my favorite natural deodorant THAT WORKS in both unscented and eucalyptus. It’s not cheap but a bottle will get you through a few months and I appreciate their good for the planet business practices.
Are you kidding me?: The Women’s Health Innovation Summit was in Boston Sept 14-15. I saw a little action on LinkedIn, but when I searched Google News for coverage of the event I found NOTHING. Not a single press release, news article, or mention in the popular press. This is a missed opportunity for the organizers but also indicative of the lack of media and public interest in women’s health. I subscribe to FemHealthInsights emails and did get this recap in my inbox 📥 if you want a few takeaways. Founders — don’t sleep on PRs and courting the media. We need your stories and good news. Let me know if you need help!
A great organization to follow: I worked with New Morning on their LinkedIn strategy and they are doing a great job amplifying their work and sharing resources for healthcare providers working in reproductive health. Give their page a follow!
Be well,
Katie D. McMillan
