Launching Eve Was Framed
Remember that special “health class” in middle school? The one where you heard some version of “the talk”. In mine, we drew diagrams of reproductive organs, learned about the dangers of tampons due to toxic shock (ok, it was the early 1980s), and heard IUDs would puncture our wombs (yes, that was the term they used, hello, can we say “uterus”?). That information was good enough to get you through your early teens.
Maybe.
Today, even that level of education about our bodies is hard to come by with 11 states requiring an opt-in from parents for some or all of the sex education topics, not to mention Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law. With the recent threats against the right to choose, now, more than ever, we need good information and lots of it.
In my twenties, I faced fertility issues, stemming from polycystic ovaries. Oh, so maybe I was right to ask about the pain I had since I was 16. Interesting. I didn’t know the term medical gaslighting at that time or that women are far more likely to have our symptoms dismissed or ignored.
As my friends were starting families, some quietly shared how many challenges they had in breastfeeding and how hard it was. I heard the term mastitis for the first time. Milk ducts can get blocked? Babies can get tongue-tie. What is that?!? Didn’t hear that in sex ed, oh sorry “health class”. All that doesn’t even touch on lacation support to return to work.
In my thirties, my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. It was months before doctors took our concerns seriously because she was so young.
The first time I heard the term pelvic floor, I thought to myself. Do I have one? Or do I need to get one? If I have one, do I need to get it refinished from time to time? Where is it?!?
As I moved through my later forties and perimenopause symptoms began, I asked my doctor about ways to alleviate them. Menopause tea, supplements, and cooling sheets. Seriously? And no one I knew was talking about it.
Where’s my Sex Ed class 2.0 for your twenties through your adult life?
Where was my health class for fertility, family building, post-partum, breastfeeding, uterine health, perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause?
At least men get commercials on television with thinly veiled messages and bathtubs for erectile dysfunction. Have you ever seen anything women’s health? Me neither.
Guess we’ll have to teach ourselves.
Enter an idea for a weekly newsletter that is a tasting menu of Women’s Health Topics.
Welcome to Eve Was Framed.
The inspiration comes from a t-shirt my mother had during my childhood. My first teacher. The first person to look out for my health and wellbeing. The woman who taught me to stand up for myself. The mother who fiercely, relentlessly demanded better treatment for me when I will ill in my 20s. The warrior who fought Alzheimer’s in her final years and showed us all grace and courage in the face of that battle.
I started talking with my new Co-Founder Stephanie Majercik. Her journey to her first ironman, I mean ironwoman led her to want to learn more about her health and body. We loved working together at 2U and she agreed to be my partner in Eve Was Framed.
Our promise to you is each week, you’ll get information like:
The Tasting Menu. Topics each week to learn more about your body and health. Remember that Pelvic Floor question? That’s one of the topics we’ll cover. Your time is valuable. We’re doing the reading and sharing the knowledge
Spotlights of personal journeys in health and wellness. We have more in common than we have differences. Read the personal health and wellness journeys of women like you. If you have a story to share, please reach out to eve@evewasframed.io.
Profiles of companies doing interesting work in Women’s Health. The innovation going on right now is nothing short of inspirational and desperately needed.
The medical term of the week. Impress your friends and expand your vocabulary.
Two women on a mission to help more women learn about themselves and the companies working to put control of women’s health into our own hands through sharing our own personal journeys.
We hope you'll come with us!