Showing all posts by CWNY

Updated: June 1, 2024

“Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.” – Alzheimer’s Association. 

• An estimated 6 million Americans today live with Alzheimer’s, a disease that robs memories before taking lives.
• Alzheimer’s begins to develop in the brain 20-30 years before diagnosis.
• 2/3 of those diagnosed are women—and no one knows why.
• 2/3 of Alzheimer’s caregivers are also women, many of who will have to take time off or resign from their jobs.
• A woman in her 60s is twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the course of her lifetime than breast cancer
• After 60, a woman has a 1 in 5 chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
• By 2060, approximately 13.8 million brains in the U.S. will be living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more family members and friends will suffer alongside those diagnosed.
  – Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement – Cleveland Clinic

With women accounting for two-thirds of all individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers tips for families affected by dementia to celebrate mothers. – Alzheimer’s Foundation of America AFA®

Alzheimer’s Disease: An Overview – Johns Hopkins Medicine

Alzheimer’s Association
2024 Annual Report Increasing Concern & Awareness: Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
Find Care and Support Services for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
10 Early Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

What can you do to avoid Alzheimer’s disease? – Harvard Health Publishing
Alzheimer’s Disease: An in-depth view of symptoms, causes, diagnostic measures, treatment and prevention – Stanford Health
Dementia’s Gender Disparity: Unique Challenges Faced by Women – American Association of Retired Persons/AARP
Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease? – Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School

Cleveland Clinic
9 Tips for Women To Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement

Alzheimer’s Disease International
Women and Dementia A Global Research Review
Reports & Resources: Including 2024 World Alzheimer’s Report 

How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Women – Brain & Life Magazine – American Academy of Neurology
Dementia Caregiver Overcomes Depression and (AAPI) Cultural Stigmas to Care for Her Parents – Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada

National Institute on Aging
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet: Available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and French
Alzheimer’s Research Progress & Discoveries
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 2024: English/Spanish Resources

Updated: September 1, 2023

Knowing about these cancers and what you can do to help prevent them or find them early may help save your life.

Center for the Women of New York (CWNY)

Breast Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Breast Cancer Awareness

Cervical Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Cervical Cancer Awareness

Ovarian Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Gynecologic Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Gynecological Cancers Awareness

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Uterine/Endometrial Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

CWNY’s list of resources on Uterine Sarcoma Awareness

Vaginal Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Vaginal Cancer Awareness

Vulvar Cancer

CWNY’s list of resources on Vulvar Cancer Awareness

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

CWNY’s list of resources on Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

Cancer Support Groups

CWNY’s list of Cancer Support Groups

The Cancer Spouse

CWNY’s list of resources on Supporting Loved Ones with Cancer

Updated May 1, 2023

“About twice as many women as men experience depression. Several factors may increase a woman’s risk of depression.” – Mayo Clinic

Depression in Women: Understanding the Gender Gap – Mayo Clinic
Depression Among Women – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Women, Caregiving, and COVID-19; How to seek help – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Women and Depression – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Women’s Mental Health: An Evidence Based Review – World Health Organization
Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know – National Institute of Mental Health
Depression in Women – HelpGuide
Depression – Office on Women’s Health
Depression in Women – Psycom.net
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Depression Among Women – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Women and Depression – Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Women Veterans Health Care – Depression – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Updated: May 1, 2023

“Our bodies have an immune system, which is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. Many diseases of the immune system, also known as autoimmune diseases, are more common in women than in men. Learn about the different types of autoimmune diseases that affect women.” – Office on Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

How do Autoimmune diseases affect Women? – Office on Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
What Are Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease in Women? – Johns Hopkins Medicine
Top 10 Differences Between Male and Female Lupus Patients – Hospital for Special Surgery
Lupus in Women – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Multiple Sclerosis: Why Are Women More at Risk? – Johns Hopkins Medicine

Updated: May 1, 2024

“A migraine headache is usually an intense, throbbing pain on one, or sometimes, both sides of the head. Migraine pain and symptoms affect 29.5 million Americans. About three out of four people who have migraines are women.” – Office on Women’s Health

Mayo Clinic
“While one-third of the population gets headaches, women suffer more than men do. Many factors contribute to headaches for both men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes.”
Headaches and hormones: What’s the connection?
Headache Treatment Depends on Diagnosis and Symptoms

Headaches and Women: What Do Hormones Have to Do With It? – Johns Hopkins Health
What a Headache Could Be Telling You – Southwest Healthcare, Temecula Valley Hospital

American Migraine Foundation
“Is Cluster Headache a ‘Male’ Disorder? Cluster headache is seen as a male disorder…but we have discovered that female patients have a more severe burden [than male patients].”
Migraine in Women
Menstrual Migraine: Treatment and Prevention
Pregnancy and Migraine: The Impact

Updated: May 1, 2022

“Early pregnancy loss is common. It happens in about 10% of known pregnancies.” – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

What is ‘miscarriage’ or ‘early pregnancy loss’? Overview and General FAQs – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Miscarriage Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic
Common Complications of Pregnancy; Staying Healthy during Pregnancy – Johns Hopkins Medicine
Miscarriage and loss; How mental health is affected in women with pregnancy loss – American Pregnancy Association
Coping with Miscarriage – Stanford Children’s Health
Why we need to talk about losing a baby – World Health Organization
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – UCLA Health
CWNY Report: Miscarriages and Stillbirths – Center for the Women of New York (CWNY)

Updated: April 1, 2024

Women are not only vulnerable to climate change but they are also effective actors or agents of change in relation to both mitigation and adaptation. (un.org)

Women and Climate Change
Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO)
A reading list on women and climate change – Yale Climate Connections
How rising temperatures due to climate change are shortening pregnancies – TIME Magazine
Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change – The Threats of Climate Change are Not Gender Neutral – United Nations (UN)
Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change Downloadable Factsheet – UN
Women . . . in the Shadow of Climate Change – UN
Understanding Why Climate Change Impacts Women More Than Men – Global Citizen
Gender and Climate Change – International Union for Conservation of Nature
Introduction to Gender and Climate Change – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
2020 Pocket Guide to Gender Equality Under the UNFCC – WEDO

Ecofeminism
Ecofeminism – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Ecofeminism for a More Egalitarian World – Energy Observer
Ecofeminism – Women and Life on Earth
The Growing Importance of Ecofeminism – Voices for Biodiversity

Effects of Natural Disasters on Women
2017 Hurricane Maria Facts – World Vision
Hurricane Maria Put a Disproportionate Burden on Women – Oxfam America
Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 – Encyclopaedia Britannica
Hines, R. I. (2007). Natural disasters and gender inequalities: The 2004 tsunami and case of India. Race, Gender & Class, 14(1-2), 60-68. – JSTOR

Flint Water Crisis
Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know – Natural Resources Defense Council
Flint Water Crisis is a Feminist Issue – National Women’s Law Center
New Study Shows Women Bore Brunt of Flint Water Crisis But They’ve Also Led Fight Against it – Women’s Media Center
Lead-laced Water in Flint: A step by step look at the makings of a crisis – NPR

Updated: April 1, 2024

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 committed the United States to sustainability, declaring it a national policy “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.” – (epa.gov)

Learn about sustainability – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Conservation & Sustainability Efforts
Billion Oyster Project
New York Restoration Project
Green Schools Alliance
Sierra Club NYC
NYC Audubon
Zero Waste Programs –  GrowNYC
Give an Hour for Earth – Earth Hour
World Water Day 2024: Water for Peace – United Nations
Water Savings Tips – NYC Environmental Protection
Rethink Food Waste New York – Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

Urban Gardening
Urban Garden Center
Green Space Program – Grow NYC

For election season, check out:
NY League of Conservation Voters

Watch CWNY’s interview with Dr. John Albers, a research scientist and professor of medicine at the University of Washington, to discuss urban sustainability. He is also a passionate environmentalist and the author of several books about sustainable gardening. Although recently retired from teaching, Dr. Albers continues to review scientific and medical research papers, as well as continuing to assist young investigators in their research. The transcript for the above interview is available here. The interview summary article written by Scotia Hille is available here.

Watch CWNY’s Sustainability Webinar with NYC Parks Dept. The PowerPoint slides for this presentation are available here.
Panelists:
Catherine Bealin, Consultant, UN Development Programme; President, Douglas Manor Environmental Association
Jennifer Greenfeld, Assistant Commissioner – Forestry, Horticulture & Natural Resources, NYC Parks

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. (earthday.org)

Official Earth Day Site
United States Environmental Protection Agency Earth Day Site
NYC Earth Day Events
Museum of the City of New York Earth Day learning activities
Earth Day Initiative Site
Greener Days Ahead from Union Square Partnership Site
Earth Day Action Toolkit
Earth Day Teaching Resources from Edutopia
Earth Day Vision from Communities for Recycling

Look back at CWNY’s Earth Day 2020 resources

Updated: April 1, 2024

April 2024 marks the official 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer? – National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
History of Sexual Assault Awareness Month – “Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it’s clear why: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem, and they always have. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers to national legislation and beyond, the roots of SAAM run deep.”
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM): Press Release – The theme of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 is “Building Connected Communities.” The campaign uplifts the role of inclusive, equitable, and connected communities in reducing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Community is an integral part of all our lives, and the health and well-being of our communities shape our lives. Whenever anyone experiences sexual violence, every community member is affected.

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: We’re Here For You
During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) 2024, RAINN encourages individuals and communities across the country to come together to raise hope, awareness, and your voice by sharing RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or online at rainn.org; educating yourself and others about the types of sexual violence, the laws in your state, and where to turn if you have been assaulted; and asking leaders and lawmakers to do their part to create a world free from sexual violence.
#RAINNDay, taking place this year on April 9th, 2024, RAINN Day is an annual day of awareness and action about sexual violence around the country during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. RAINN Day is a day of exponential reach when every RAINN friend, follower, and fan is asked to share the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or online at rainn.org. This year, you can join them and elevate the conversation online by using the hashtags #SAAPM, #RAINNDay, #ActWithRAINN, and #HereForYou.
#ActWithRAINN Add your voice to the petition and show lawmakers how Americans stand with survivors and demand they do more to prevent sexual violence and prioritize justice for victims.
#HereForYou Help spread the word. RAINN is here for you. RAINN is here for someone you love.
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline:
24 hours a day, 7 Days a Week (800) 656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
Rape & Sexual Assault Laws in New York State
Know the Laws in Your State
Safety Prevention
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Assault
How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Assault?
If you Suspect A Child is Being Harmed
Safety for Parents
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Reporting to Law Enforcement

Show Your Support on Denim Day: Denim Day—April 24—is an annual, national day of awareness that encourages participants to wear denim as a symbol of believing survivors and asserting that consent has nothing to do with your clothing. – History of Denim Day

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Preventing Sexual Violence
Risk & Protective Factors

Sexual Violence Prevention Program – NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response – U. S. Department of Defense
What to Do If You Believe You Have Been Harassed at Work – U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Sexual Harassment in Housing Environment – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Domestic and Sexual Violence Fact Sheet – National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
What it really takes to stop sexual harassment – American Psychological Association
Studies found that “sexual harassment is linked to increased likelihood of sexual assault” and “telling sexist jokes was associated with self-reported rape proclivity and blaming of victims.”

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office on Women’s Health
Sexual Harassment in Relationships
Getting a Restraining Order

Center for the Women of New York (CWNY)’s list of resources:
Domestic Violence Awareness
Intimate Partner Violence Awareness
Stalking Awareness
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Abuser / Batterer Intervention
CWNY’s YouTube playlist on “Safety, Abuse, Violence, and Trafficking Awareness”

KIDS & TEENS:

National Dating Abuse Hotline – (loveisrespect.org)
Teen Helpline – Call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Text:  LOVEIS to 22522
Live Chat
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying for Teens – KidsHealth
What Kids & Teens Can Do About Sexual Harassment & Assault – STOMP Out Bullying
Sexual Violence in Schools – The National Education Association 
Erin’s Law – New York State Education Department
“In August 2019, New York State became the 37th state to sign Erin’s Law into legislation. New York State’s law, (Chapter 187 of the Laws of 2019) – known as Erin’s Law – requires public schools to teach child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention classes to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.”