Cover of the book
Is this really a podcast episode about your period? Why yes it is. Birth control has been in the news lately, which means, in a way, so has your flow. In this episode I give a kind of book report of the 2009 book Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim. Some of the questions I answer include…Do you actually have a period when on the Pill? Is hormonal contraception safe? When did modern femcare emerge? Is PMS a real disorder? Why are we so grossed out by our own bodies? And is menstruation obsolete? I hope I’m not the only one who finds these questions interesting, or, if I am, I have at least amused myself.
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We all know smoking during pregnancy can cause birth defects and long term physical problems for children. This is why OBs, midwives, and pediatricians always ask if you smoke or if anyone in your household smokes. When asked this question, I always wonder “Who still smokes?” Sure, I see teenagers outside of Target, but my California non-smoking cocoon has left me clueless.
The good news is smoking rates have decreased in the last couple decades, but the bad news is they have rapidly increased in some developing countries and among certain segments of the population. Why is this? I’m looking at you tobacco companies. Is smoking really as bad as everyone claims? Well, yes. Listen to hear about my research into the world of smoking.
Disclosure: No cigarettes were actually puffed in the making of this episode. Smoke hurts my eyes and makes my nose all stuffy.
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Although celebrities would have us believe otherwise, having a baby can wreak havoc on your body. Personally, I gained over 40 pounds, and even after losing all the weight I felt (okay, feel) unsatisfied with my saggy post-baby body. I had an almost ten pound baby and my body will never be the same, but after coming to terms with my new shape, I hired a personal trainer to help teach me safe ways to gain muscle and energy.
My workout enthusiasm is hit or miss, so I’m not one to give advice, but my trainer was great. I talk with her, Connie Marshall of Life Fitness 4 Me, about working out during and after pregnancy. What are the biggest mistakes pregnant women and new moms make? Are personal trainers only for the rich and famous? Are all trainers the same? Connie answers these questions and more.
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