Tender, Loving Care For Your Cervix

By Sarah R. Bailey

It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life, but are you feeling good? With the New Year, everyone has hopes of happiness, success, and love for the upcoming year. Resolutions are made (and usually broken by mid-February) to lose weight, get fit, and to make more money. That sounds great and all, but there is a certain part of the body that women need to concentrate on in the New Year.

That body part would be the cervix. It’s getting all the attention lately, making other parts of the body feel inferior. Okay, not really, but it should be! January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and YWTF is encouraging all of you to get screened.

The idea of facing cancer is scary, but early detection is key when it comes to managing your overall health. It can also be quite expensive. However, there are programs out there to help women get the screenings they need, and for little to no cost. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides funding for women in need to have free pap smears every second Friday in the month of January. For more information on visit the Georgia Department of Community Health.

As you ring in the New Year, make it a priority to take all preventative measures when it comes to your health. Get screened and make sure you are here to ring in many more fabulous years to come. Happy New Year Ladies! Be strong! Be courageous! And be healthy!

Sarah R. Bailey is a graduate of Georgia State University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism, and minor in Political Science. She is currently interning for skirt.com, a leading women’s publication that promotes women and what they do. She is an animal lover, coffeeaholic, and has a small obsession with Vince Vaughn. Visit her at http://skirt.com/sarah-r-bailey or send her an email at srbailey87@gmail.com

Shine On: The Feminist Women's Health Center

Atlanta's Feminist Women's Health Center's mission is to provide "accessible, comprehensive gynecological healthcare to all who need it without judgment. As innovative healthcare leaders, we work collaboratively within our community and nationally to promote reproductive health, rights and justice. We advocate for wellness, uncensored health information and fair public policies by educating the larger community and empowering our clients to make their own decisions."

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to be more active in your community, we suggest hosting one of the Feminist Women's Health Center's House Parties. According to their website, "Hosting a house party can help promote an expanded vision for reproductive health & rights...When your voice and efforts join with others, you can make a tremendous difference in advancing freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity for all."

Can Bad Sex Ruin a Good Relationship? Reader Question Answered!

Q: Can bad sex ruin a relationship even with a good connection?

A: Dear Reader,

Yes, it absolutely can. But it doesn't have to. Sex is one of those relationship factors that people barely talk about but expect to be on the same page when it comes down to the act. You mentioned that there was a good connection between the two of you. Use that to your advantage. Hopefully you and your partner have open communication with each other and are able to talk openly about how you think and feel. Otherwise, holding your feelings in could lead to resentment towards your partner. And unresolved resentment is bad business.

There are a few things I want you to think about. How important is sex to you? Is bad sex a dealbreaker? There are some requirements that every person absolutely must and absolutely must not have in a partner. These are what I call “non-negotiables.” For example, some people must date someone of the same religion. Some people will not date someone who smokes. Think about what you need sexually and the flexibility of those needs. Also consider your partner's sexual past may be limited or she/he may have a long history of bad sex and not even know it. Here's where you come in. You can teach your partner how to please you without bruising the very fragile ego. Make it fun and creative; I'm sure you'll even learn a thing or 2 about yourself and your partner. Note that this may take some patience and a little compromise. But if you have a relationship that is sturdy, then this can been seen as a way to bond and be closer to your partner.

Reader, you are going to have to take control of the situation because you, like the rest of us, are responsible for our own sexual happiness.

Amani moto,

Chanel Jaali

Submit your ANONYMOUS question to the link below, and it just may be answered!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GVNPRNV

www.jaalico.com

Jaali Co., LLC is a multidimensional company specializing in sex education for adults. We offer themed parties, consulting, workshops, and extensive research. Our purpose is to assist people in achieving sexual responsibility and sexual freedom through comprehensive knowledge.  Chanel Jaali is an independent researcher and sexual educator mainly focusing on the topics of sexual development, sexual attitudes and behaviors, and reproductive rights of women of African descent. She can be contacted at jaali.company@gmail.com.

Social Media As a Health News Source

For those of you who haven't made the digital leap from Facebook to Twitter, know that not every tweet elicits a groan from the reader. Sure, some of them are about the muffins someone had for breakfast or the dream someone had last night, but believe or not, Twitter is a pretty successful and informative site when it comes to news. Remember the potential jumper in Atlanta on Colony Square that T.I. talked down? Some of the pictures taken by real witnesses that were posted on Twitter were used in leading news coverage.

The immediacy of Twitter posting and the sheer number of people on the site make it a valuable place for getting the word out globally on just about anything, including health news.

Photo credit: Francesco Marino

10 Ways You Can Help on World AIDS Day

December 1st is World AIDS Day. What can we as younger women do to help?

1. Face AIDS: Make a sign describing how you're facing AIDS. Take a picture of yourself with your sign and upload it to the Flickr Facing AIDS group. Then spread the word by sharing your work on Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace.
2. Tweet about it: Use the hashtag #WAD2010.
3. Read and comment on the CDC's AIDS blog series.
4. Familiarize yourself with the National HIV/AIDS strategy.
5. Download free posters and tools or create your own. Share these images on your sites or hang them in the spots you frequent.
6. Attend a World AIDS Day event. In Atlanta, SAVE Georgia is holding a press conference and rally to advocate for increases in funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, the AIDS Alliance For Faith & Health is holding an interfaith prayer breakfast, HIV testing and education will be available at Atlanta City Hall, Emory University is organizing Quilting on the Quad, and there will be a screening of "Sex in Epidemic" at the Georgia Institute of Technology. For more information on these Atlanta events, visit the GA Voice.
7. Organize or attend a Lights for Rights vigil to keep the light on HIV and human rights.
8. Write a letter to the editor to raise awareness.
9. Subscribe to the HIV Leadership Through Accountability e-newsletter.
10. Buy the MAC VIVA GLAM lipstick or lipglass, and MAC donates every cent to their AIDS fund.

Guest Star: Journey to the Land of Ohhh...

By Chanel Marshall

I may get some feedback for this one (which is welcomed), but hear me out. (clears throat)

Generally speaking, I feel like we have a collective view of how the sexual process should go. There's some foreplay, some kissing, and a dramatic scene of intercourse leading up to this amazing explosion of an orgasm. That's great, but is it realistic? We can blame these ideas on magazines, movies, novels, or our own fantasies. Either way, I believe that we focus too much on the orgasm (or lack thereof). There are TONS of books, articles, videos and the like instructing us on how to achieve and/or give orgasm. And because we always want more, I've seen plenty more media focused on achieving multiple orgasms! When it comes to sex, we are an orgasm-driven society and we know it! Now, don't get me wrong, orgasms are awesome; I totally get that. But my question is, what about the process leading up to the “big O”? As a woman, I know that an orgasm from vaginal intercourse is not a guarantee. In fact, 50-75% of women do NOT orgasm from vaginal intercourse alone. But we keep having sex right? I'm just saying. There must be SOMETHING to the journey, so let's give it some love!

You're asking, “Jaali, how can my partner and I have fun on this “journey” you speak of?” Well my friend, I'd gladly share my insight. My thought is that the sexual experience should be about the connection between the people involved. The stronger the connection, the more intense the sensations and feelings will be. Believe me, you will be far less concerned about that orgasm because you would have been in tune from the first second. As a matter of fact, that's what Tantra is all about. (Tantra will be covered in another blog.) Think about the experience as a whole. Think about the anticipation. Think about what you find sexy about your partner.

Think about the smells, tastes, and sounds. See? It's already working! You have to:
1. RELAX!- And have fun. Sex should not be a test, nor should it be a competition. So chill, get sexy, and go all out!
2. Get creative.- There is no "box" when it comes to sex. There are no boundaries. Try something new, and break the routine!
3. Keep the journey in mind.- Think about why you are with your partner and how much you want to please her/him. Know that this journey does NOT have to be a long experience, nor does it have to be the same every time. ( refer back to #2. )
I'm telling you, the journey can be just as or more fun than the destination....if you let it. What do you think?

amani moto,
Chanel Jaali
President and Founder
Jaali Co.
www.jaalico.com

Jaali Co., LLC is a multidimensional company specializing in sex education for adults. We offer themed parties, consulting, workshops, and extensive research. Our purpose is to assist people in achieving sexual responsibility and sexual freedom through comprehensive knowledge.  Chanel Jaali is an independent researcher and sexual educator mainly focusing on the topics of sexual development, sexual attitudes and behaviors, and reproductive rights of women of African descent. She can be contacted at jaali.company@gmail.com.

Learn More About YWTF

What is YWTF-ATL?
In 2009, Terica Scott founded YWTF-ATL to serve the City of Atlanta and its suburbs. Through the YWTF-ATL, she strives to bring together professional, forward-thinking, diverse, and successful women in order to build a unified force to address the issues facing younger women in our communities.

What is the Younger Women’s Task Force (YWTF)?
Founded in January 2005 by Alison Stein, YWTF is an international, diverse, and inclusive grassroots movement dedicated to organizing younger women and their allies to take action on issues that matter most to their lives. YWTF is a project of the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) that works both within and beyond the women’s movement, engaging all who are invested in advancing the rights of younger women aged 20-39.

What is the national organization of YWTF?
YWTF-ATL is the tenth chapter established nationally. Currently, there are 13 YWTF chapters based in the United States and Canada. The national office for YWTF is located in the headquarters of the NCWO in Washington, DC.

How is YWTF-ATL organized?
Terica Scott is the Chapter Director or the chief administrative officer of the chapter and oversees the Board of Directors and all chapter activities. The Board of Directors executes and manages the work of the chapter. The chapter membership helps to shape chapter programming, focus areas, and events. The current Board of Director positions are:
• Chapter Director
• Membership and Outreach Director
• Fundraising Director
• Communications and Marketing Director
• Programs and Events Director
• Policy and Advocacy Director
• Partnerships and Strategic Alliances Director
• Operations Director

What is the mission of YWTF-ATL?
YWTF-ATL is committed to promoting and implementing programs and policies for the benefit, empowerment, and growth of younger women aged 20-39 so that they may thrive as productive, active, healthy, and prominent members in their communities and personal lives.

What is the vision of YWTF-ATL?
The vision of YWTF-ATL is to enrich the lives of younger women through the following efforts:
• Promoting Consciousness among Members and Community
• Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
• Promoting the Empowerment, Education, and Integration of Younger Women in Atlanta Society
• Establishing Opportunities for Mutual Mentoring and Sharing
• Advocating for Economic Justice
• Promoting Strategic Resource Sharing and Building
• Promoting Relationship Building
• Exemplifying Sisterhood and Sisterly Relations
• Participating in Community Building Efforts
• Maintaining a Local Focus for Activities and Projects
• Organizing and Executing Grassroots Efforts and Collaborative Approaches

How often does YWTF-ATL meet?
YWTF-ATL chapter meets on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. For the most accurate location information, please visit website.

How do I become a member of YWTF-ATL?
Chapter membership is open to any person who believes in the mission of our organization. It’s easy to join! To become an active financial member, simply fill out the YWTF-ATL Membership Application and submit membership dues. Membership applications can be downloaded from our website. Send applications to YWTF-ATL Membership Application, P.O. Box 2141, Lilburn, GA 30048. Membership dues can be paid in cash or by credit card (add 4.5%) by mail, in person, or online.

What are the membership dues to join YWTF-ATL?
Membership dues are set annually and are 100% tax-deductible. The current due structure is:
• $30 for a one-year membership that expires on 12/31/10; or
• $20 for a one-year student membership that expires on 12/31/10 (valid student ID required upon application).

Once I become a member, how can I get involved in the work of the chapter?
YWTF-ATL has seven committees that concentrate on the operational functions of YWTF-ATL. These committees include: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising and Development, Membership and Outreach, Partnerships, Programs and Events, Policy and Advocacy, and the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference Committee. Members are strongly encouraged to participate on committees. Each committee is led by its respective YWTF-ATL Board of Director and meets regularly to perform specific duties to support chapter operations. All committee planning and activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. In addition to committees, members are encouraged to participate and attend monthly chapter meeting, event, and program activities.

What are the current chapter programs?
YWTF-ATL produces a wide range of activities that include social and networking events, career development events, educational seminars, community service projects, and fundraisers.

What types of programs will the chapter plan and implement?
Generally, the chapter will plan policy and advocacy initiatives, chapter activities, community service projects, and events related to the focus areas, mission, and vision of the chapter. The current YWTF-ATL Focus Areas include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. These areas of focus were determined by our members.

What are SIGs?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) help to plan, implement, and carry out the work of each of the five focus areas outlined above. SIGs meet during monthly chapter meetings. Chapter members are welcome to participate in SIGs. Unlike committees, SIGs may be led by active, financial chapter members. All SIGs activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. The current SIGs include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. To join or lead a SIG, please contact the Programs and Events Director for the chapter.

How do I learn more about the chapter?
• Contact us at ywtfatlanta@ywtf.org
• Come to a chapter meeting
• Check out our website
• Become our fan on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Listen to our podcast

Treasure Your Chest

Until recently, I was lucky enough to never really exposed to cancer in my life. To me, cancer was something grandfathers had - not younger women. But now one of my close friends is battling a rare type of cancer that we never saw coming, and I'm wondering how I was so naive about it before. She's had to close her business to battle it, not to mention how the financial side is crippling. During a time when she should be focusing on kicking cancer's a**, she has to fight with the insurance company too. The chemotherapy is making her so sick that she's spending evenings in the emergency room. She's undergone surgeries, she's losing weight, and she can't stop throwing up. She can't even leave the house for fear that someone with a cold will infect her already weakened immune system.

Cancer is unpredictable, and it can feel impossibly hard to fight. When it sneaks up on your life, it can make you feel truly helpless, but when it comes to cancer, knowledge really is power. It's on us to educate ourselves. We don't want the people we love dealing with this alone. We don't want anyone dealing with this alone.

All younger women have heard that your risk for breast cancer (or cancer of any type) is lower if you exercise and refrain from smoking, but there are a few things about breast cancer that may come as a surprise. According to the American Cancer Society:

• White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women. HOWEVER
• African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. 
• Many studies have looked for a link between certain diet and breast cancer risk, but so far the results have been conflicting. Some studies have indicated that diet may play a role, while others found no evidence that diet influences breast cancer risk. 
• Studies have found that women using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. This risk seems to decline back to normal over time once the pills are stopped. 
• The use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. 

Until we find a cure, education is my way of fighting back. What's yours? For more information about breast cancer, visit Be Bright Pink.