Stirrups (89/365)

Ralph went back to the clinic with me.

Organize! (53/365)

Yesterday Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood, zeroing out the amount of funding the clinics receive from Title X.

What does this mean?  It means that Congress has voted to strip monies that allow many of these clinics to provide low-cost HIV tests, cancer screenings, birth control, prenatal care, and other lifesaving services. Some clinics may be forced to close, resulting in the thousands upon thousands of women (and men) who receive care going without.

However, there is still a chance that this funding won't be zeroed out and that chance is the U.S. Senate.

So, what can you do?  You can STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD and fill out the online letter that will be sent directly to your Senator, asking him/her to stop this legislation. (Link: STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD)  [NOTE: Over 50,000 people had completed this online letter only one hour after the legislation passed in Congress, which speaks volumes].  You can also call, email or write your Senator directly, as well as contact your Congressperson to either thank or spank him/her on yesterday's vote.


Ralph and I STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD, do you?

GYT, Pap Fish (19/365)

Susan, preparing to do my pap,
Ralph & speculum in hand

"Rates of curable STD cases in the U.S. are the highest in the developed world.  Women are up to 5 times more likely to become infected and suffer serious consequences.  We need women to be aware of this information so that they can make informed decisions about their health."

~ Carol Carrozza

Oh, no she didn't! 

Oh, yes I did!  

I posted a picture of me getting my pap smear, ladies.  Yep.  I'm not ashamed, why should I be?  It is something that EVERY woman should be doing at least YEARLY.  One of the best things about working part-time at the local Planned Parenthood is that I have become much more aware of the importance of women taking the time to care for themselves and have routine GYN testing.  I have also become much more versed in women's healthcare/STDs/etc and, for good or bad, have become a resource for my friends when they have problems "down there."  

I love VLPP and, although with my health insurance I could go anywhere for routine GYN care, I choose to go to Planned Parenthood.  I support their mission and believe that the staff there is absolutely lovely, caring and professional.  The physician, the nurse practitioners = AWESOME.  Yeah, it used to be a bit awkward to get my pap by Susan (she's the one in the picture above), who is also my coworker and friend, but whatever...we all have the same parts!  

Go on ladies, Get Yourself Tested (GYT)!!!

Routine blood testing, in addition to your pap, is important!

Don't forget to wrap it up!

*My thanks to VLPP and Susan!!!