Helping Prevent Infertility Whenever Possible and Helping People Build Families of Choice, Particularly When Faced With Infertility. Visit us at www.theafa.org
I so feel like myself again! I told you guys I would keep you apprised of my recuperation. Well, the stitches are out and the cane is in the basement, collecting dust, where it belongs. The doctor says I lost about 30% of the strength in my leg but that I will get it back very quickly. I can start running, although not long distances, in about a month. I'm very happily walking all over Brooklyn now with my dogs and my Ipod, and start physical therapy today. I need to go buy a new pair of sneakers, some ankle weights, and a stationary bike since mine bit the dust a couple years ago.
You guys may remember the blog post I wrote, recapping my experiences at a Congressional briefing on toxins and reproductive health. To tell you the truth, I, um, left out a minor detail about that day. It was gorgeous weather wise, first real feeling of Spring I had experienced this year and i wanted to walk around the Capital. After all, the cherry blossoms were in bloom, I had no choice, the air smelled so good! I wasn't dissuaded by my five inch heels, even though I had been having some nagging pain in my right knee for quite some time. About two blocks away from Union Station on my way home something in the back of said knee gave way and long story short, last week had to be surgically repaired.
I watched much of the Royal Wedding that day from the recovery room. The non profit teaching hospital I chose for the occasion was smack in the middle of China Town. I now know the Chinese word for either Queen, or yellow, not sure which. Had an amazing experience with wonderful docs and nurses, and really cool patients who managed to form a community, without language, for a couple hours. My comic relief? The guy to the bed next to me let out of prison for his surgery, lying there with leg irons and handcuffs. Only in New York! Anyway, that was nine days ago, and I'm now up and about, "running" errands and sashaying (yeah, right) through the streets of Brooklyn with a cane that I have in my hand more for emotional support than for physical stability.
Now, I'm physically active by nature and a lover of movement. Running, dancing, recently Zumba, all of it. Coupled with a commitment to eat intelligently, this ideology has served me really well. And I still stand by it, despite my current boo boo. All things being equal, I would rather need to repair a knee than a clogged artery, and recognize that this is only a temporary situation.
You guys know that, along with the rest of my colleagues at The AFA, we believe in bringing health conscious messages to the fore because we know that health and fitness support fertility and the birth of healthy babies. We care enough about all of you to tell you the truth about this stuff. So I waffled about sharing my current situation, because I didn't want to frighten anyone off of an exercise plan that they may be starting. But I had to share this story with you for a few reasons.
While i was in the now famous recovery room, two nurses came to talk to me privately. Each of them had a friend grappling with infertility. One friend was in her forties and looking at egg donor options. The other was a young woman with endometriosis. Even post surgery, I was able to give to these women, who were giving to me, and I swear that felt so good it aided my recovery that day. Coupled with the fact that my doctor said my over all fitness level, due to my healthy lifestyle, is comparable to a 36 year old (I'm fifty five), I know that I am on the right track. Stuff happens, and if I look back and tell myself the truth, I know that I probably should have been changing sneakers more often, and stretching more, but working out is a good thing and nothing about my current situation has changed my mind about that.
Oh, and by the way. I will be running my beloved race, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Firefighter's Memorial Race on September 25th for the fourth year in a row. I invite everyone to join me every year, but especially this year. I have 343 very good reasons to make this request of you, plus one more. You. Your health, your fitness, your wellness, your future.
Here's to the future. May it bring health, happiness, fitness and peace for all of us.
by Merry Armentrout, The AFA's Director of Communications
For Christians, Easter is a time of celebration. I always look forward to the church service on Easter Sunday because I know the pulpit will be filled with beautiful flowers, the hymns will have a festive tone and a huge brunch will follow the service where I will try desperately not to spill anything on my new Easter dress. We're celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus, and a time where Christians can't help but remember the love Jesus has for his children.
What happens when Easter rolls around and you don't feel much like celebrating? Maybe you're dealing with infertility, undergoing IVF or in the thick of the adoption process, and you're just not in the mood to be festive. Maybe your problem has nothing to do with starting a family, but life's other challenges have you trying to keep your head above water. This Easter, my family is struggling to find joy, to find faith.
My father has struggled with glaucoma for years, and lost most of the vision in his right eye a few years ago. Last Thursday, he had a minor eye surgery on his left eye, and developed a staph infection in his eye. Less than 10 hours later he had lost all vision in his left eye. The doctors told him this week his retina might regenerate in a year, but there are no guarantees. Hopefully he'll be able to see well enough to read, but he will never drive again. He is legally blind. This would be hard news for anyone to receive, but one of my dad's passions is collecting antique cars, and the thought of never driving again really hit him hard.
It has been a hard week for my family. I flew home and spent hours in doctor's offices and hospitals, getting a glimpse of the hell my dad has endured. I watched the proudest man I know, ask me to walk him to the bathroom in an unfamiliar restaurant. I helped my mom learn how to use the computer so she can help my dad check him emails. I heard the bravest man I know say he needs a break from the hourly antibiotic drops he has to put into his eyes- could he just skip one time? I heard both my parents crying as we sat in church yesterday, thinking I didn't notice their tears, as I wiped my own eyes. We're trying to adjust to a new life, but are left questioning why we were put in this situation. My prayers are intertwined with pleas for dad's sight to return, and angry accusations as to why God would have this happen. It's very difficult to watch someone you love so much go through something so terrible. What I need right now is faith, and it's the one thing I'm having a hard time finding.
For me, faith is not blaming God, but trusting Him. Trusting everything will be okay, trusting my father will find the determination to get through this and trusting the same man that raised me with such temerity, will be the same man who emerges from this battle. I just spent the last week looking at my father's face- it was not full of faith, but fear and dejection, and my father is the ringleader of our group, the one who drags us to church every Sunday since we were children. If he can't find faith, how possibly can I?
I don't know. I'm sure you're looking for something more inspirational, but it's the truth. I don't know how I'm going to find it, but I have faith I will. I might not be in a celebratory mood this Sunday, but I will put on my new Easter dress, go to church and appreciate the beautiful flowers and uplifting hymns. I will then turn to one of my dad's favorite bible verses.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If I have to read it a hundred times, a thousand times, I will. I'll read it until I find the faith, until I find the peace. And so will my dad.
I don't know what battle you're fighting, or if you're even fighting a battle at all. But I do know it helps to realize you're not alone in battle. My cousin always told me she smiles at everyone because you never know what that person might be going through. Life is tough. Life is unexpected. But as one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost said, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on."
Might as well go with it. And find time to celebrate.
Tonight, Jewish families and their friends will be gathering around Passover seder tables, to tell the story of Moses and the exodus of the Jewish slaves from Egypt, centuries ago. Like most holidays, this one will feature an abundant feast as well as the camaraderie of loved ones. For many women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome however, the feast on the holiday table may feel like a carbohydrate laden land mine waiting to go off. As someone who has successfully combated PCOS through diet and exercise, I wanted to share some info on PCOS as well as a few of my own eating strategies with you.
First off, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, affects around 10% of women of reproductive age and is quite prevalent among Jewish women, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent. An endocrine disorder, PCOS is categorized by insulin resistance and results in irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism and struggles with weight, as well as infertility. There is thought to be a genetic component to PCOS and insulin resistance, which is why it is more prevalent in certain populations than in others.
A hormone, one of insulin's jobs is metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. For women who are insulin resistant, the body's normal metabolic response is reduced, causing weight gain, which is triggered by the intake of foods that are high in simple carbohydrates. Some research currently links the insulin resistance - carbohydrate connection to decreased fertility as well.
So what's a girl to do when faced with the potato kugel, matzoh ball soup, and sweet wine that are mainstays at the Passover table? Here's what I do.
While eating matzoh is pretty much required this time of year, remember that just one sheet of unleavened bread has the equivalent in carbs and calories as one slice of the leavened stuff, and limit your portions. For other foods, consider making substitutions. It's easier than you might think.
Instead of the usual potato kugel, break tradition by making a delicious new variety using spinach or zucchini and mushrooms as the main ingredients.
Instead of sweet wine, pour a drier variety, and drink in moderation.
Hold the matzoh balls! Your mom's chicken soup will be just as tasty without this usual plop in, and you won't feel laden down and sleepy by the end of the seder.
As with every meal you eat all year round, fill up on healthy veggies, lean protein and some fruit instead of going for the starchier foods.
Impress everyone by reaching for the fresh fruit when its time for dessert instead of the candied ones.
Another wonderful new holiday tradition to consider is a late night walk as a family after the meal to help burn off calories and build muscle.
Take advantage of the fact that many people are now trying to limit their carbohydrate intake in order to break the insulin resistance cycle, and lots of cookbooks and websites are cleverly catering to this population of health conscious folks. There are tons of free recipes available for you to download, here are a few you can try:
I love baseball. Two of my proudest moments from my childhood were catching my first fly ball while playing center field, and having my hitting improve enough that the outfielders moved back to the fence when I came up to bat.
We're lucky enough to have an MLB stadium (go Diamondbacks!) a short ride from our home on light rail. For me, there's nothing like cheering for your team on a beautiful Spring day, enjoying a hot dog and a beer at the ball park. So when I read that Manny Ramirez chose to retire rather than face another suspension for testing positive to performance enhancing drugs for the second time, I was angry.
I've always seen baseball as "cleaner" than other sports. It's a romantic notion not grounded in reality, but it's one that I cling to. I wasn't just angry at Ramirez for "dirtying up" my sport, I was angry at him for throwing away a career that most people can only dream of. At the end of his career he was making $20 million a year playing baseball, and playing it well. One example: in 2004, he hit a league leading 43 home runs, and took Boston to its first World Series title in 86 years.
Manny Ramirez is a prime example of what can happen when someone uses these drugs. Instead of talking about his 43 home runs in 2004, or hitting nearly .400 in 2008, he'll be remembered as a great player who threw it all away because of drugs.
It's a shame on every level. Whether we like it or not, sports figures are heros to kids, and a lot of kids saw their hero fall. My hope is that they understand that it didn't have to be this way, and that they learn the lesson that Manny Ramirez didn't.
This week, the Senate is expected to pass a budget and decide whether to bar all federal funding for Planned Parenthood health centers.
Stand with Planned Parenthood now. Dial 202-559-1164 to call your senators and tell them to vote NO on any legislation that targets Planned Parenthood and women's health. Earlier this year, over 800,000 women and men signed an open letter to their political leaders in Washington, in an effort to protect Planned Parenthood and the multitude of Americans who depend on their centers, but the battle is not over. Your senators need to hear from you directly right now.
Anti-choice lawmakers are dangerously close to cutting millions of women off from birth control, cancer screening, HIV testing, and other lifesaving care but you have the power to stop them from doing that.
The clock is ticking. Click here for more information, and to show your support. The AFA stands with Planned Parenthood. If you do too, please make that call.
I was privileged to attend a Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. yesterday, specific to toxic chemical exposure and reproductive health. The briefing was coordinated through the Reproductive Health Technologies Project and the Guttmacher Institute, as well as Congressional Reps. Louise Slaughter (D,NY), Diana DeGette (D,CO), Lois Capps (D,CA) and Rosa DeLauro (D,CT).
The panel of speakers was comprised of moderator Kirsten Moore, President & CEO of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project; Katie Huffling RN, MS, CNM, Environmental Health Program Coordinator of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners, Andy Igrejas, Director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, and Elizabeth Nash, Public Policy Associate of the Guttmacher Institute.
One of the stated goals of yesterday's briefing was to move forward, through verifiable scientific data as well as statistical analysis of public opionion, regulatory changes that could positively impact upon the levels of toxic chemicals that Americans are routinely exposed to, thereby reducing risks to reproductive health and overall health.
The most significant fact brought forth to me personally, was the verification that over 200 scientific studies have definitively and negatively implicated BPA (bisphenol A) in cases of cancer, metabollic disorders, premature puberty, male factor infertility and reproductive health issues.
A number of important findings and action plans were brought forth by both the speakers and the audience. These included:
NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) - All complex diseases have been shown to have both a genetic and environmental component. A growing body of research is beginning to suggest that many adult diseases and disorders, including asthma, diabetes and obesity, may be traced back to exposures that occur during development. Research supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and others are finding that in utero or neonatal exposures to environmental changes may make people more susceptible to diseases later in life. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that numerous man-made chemicals may interfere with the endocrine system. Scientists refer to these chemicals as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruption is an important public health concern.
Guttmacher Institute Policy Review - In a long-awaited announcement, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially acknowledged concern about the effects of bisphenol A on the health of fetuses, infants and young children. The statement marked a notable refersal of the agency's earlier position that BPA did not pose a health risk to humans. Equally notable, however, was the fact that the FDA took no steps to restrict BPA's use. Instead, it provided recommendations for parents to reduce exposure and said the government would continue to study the chemical's toxicity.
Safer Chemicals Healthy Families - A reformed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) would serve as the backbone of a sound and comprehensive chemicals policy that protects public health and the environment, while restoring the luster of safety to U.S. goods in the world market.
There was much more. It is understandable that the American public is, and should be, concerned about our daily toxin exposure, and the number one action item on anyone's list should be to keep in touch with your Congressional and Senatorial representatives about this issue. Everyone needs an action plan. Several potential and key, proactive behavioral changes were suggested by the Reproductive Health Technologies Project:
Refuse Receipts, as the powdery coating on them contains BPA.
Keep Plastic Cool, as heat causes chemicals to leach out of them and into food
Leave Shoes at the Door, to keep pesticides and other chemicals out of your home
Don't Be Fooled by Fragrance, and avoid cosmetics and cleaning products that list fragrance as an ingredient. It is code for phthalates, another known endocrine disruptor
Look Up Your Lipstick - check it out at http://cosmeticdatabase.com
Filter Your Drinking Water, to remove common contaminants like arsenic and lead
Buy BPA Free, if your product does not contain BPA it will say so on the label
Toss the Teflon, as this chemical has been linked to cancer and early menopause
Limit Canned Food, another known source of BPA
Dust, Vacuum and Mop Frequently, to cut down on chemcials that accumulate in household dust
The American Fertility Association is proud to be aligned with powerful, proactive advocates who are working for the public good. For more information on endocrine disruptors and fertility, visit The AFA's library.
It feels like the whole world is on fire right now. Civil unrest and natural disasters have been nudging the stressometer up notch by notch in our collective unconsciousness for awhile now, I think. I remember reading newspaper articles years ago about the Cold War and how constant anxiety about the bomb was increasing the daily stress that Americans (and I'm sure Russians too) lived with, like a sort of low level whirring sound in the brain that you forget is there, but that never really recedes.
I thought about all this while I was running this morning. Three miles in and I started to think about stocking up on bottled water. Five miles in and I started to think about the talk I need to have with my children about all this and how I don't want to. Seven miles in and I remembered the reason why I started running in the first place.
Many of you who haven't known me for forever find it hard to believe that once upon a time I weighed around 50 pounds more than I do now. Pregnancy with multiples, and a marriage that was shredding itself to bits turned into a lust for bagels, maple syrup and low fat dulce la leche frozen yogurt that I deluded myself into thinking was ok for me to eat on a daily basis. And then 9/11 happened.
My babies were small then. I remember thinking, if I have to run out of a burning building with one kid under each arm, would I be able to do it?
And the answer was no. I was too overweight and out of shape to run and get my babies and myself to safety if I ever needed to.
So I went for a walk. A very long walk. And a few days later I went for a run. A very short run. And I threw out the bagels and all the high carb crap I had let my PCOS insulin resistant body get addicted to and I slowly became my old, healthy-weight self again. Strong, thin, and robust. My own personal best for my own physical self.
People, look. I don't know what's coming next, none of us do. But I do know that no matter what comes, and also no matter what doesn't come, the species human being, all of us, deserve the right to be our own personal best. For me it's being a runner who weighs 115 lbs. For you it may mean being a walker or a tennis player who weighs 135 lbs. But whatever your own personal health best is, I urge you to acheive it. It is better for your fertility. It will be better for your pregnancy and your baby, God willing. It will be better for you no matter what life brings. Really.
The American Fertility Association (The AFA), a national non-profit family building organization, is excited to announce its 1st annual Zumbathon® for Fertility, to take place during National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW). The first event will be on Wednesday, April 27th at William Alexander Middle School (M.S. 51) 350 Fifth Avenue Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY at 7:30 p.m.
The AFA is committed to supporting men and women to be their healthiest, not only when they are trying to conceive, but for their entire lives. More importantly, The AFA wants all women to get pregnant safely, and to give birth to healthy babies. It was through this heartfelt ideology, shared by the entire AFA staff and board of directors, that Zumba® for Fertility was born.
The AFA's staff is comprised of five members, residing in four states. The organization represents different regions of the United States, yet share a common health conscious ideology that transcends borders. Zumba® for Fertility was born out of our passion for the staff’s personal health, and because they’re passionate about bringing healthy messages to all individuals who are currently trying to create their own families.
Zumba® for Fertility will take place in the hometowns of the staff’s residence; Brooklyn, NY, New London, NH, Charlotte, NC, and Phoenix, AZ. Tickets are $20 and tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Long time AFA staff members and Brooklyn residents Corey Whelan and Melinda Micciola are excited for the first event in their hometown. Whelan says, “Women who are trying to conceive often disassociate from their bodies during the seemingly unending process of infertility treatments. Zumba®, as well as other forms of exercise, can help women to not only reconnect with their physical selves but to also have fun in the process. And fun, for men and women going through this predicament, is a goal unto itself.”
“We commend RESOLVE for drawing attention to the challenges of those facing infertility during National Infertility Awareness Week®,” states Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The AFA. “The AFA continuously works to normalize the conversation about infertility in the mainstream, and is confident that our Zumba® events will further that goal.”
About The AFA
The American Fertility Association, a 501 (c) (3) national non-profit organization, is a resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family building. The AFA's services are provided to consumers and are available to everyone. These include an extensive online library, daily fertility news, a toll-free support line, and education outreach events.
We as human beings, universally, seem to share so many commonalities. We all bleed, both literally and figuratively. We all need to feel a solidarity of some kind in order to get through our lives. For many, it is country. For others, love. But for most, it is not only love, but also love of family. And if the number of ipods that accompany people to work are any indication, we also all seem to be moved, viscerally, by music. We experience music more than we hear it; we all share that need, to feel and to take in the stories told through song. Music searches us out and touches us in a way that we all seem to long for. And so, we are also touched by the story tellers who are willing to bleed for us through song, who share their lives with us, because their words so often give voice to what is in our own lives or our own hearts.
Today was an unusual day. I don't always get to have breakfast with a famous rapper, or to hear him sing. In this case, the very handsome (and muscular) Run DMC (aka Daryl McDaniels), shared his voice and his story of being an adult adoptee with a number of us at the Hard Rock Cafe. Along with the British singer Zara Phillips, also an adult adoptee, the two of them spun a powerful tale. Daryl said he always knew something was wrong. And at 35 years of age he was contemplating suicide when his adopted parents finally told him the truth.
Daryl's and Zara's were not the only voices. Not everyone can educate through song! Others educate through spoken passion. There were so many of that ilk today. But first among them was Adam Pertman.
Adam was today's host. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I walked in the room. I wound up hearing countless stories, and testimony about the need for adult adoptees to have the right to their original birth certificates. Today was a call to arms about this issue. Although this right is being contested by a number of groups, legislation allowing adult adoptees to access their OBC's is being passed through hard won legislation in a number of states. And that is the fight that today was about. Getting the word out. Letting people know. Two and 1/2 years in the making, this event was led by Adam and the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute. EBD is committed to research, data, and proof, things which are close to my writer's heart. According to EBD, the arguments being utilized to support the continued consealment of adoptee's original identities are flawed. Birth certificates were never sealed to protect birthparents, anonymity could never be guaranteed and birthparents overwhelmingly support contact. In addition, access to original birth certificates does not decrease adoption rates or spike abortion rates. Adam can tell this story better than I, you can read him here, and you should. Adam is a smart man. He may not be a rap star but he is a solid thinker and a coalition builder.
Many of his universal team, as well as many dissenting voices, were in residence at the Hard Rock this a.m. to sound the charge, or to silence it, for opening up original birth certificates for all adoptees nationwide. Year by year, state by state, inch by inch, passionate people reported on their progress or lack of it. Working to pass imperfect bills in order to begin this process of creating wholeness.
I was moved beyond words. I have said many times about so many things, that the one thing we as human beings deserve above all else, is our own personal truth. What I learned today is that we as human beings not only deserve, but require, that same thing. I don't think I knew that before, at least not the way I know it now.
I have always known however that music can teach. And yes, the willingness of individuals to bring their pain, their lives, their experiences to the fore can also teach. Via film today I saw individuals ripping open their unsealed birth certificates to view them for the first time. You know, I never realized before that most babies surrendered for adoption are named by their birth parents. Can you imagine seeing your original name, on paper, for the first time? What that would feel like?
Ok. Here comes the hard part. Those of you who have read my words over the years may remember a quandary I have mentioned before. I have a cousin who I know is adopted. I have kept this secret, given to me by her mother and my own, for my whole life long. My cousin has never spoken of it to me and I don't know if she knows this secret that I know, that I have held. Yes, in earlier writings I said my cousin was a he. She is not. My quandary? Her parents, my parents, that whole generalion of secret keepers, have all passed. The only person left to ask if she knows, is herself. I don't know if she knows and I have battled with talking to her about it forever. What right do I have to talk to her about it? What right do I have to not talk to her about it?
My dear girl, I know you read my blog. If you have ever had a thought, a doubt, a feeling, that something was wrong. If you want to talk about it, call me. I am here for you, I love you, I am your family. I love you.
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