| | | | At first glance, the just-released 2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care seems like a valuable resource. Described as a "comprehensive examination of women's health care in all 50 states and the District of Columbia," it highlights many important topics, such as the racial disparities in maternal mortality, breast and cervical cancer death rates , and the significant gaps that exist within Medicare coverage. The report also highlights Massachusetts for having the best-performing health system for women overall (Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire filled out the top five), while placing Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, and Arkansas at the bottom of the rankings.
These are, of course, useful metrics to be looking at — and we are always supportive of any efforts to better understand the health of women in this country. But in the year 2024, this "comprehensive" report is simply not good enough.
For starters, it does not contain a single mention of menopause, which is the only health condition that 100% of women will experience. There were also no reported findings related to women's brain health or women's bone health.
Perhaps most shocking of all is that there wasn't any discussion of heart disease — which just so happens to the leading cause of death among women in the U.S.
To which we can only say...seriously?!?
We're sure the researchers meant well in putting together the parameters of this study. And we're sure there are perfectly valid explanations for why they prioritized certain areas of study over others.
But we are done settling for good intentions and rational arguments that keep us stuck in the same place: without the science-backed information we need to improve our health outcomes at every stage of our lives. Which is why we will continue to call out folks when they fall short, and loudly applaud when they join us in changing the conversation about the health of women. |
| How This Celebrity Trainer is Empowering Women to Live Their Strongest Lives Kira Stokes, a celebrity fitness trainer with over 25 years of experience, has a unique approach to strength training that goes beyond mere physical exertion. Stokes, who is the founder of “The Stoked Method” and has trained celebrities such as Candace Cameron Bure, Ashley Graham , and Norah O’Donnell, emphasizes the importance of understanding your “why” and focusing on long-term benefits rather than just aesthetics. In an interview for this newsletter, Stokes shared the biggest challenges she sees with clients when it comes to strength training and what inspires her to continually innovate and push her clients toward achieving their best selves. |
How has your definition of strength changed over the years?I don't like to say that it's changed. I like to say that it's evolved. That's something I really pride myself on is that in terms of fitness, the entire definition of strength, or working out, or eternal strength is based on the pillars of The Stoked Method. That has not changed. The workouts that comprise The Stoked Method have just evolved over time to include what I have grown to know to be true, in terms of strength and conditioning, and what works for people and helps them truly connect mentally. I think what really has changed for me is how I coach.
I was a psychology major at Boston College, with a minor in exercise science. I always think to myself, if I could get my hands back on that first client I had that my mentor put in my lap when I graduated college, I would give anything to get that person back and train them again. Because what I expected from them as a trainer wasn't really fair. And I think what I've become is a bit more compassionate as a trainer and understanding of where people are starting and where they're coming from. You have to look at the individual in front of you, and see them as an individual, and take notice of where they are on that day.
What are some easy ways to incorporate weights into your fitness routine? Your greatest weapon against aging is muscle, so your goal is to build muscle but there are many ways to do that. You can use your body weight, you can be using bands, you could be using dumbbells, you could be using a kettlebell. So I think what's getting lost in translation is people who are new to the journey, are saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I need to lift heavy or this isn't going to have an impact on my body,’ and that is 100% not true.
Progression is so key and patience is so key. Picking up a three-pound dumbbell the first time you grab a weight is a really good idea and making sure that you have simple movements. The beautiful thing is you can then increase the weight. There's no weight police coming after you. The other side of that is if you pick a weight that's too heavy, you can always decrease it. You can always take it down a notch if it feels like it's too much. An easy way to incorporate it is to start light and find a trainer or an app to properly teach you the mechanics of a movement as you're lifting and grabbing the weight for the first time.
What are you most excited to see in the future for fitness?I'm incredibly excited about the continued evolution of the hybrid fitness model, which blends in-person training with the flexibility and accessibility of digital fitness. It's essential to meet people where they are in their fitness journey and provide them with options that fit their lifestyles. The Kira Stokes Fit app is a perfect example of this approach. The stackable nature of workouts on the app allows users to combine offerings to suit their goals and lifestyle and work out on their own schedule — whether they’re at home, traveling, or even squeezing in a quick session at the office. At the same time, it complements in-person training by offering structured programs and guidance that can be seamlessly integrated with live sessions. This hybrid model not only makes fitness more accessible but also empowers individuals to stay consistent and motivated, no matter where life takes them.
How do you find flow in your everyday? I find my flow by spending quality time moving in nature daily — walking, running, jumping rope — free from all technology. During this sacred, tech-free time, I truly connect both to my mind and body, inspired and energized by the sights and sounds of my surroundings. Nature is magical...moving in nature will stoke the fire from within. |
Introducing The Strength Issue This month, we're bringing you a special digital issue starring Allyson Felix — aka, the most decorated track and field athlete in U.S. Olympic history — dedicated to the topic of strength in midlife.
It seems as if almost every week lately we're seeing new research showing how important it is for women to lift weights, starting in their early 30s, which is when we begin to lose muscle mass. Thinking of starting a strength training program, but at a loss about where to begin? Check out our roundup of women's strength training books, which will get you sweating in no time.
But it's not enough to up your exercise as you move through your 40s and 50s; you have to eat right, too, and there's growing evidence that, as we age, we need to add more protein to our diets if we're to improve our life and health spans. How much protein do you actually need? We asked a number of experts to break it down for you.
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WATCHING all of the incredible women competing in the 2024 Paris Games — which is the first Olympics in history to have equal gender representation among male and female athletes. The Opening Ceremonies kick things off this Friday, July 26th.
CELEBRATING Sweden's groundbreaking new law that allows new parents to transfer a portion of their paid childcare benefits to grandparents. Single parents can transfer up to 90 days of paid leave to other caregivers, while parental couples can transfer up to 45 days — an inspiring move toward recognizing the true costs of building and raising families.
SHOPPING the latest red light device from Solawave, the Radiant Renewal 2-in-1 Skincare Mini. Although most medical experts agree additional research is needed on the claims that red light can improve multiple skin conditions, including wrinkles, there's also general consensus that such devices are safe, and initial scientific findings have been promising enough for us to try out what's being billed as a "beginner" product.
REMEMBERING the iconic sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who died on July 12th at the age of 96. Known for her cheerful and disarming advice, Dr. Ruth educated millions of Americans about sexual health, practices, and desires. For decades, she was a leading advocate for sexual education, dispensing colorful and witty advice in her distinctive German accent. Her legacy will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come. |
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