What is the leading health threat for women in the U.S.?  It isn’t cancer and it isn’t men.

You might be surprised to know that heart disease is the leading killer in women in the U.S. and has been for several years now.  This silent killer hardly ever gets the recognition it deserves.

One of the large reasons that heart disease goes overlooked as the leading cause of death is because most women do not realize the problems — or even the symptoms — of heart disease. continue reading »

Sometimes it may seem that some of the hardest things in life involve starting over.  Letting go of the past or present and moving on to a new and different beginning can seem overwhelming and almost not worth the effort.

Whether it involves a job, location or relationship, starting over is a difficult task that few would welcome.  Several people remain in the same career for fear of failing in the unknown endeavors they wish were options to pursue.  Especially with today’s economic situation, the struggle to achieve self-set aspirations can seem impossible, but it is a travesty to sell your dreams and goals to your fears and simple daily tasks.  continue reading »

In the past year or so when writing this column, I’ve usually get my ideas from the women I meet and the issues that concern them.  I also have found issues that I feel are overlooked, if they are even recognized at all.

So it may seem odd that this column was inspired by a man.  He explained his discontent about the fact he was looked down on as though he was less than what he really was, and that being looked at as “less than” is the worst thing.  Having heard this, I began to think of how many times women quietly endure the less than stamp.  So many men despise this concept, and yet women are constantly subjected to this incorrect assumption in all facets of life.  continue reading »

Today, having a ceasarean section during delivery is more of an option for women than ever before. A c-section is a surgical procedure performed to remove a baby from its mother’s womb, and is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby’s or mother’s life or health at risk, although it has been also performed upon request for deliveries that could otherwise have been natural.

There are many women who think the modern convenience of c-sections is being overly used for the sole purpose for the mother’s wanting less work and no pain.  There are also those who take the other side of the debate saying that a c-section is often necessary and easier. continue reading »

The New Year is upon us once more, leaving us wondering where 2009 went.  Here at NEast Philly we have had a great first year and would like to thank you, our readers, for your support, attention and contributions.

New Year’s Eve is a time to break out the champagne and celebrate a great ending or a fresh beginning. This year, there are parties being held all over the city in celebration of another year’s approach.

For those of you looking to stick close to home, check out some of these Dec. 31 parties. The Grey Lodge Pub will host Brew Years Eve, beginning at 9 p.m. with a DJ, door prizes, food and more. For a wider food selection but heavier price tag, Chickie’s and Pete’s offers an all inclusive option in addition to a pay-as-you-go deal.

If you’re looking to get out of the NEast for the night, the Crystal Tea Room is having its fourth annual midnight party to ring in the New Year at Penn Square.  In an attempt to outdo last year’s celebration, there will be live bands, alcoholic beverage discounts and a night full of dancing. Independence Hall will host the seventh annual Glitter City Gala, a black tie-optional event. Offering entertainment, live bands, drinks and food, this party is a great way to ring in the New Year with friends.

Wherever you end up, remember to be safe. Driving conditions are sure to be dangerous with all the late-night partying. If you’re drinking, leave the car keys home and make use of SEPTA, a cab or a designated driver. Start the New Year off right by getting home safe.

Happy 2010 from NEast Philly!

A Woman’s View is a column about women’s issues written by Donna Ward. The column appears every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

Everywhere you turn, the holidays have exploded as if on steroids.  Fake snow, mistletoe, trees, toys, sale prices and hordes of people – ’tis the season to be cranky?

What happened to spreading the holiday joy and celebrating a time of family togetherness?  It seems that with each passing year the holidays become more about presents and a frantic race to ensure that the hottest new item is purchased before it is sold out.

Almost as soon as Thanksgiving ended, the NEast became covered in lights, decorations and holiday advertisements.  Earlier and earlier each year, stores seem to have a growing monopoly on what defines our holiday season. continue reading »

The streets and parks of the NEast use to be cluttered with happy children playing games and socializing.  No matter the climate they would endure the elements of Mother Nature and beg to spend a little more time enjoying life as a kid.  Adults could be seen flooding the streets for shopping, small errands and to socialize with their neighbors.

The time I speak of is not 50 years ago but a mere 10 years ago — before cell phones, iPods, BlackBerries and computers consumed our lives.  However antiquated the concept may sound, the simple fact of a society becoming overly reliant on technology cannot be denied.  continue reading »

In today’s capitalist society, the power and wealth seem to always go to the rich while, the middle-class work to line the very pockets of those who seem to already have it all.

This concept has overtaken almost every corporation in the U.S. and our own city.  While realizing that there will never be a utopian society, regardless of whether it’s democratic, autocratic, theocratic or otherwise, we have to acknowledge the unfair treatments of our current standing.

How many times have we all been there, where upper management makes a decision that drastically affects everybody else, causes more work overload and no difference in pay?  Meanwhile, the executives who devised the new system or issued job orders reap the rewards of the hard-working employees whose daily tasks and work hours do not improve.  continue reading »

Just as scary as it sounds – date rape. The sad true fact is that everyone always assumes “it will never happen to me.” Being the most common form of rape, date rape surprisingly is not often reported.

One of the large reasons why women remain silent after these atrocious acts is because of fear; the fear of being persecuted, fear of being blamed, fear of losing social standing or family respect. Another reason women today remain so quiet is because many are unsure that what actually happened to them was in fact rape. continue reading »

As many of you may already be aware, October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. Almost everywhere you venture, the pink ribbon (and related items) can be seen being sold, proudly worn or displayed. Many businesses are taking time to contribute and recognize various breast cancer foundations during this month. Fundraisers, walks for the cure and banquets are being held throughout the nation and the NEast.

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