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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We have heard all the theories behind the idea of why women cheat: lack of intimacy, strained emotional connection, stress and even an escape to reclaim their independence. But is this why women in NEast really cheat on their partners? Whether it is a boyfriend, fiancé or husband, cheating happens all the time.

Many people could understand why a person in duress would venture elsewhere to find gratification, but why would someone who is in a perfectly safe and stable relationship jeopardize everything for moments of passion? What is it that drives women to cheat and what do they hope the outcome will be? continue reading »

Growing up in today’s society, with its pressures, temptations and strains, has made raising young children difficult – especially when it comes to raising young women.  Girls are being forced to grow up faster and mature quicker in order to compete in this fast-paced environment.  Mothers in the NEast are always concerned about their children’s welfare, but ever more so when it comes to peer pressures that young girls encounter at such an early age nowadays.

“My daughter is 10 years old and already there are children in her class engaging in explicit acts,” said Nikki, a concerned mom whose daughter attends elementary school in the Northeast.  “She’s 10, my God!  I didn’t even know all my curse words by 10, much less say, them and now look at kids today.”

A small poll taken of 15 NEast mothers reported that their No. 1 fear for their young daughters was that they would engage in sexual activities before they were mature enough to fully understand the consequences of their life-changing decisions.  True that pregnancy and STDs are a big concern, but in addition, young women’s mental health and self image may be affected, causing potential life long problems that may lead to intimacy issues down the road. continue reading »

With increasing pressures for an ideal body, women everywhere are worrying more and more about their figures and weight gain or loss.  Weight discrimination is a touchy subject given the popular status of having to be “perfect”.  Discrimination is not limited to persons who are overweight, but it also transcends to those who are considered underweight.  When a female looks in the mirror she inevitably will criticize herself and features of her body that displease her and ruin her self-image.

Magazines, Hollywood starlets, TV and everywhere you turn there are symbols of the “perfect” figure and weight that for most is unattainable without serious health hazards.  There are now cosmetic surgeries promoting mutilation for the sake of the “perfect” body.  Eating disorders are increasing with the pressures society has inflicted upon ordinary women.   continue reading »