WHCC Welcomes Executive Director, Amy Flood

One of the most exciting moments of 2024 has to be the appointment this November of Amy Flood as our first Executive Director. Amy will serve as the lead fundraiser and spokesperson for WHCC, while strengthening business operations and fostering vital connections with member hospitals and programs nationwide.

To gain insight into Amy’s goals and aspirations for the future of women’s health, we asked her a few questions about the challenges and what we can do, collectively and as individuals, to address them.

Much has been said about the gender gap in health research and outcomes – how would you describe the challenge?

AF: This is a tangible reality unfortunately. I’ve been living it and feeling it. From fertility, to postpartum, to the next phase and stage in my life. I feel there is little knowledge about the differences in female biology and how that impacts us both physically and mentally. It impacts how we work, parent, and both our personal and professional life daily.

What are three things that we can do to address this issue right now?

AF: First and foremost, talk about it. The more we share our stories and experiences, the more we know we are not alone, and the more we can validate that what we are feeling is real with substantive causes.

Second, advocate for better policies, research, and healthcare . Raise awareness of the realities, facts and stats with a strong emphasis on change.

Third, raise funds! Without financial investment, the research required to implement change will not be possible.

What are you excited about in the field of women’s health today?

AF: I’m excited about the movement and momentum that is happening right now for women at large. From political and executive leadership, to women in sport, to the recognition that our biology and health needs are dramatically different. I’m even more excited that Canada is taking the lead on many of these fronts to implement change. I’m excited for more answers. I’m excited for a more informed future for my daughter and the next generation of leaders.

Why do you think we are seeing the topic of women’s health get so much attention lately?

AF: Women are over half of the population, and are playing larger roles in society than ever before. They are front and centre, carrying significant societal responsibilities, yet still expected to manage much of the traditional household roles. They are uniting, talking, and advocating for each other. Support groups and organizations are forming to champion this, workplaces are evolving, and coverage on the topic is growing in media and other channels. Women are lifting other women, and society is responding.

What are your hopes for the future of women’s health in Canada? In the near term, and the long term?

AF: In the near term, I hope the momentum continues to grow. That the government will make a significant investment in the research and systems change requirements to right-size healthcare for women. I also hope that individuals and corporations will join us on our mission, and help contribute both financially and be helping raise educating and awareness.

In the long term, I hope the research will translate into findings and explanations that can help women not only cope better with their symptoms and experiences, but can lead to early detection, early intervention, better diagnoses, possibly even prevention and most importantly more equitable healthcare overall.

About Amy

Amy will serve as the lead fundraiser and spokesperson, while strengthening WHCC’s business operations and fostering vital connections with member hospitals and programs nationwide. Previously, Amy was the Director of Corporate Partnerships at Heart & Stroke Canada and Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations (CCHF) – the largest non-government funder of children’s health in Canada. In these roles, she led business development and a portfolio of over 15 national tier-one partners, developing strategies and marketing campaigns to raise funds and enable impact for Heart & Stroke and 13 of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations. Prior to CCHF, Amy spent 18+ years in the corporate sector, as a proven brand builder, on both the agency and client side, and across multi-media disciplines, categories and channels.

Women’s Health Collective Canada partners with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ for the third year

Women’s Health Collective Canada is proud to once again partner with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in support of women’s health research this holiday season.

From now until December 28, Shoppers Drug Mart® customers will have the option to contribute to Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in-store at self check-out or on-line at shoppersfoundation.ca. This is the third year of the partnership which has raised more than $1.3 million to date!

WHCC is grateful to our partners at Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ for their continued investment in women’s health and championing of this issue. Together we are working to positively change the course of women’s health forever by supporting groundbreaking research.

“To make meaningful change for women’s health, we must continue to deepen our understanding of their unique health needs,” said Paulette Minard, Director, Community Investment, Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™. “Amazing progress is being made but there is still a need for high-quality research on women’s health issues. That’s why partnerships like ours with Women’s Health Collective Canada are essential to driving solutions and improving health outcomes for women.”

“WHCC was founded on the understanding that partnership, collaboration and unified action are essential for making real change,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation. “Our partners at Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ have been on this journey with us for three years and we are so proud to be collaborating once again, as we work together toward our shared vision for a healthier, better future for women in Canada and beyond.”

To stay updated on this and other partnerships please visit the Women’s Health Collective Canada website at www.whcc.ca and follow Shoppers Drug Mart® social media channels.

About Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™

Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ – the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart® – is committed to helping Canadian women lead healthier lives, by making care more equitable and accessible. The Foundation will invest $50M by 2026 to address some of the most pressing health inequities facing women, including lack of representation in health research, barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and the urgent consequences women disproportionately face due to poverty and domestic violence. Learn more at shoppersfoundation.ca.

Educate, Advocate + Mobilize: A Q+A with Jennifer Gillivan

This past month WHCC welcomed a new member, the IWK Foundation located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The IWK Foundation raises funds to support IWK Health which is renowned for its comprehensive research and healthcare services for women and children across the Maritimes and beyond.

To learn more about the IWK Foundation and the vision of its leadership for the future of women’s health, we asked Jennifer Gillivan, President + CEO about current priorities, the road ahead, and what we can do to get there. To keep reading about the IWK Foundation and IWK Health visit www.iwkfoundation.org.

What do you see as the priority areas in women’s health research today?

JG: We need to ensure there is a gender variable stream of research done across the board. Canada is one of the first countries to require gender variable to be included in research, but we don’t enforce it. Once we have gender specific research – which is the first line of precision medicine – then, we will have the data we need to properly ensure we are treating women’s health according to their bodies.

Are there projects or initiatives happening at the IWK Foundation or IWK Health that you are particularly excited about?

JG: The IWK Foundation is working towards launching a campaign focused on women’s health which will involve sharing women’s perceptions of their health gaps, building tools to help support their specific health journeys and sharing stories that will give women a voice so we can fully understand what needs to be done to improve women’s health.

What is your vision for the future of women’s health and research?

JG: I think we need big changes. Let’s be brave. As far as I can tell, Canada hasn’t had a women’s health strategy since 1999. We need a Canadian Women’s Health Strategy, provincial Women’s Health authorities and Ministers of Women’s Health. And let’s created a Research Institute that is world class and focused on women’s health.

We must EDUCATE and inform women so we can ADVOCATE for change and MOBILIZE to push for that change so we can EQUALIZE health care and research system. At IWK, we have set our sights not just locally, but nationally and internationally, and we are joining a global movement that is on the level of the suffragette movement that happened over one hundred years ago.

How can we all, as members of the public, support women’s health?

JG: As a woman, share your stories. Ask for better awareness, education and support in your area. We can’t do it alone. Educate the men in your life and get them engaged as well. And if you are able to support research through fundraising campaigns, then do that. Women deserve treatment, prescriptions and care based on our bodies.

About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women’s and children’s health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK’s global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.

Making Change Together
Through intentional collaboration, our foundations and supporters bring together resources and fundraising to address the legacy of inequity in women’s health research. We collaborate with brands and organizations on mutually beneficial campaigns and opportunities that demonstrate commitment to supporting the women in our communities. WHCC also receives important contributions from individuals. When you give to WHCC, you become part of the movement to improve women’s health. By doing so, you’re investing in new medical research that will address the unique needs of women and programs that broaden the reach of care to change women’s lives. Learn more about how you can make a difference by visiting www.whcc.ca/get-involved.

Women’s Health Collective Canada Welcomes the IWK Foundation as Its Newest Member

Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is proud to announce the addition of the IWK Foundation to its membership. The IWK Foundation, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, raises funds to support IWK Health which is renowned for its comprehensive research and healthcare services for women and children across the Maritimes and beyond. Its entry into the Collective marks a significant milestone for WHCC as the first new member to join since the alliance was founded in 2021.

The expansion solidifies WHCC’s position as one of Canada’s foremost women’s health charities, establishing it as a truly coast-to-coast alliance. This growth strengthens WHCC’s ability to engage a nationwide audience and corporate partners, broadening its reach and enhancing its capacity to address critical women’s health issues through impactful fundraising.

“We are excited to welcome the IWK Foundation to WHCC,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, a founding member of WHCC. “This not only strengthens our position to improve women’s health across Canada, but also sends a powerful message that women’s health and research is an issue we need to take seriously and work collaboratively to address. Together, we will continue to move the needle and make a tangible impact on the lives of women in Canada.”

“The IWK Foundation is proud to join the Women’s Health Collective Canada,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO, IWK Foundation. “This alliance enhances our ability to address the pressing health needs of women by driving research that will improve care for generations to come. We are honored to join a group of outstanding organizations with a shared commitment to women’s health, and to be part of creating a better, healthier future for all women.”

About the IWK Foundation

The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women’s and children’s health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK’s global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.

October is World Menopause Month

October is World Menopause Month and an excellent opportunity to highlight the forward progress made by researchers and healthcare practitioners around the world on the understanding, awareness and treatment of menopause. Never before, it seems, has there been so much attention dedicated to this important topic in media and public discourse. This conversation is a meaningful development and progress in itself. But there is more work to be done to reduce stigma, advance knowledge and ensure that all women have access to high quality care.

A 2023 survey by the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation called Surveying the Silence showed that many women feel uncomfortable talking about menopause-related symptoms and that this can have a detrimental effect on their personal and professional lives, overall well being, and their ability to get care.

Bringing menopause out of the shadows and to the forefront of public conversation not only helps combat potential shame, but creates opportunities for women, their doctors, families and communities to learn more about the topic, alleviate stigma and receive proper care.

Treatment, too, has improved and become more widely accessible alongside a growing body of research that supports the efficacy of various options. The World Menopause Society has designated “hormone therapy” as the theme of this year’s month of recognition. A timely and relevant theme as this type of treatment becomes increasingly well-known among women and their doctors and offers hope for women experiencing symptoms.

In a 2023 review by a team that included Women’s College Hospital researchers, Dr. Iliana Lega and Dr. Michelle Jacobson, the authors lay out a pragmatic approach to the management of menopause, pointing to hormone therapy as a safe and effective first-line treatment to be considered by women and their physicians. According to research cited in the review, hormone therapy has been shown to improve vasomotor symptoms by as much as 90% in patients with moderate-to-severe hot flushes. It can also improve sleep quality and reduce mood disturbances. These are promising results that have the potential to significantly improve women’s quality of life, offering hope for those with symptoms.

Great progress has been made when it comes to public awareness and treatment of menopause. But there is more work to do and knowledge needed, such as optimal hormonal formulations, duration of treatment, and alternative or non-hormonal treatment options. That’s why researchers supported by WHCC member foundations across Canada are working to move forward our collective knowledge around menopause. This includes the effect of menopause on women’s bodies and mental and emotional health, as well as treatment options.

For further information, check out this episode of the Rebel Mama Hotline podcast with Dr. Nese Yuksel, President of the Menopause Society of Canada, and clinician at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton, Alberta.

Vichy Laboratoires Launches Hormonall to Empower Women’s Wellbeing in Canada, In Partnership with Wellbeing of Women and Supporting Women’s Health Collective Canada

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2024 – Vichy Laboratoires, a renowned skincare brand recommended by 70,000 dermatologists globally, announces the Canadian launch of Hormonall, a program going beyond skincare to support women through every life stage. Recognizing the impact of hormonal changes on women’s holistic wellbeing, Hormonall provides access to trustworthy information, resources, and a supportive community.

“We are thrilled to bring Hormonall to Canadian women,” said Marie-Pier Michaud, General Manager, Vichy Laboratoires Canada. “This initiative goes beyond skincare, empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their hormonal changes with confidence.”

2 OUT OF 3 WOMEN STRUGGLE IN SILENCE WHEN FACING HORMONAL CHANGES FEELING MISUNDERSTOOD, UNSUPPORTED OR UNINFORMED*

A KANTAR quantitative study of over 2,000 women in countries around the world found that two out of three struggle in silence when facing the impact of hormonal changes on their mental and physical wellbeing, feeling misunderstood, unsupported or uninformed. Women share these feelings regardless of age, background, or country.

THREE REASONS: LACK OF RESEARCH, CONVERSATION & EDUCATION

There are three causes of societal misunderstanding and individual loneliness related to hormonal wellbeing.

First, a lack of prioritisation of women’s health in the health care system in the field of women’s health. Women make up 51% of the population, and yet women’s health research receives only 7% of federal health research funding in Canada.

Second, a lack of conversation fed by taboos, stigmas and shame. Women are not encouraged to share their burdens or to ask for support. And no one is listening to them.

Third, a lack of education. There isn’t enough information about hormonal changes, and the little information that is available is sometimes misleading or overwhelming, causing more confusion and fear.

HORMONALL , A 3-PRONGED APPROACH:

RESEARCH, EDUCATION & CULTURAL SHIFT

Advancing Research & Improving Care: Vichy is supporting Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC), with a donation of $135,000 to fund vital women’s health research and close gaps in the care women receive. “Too many women in Canada continue to feel as though they are in the dark when it comes to aspects of their health, such as hormonal changes and how they can be managed,” says Cally Wesson, President and CEO, BC Women’s Health Foundation, a founding member of WHCC. “Too few women have the information they need to make fully empowered decisions when it comes to their hormonal health or know that treatment options exist. WHCC is grateful to Vichy for elevating this important conversation and championing women’s health. Vichy’s contribution supports research that is helping to create a healthier future for all women.”
Giving Voice to Women’s Experiences: Through powerful testimonials from Canadian ambassadors like entrepreneur Jessica Miao and menopause expert Shirley Weir, Hormonall encourages women to share their stories and break down the barriers of silence.
Providing Accessible Education: In collaboration with Wellbeing of Women UK, Hormonall offers four free rigorous 15-minutes e-learning modules covering key life stages: puberty, menstrual cycles, postpartum, and menopause. These concise modules equip women with the knowledge to navigate their hormonal journeys with confidence. Each module is highly interactive with a focus on design and user-experience.

Launching on World Menopause Day, October 18th, Hormonall.com will become a dedicated hub for women’s wellbeing. This free and anonymous platform offers educational resources and fosters a supportive community for all individuals experiencing hormonal transitions.

For more information about Hormonall and its available resources, visit Hormonall.com.

___________________________________________________________________

About Vichy Laboratoires: Founded in 1931, Vichy Laboratoires is a science-driven skincare brand recommended by 70,000 dermatologists worldwide, the 2sd most recommended brand worldwide**. Vichy Laboratoires is dedicated to decoding and anticipating the needs of the skin and scalp at every stage of life.

About Wellbeing of Women: Wellbeing of Women is a UK charity founded in 1964 that is committed to improving the health of women, girls and babies through research, education and advocacy.

About Women’s Health Collective Canada: Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is a strategic alliance uniting Canada’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations to advocate for and advance equity in women’s health research.

* KANTAR Study 2022 – Total Sample: 2086 women

**Survey conducted among the dermocosmetic market carried out by AplusA and other partners between January 2023 and May 2023, involving dermatologists in 34 countries, representing more than 80% of the worldwide GDP.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2024/18/c9869.html

Fertility, Pregnancy & Moving Our Knowledge Forward

Fertility and reproductive health are vital aspects of a woman’s well-being. That’s why, across the country, scientists and researchers at institutes supported by Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) member Foundations are working to shed new light on complex conditions like endometriosis and pregnancy-related complications. These areas of study are crucial, as they not only impact a woman’s health and her ability to have children if she chooses, but also affect her overall quality of life. Advancements in knowledge in these areas are helping healthcare providers better understand specific conditions and deliver the high-quality care that all women deserve.

At BC Women’s Hospital, Drs. Karen Tran and Wee-Shian Chan are developing and testing new methods to detect and monitor hypertensive disorders in pregnant women. These conditions account for a significant portion of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although our understanding of this area has expanded significantly over the past decades, more information is needed on how to most effectively measure blood pressure in pregnant women. Dr. Tran and Dr. Chan are launching a study to examine how home blood pressure tele-monitoring may provide more accurate assessments in high-risk women. With more precise and earlier detection of high blood pressure, these researchers aim to implement earlier interventions to improve health outcomes for mothers and their babies.

In Alberta, Amanda de Oliveira, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Sandra Davidge’s lab at the University of Alberta, is leading research to understand and prevent risks related to pre-eclampsia, a common yet serious blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy. In collaboration with Dr. Davidge, de Oliveira received a prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate how pre-eclampsia affects maternal blood vessels during and after pregnancy. Her research, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, involves using pre-clinical models to study the mechanisms behind these long-term health risks and aims to develop effective prevention strategies.

In addition to supporting women’s health during and after pregnancy, it is also critical that women are supported as they navigate the journey to becoming pregnant—a journey that is unique to every woman and not without challenges. At the Women’s Health Research Institute in BC, Daniela Palombo, an Associate Professor of psychology at UBC, is studying how women and people process and remember the challenges of infertility and how these experiences impact their identity and well-being. Her work, supported by a Catalyst Grant from the BC Women’s Health Foundation, aims to enrich our collective understanding of how a woman’s fertility journey affects her mental health and psychological well-being.

As we work together to advance our knowledge in this field, the importance of education, research, and open dialogue cannot be overstated. Each aspect, whether it’s understanding fertility or managing pregnancy complications, contributes to a broader picture of women’s health.

These outstanding researchers are just a few examples of how knowledge around women’s health is being advanced at research centers supported by WHCC member Foundations across Canada. Together, with your support, we’re helping to create a healthier future for all women.

The Cost of Silence: How Shame and Stigma Impact Women’s Health

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. We must work to break down the cultural barriers that perpetuate stigma and encourage open, honest conversations. Healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and community leaders all have roles in fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported in discussing their health concerns.

Research can play a crucial role in helping to alleviate the shame associated with sensitive health topics by contributing to better understanding and normalizing conditions. By sharing evidence-based information, research can challenge societal taboos and encourage more open discussions. This empowers individuals to seek medical help without fear of judgement, increases public awareness, and ultimately results in better health outcomes. Additionally, research findings can guide healthcare providers in offering compassionate and informed care, further reducing the stigma and shame that patients may feel.

Examples are conditions like painful periods and painful sex, which are common yet often shrouded in stigma. The stigma stretches into the realm of sexuality, where age-old taboos make it hard to discuss and address problems like STIs. Fertility issues, too, bring confusion and embarrassment, leaving many women without support that could otherwise help them. Even menopause, a universal experience, is frequently surrounded by shame, highlighting how deeply these stigmas run.

Researchers across the Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) member foundations are working to better understand stigmas can be reduced, and to foster open, evidence-based conversations about women’s health.

One example is Dr. Jane Schulz, a professor and chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta, and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation Chair in Women’s Health Research. Dr. Schulz’s research focuses on urinary incontinence, a condition often accompanied by embarrassment. In an interview with the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Dr. Schulz stated, “Body fluids do not faze us. We want to see what is going on so we can help people.” Dr. Schulz works to treat patients while also researching the extent to which women may be inhibited from seeking care due to shame or stigma. Some of Dr. Schulz’s past research shows the issue is even worse for new Canadians. “Women from marginalized or minority populations simply suffer in silence,” she said. Understanding this means that strategies can be developed or adapted to meet people where they are and help them get the care they need.

In British Columbia, Dr. Lori Brotto, the executive director of the Women’s Health Research Institute and director of UBC’s Sexual Health Laboratory, works to understand how various factors impede healthy sexuality. Dr. Brotto’s compassionate and supportive approach is a great example of how open conversation around a potentially sensitive topic like sexual desire and arousal, can help mitigate shame and improve women’s lives in a tangible way.

Research in this area was also highlighted in “Between Us: An Interactive Talk on Painful Sex,” an online panel hosted by the Urogynecology Wellness Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women which featured Dr. Annick Poirier, Dr. Lana Myroniuk, Dr. Erin Kelly, and Dr. May Sanaee, who discussed painful sex and related health conditions. The panel highlighted that up to 75% of women will experience pain during sex at some point in their lives, yet this issue is often overlooked because of its taboo nature.Panels and public awareness campaigns like these are crucial in the effort to destigmatize women’s health and redefine what is “normal”.

Despite being a universal experience for women, menopause is another area where stigma and feelings of shame may inhibit women from seeking care. They may avoid seeking medical advice or exploring treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. By perpetuating the idea that menopause is something to be hidden or endured quietly, this stigma not only impacts women’s physical well-being but also their emotional and mental health.

At Women’s College Hospital, Dr. Iliana Lega and Dr. Michelle Jacobson are exploring treatment options for menopausal women. They identify that a lack of public awareness about treatments, such as hormone therapy, coupled with the shame and stigma surrounding menopause, prevents many women from seeking care.

Across WHCC’s member foundations, groundbreaking work is underway to combat the shame and misinformation around certain topics in women’s health by moving research forward. These dedicated researchers are united in their mission, striving to create a world where every woman can access the care and support she needs without fear or shame.

The Cost of Silence: How Shame and Stigma Impact Women’s Health

In today’s world, where we have unprecedented access to information and healthcare, it’s easy to assume that women feel empowered to speak openly about their health and seek care. However, shame and stigma still cast shadows over many aspects of women’s health, particularly when it comes to conditions that may feel sensitive or embarrassing. From reproductive health issues, to mental health struggles or menopause, fear and shame can discourage women from talking about their health and seeking the care they need. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. We must work to break down the cultural barriers that perpetuate stigma and encourage open, honest conversations. Healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and community leaders all have roles in fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported in discussing their health concerns. Research can play a crucial role in helping to alleviate the shame associated with sensitive health topics by contributing to better understanding and normalizing conditions. By sharing evidence-based information, research can challenge societal taboos and encourage more open discussions. This empowers individuals to seek medical help without fear of judgement, increases public awareness, and ultimately results in better health outcomes. Additionally, research findings can guide healthcare providers in offering compassionate and informed care, further reducing the stigma and shame that patients may feel. Examples are conditions like painful periods and painful sex, which are common yet often shrouded in stigma. The stigma stretches into the realm of sexuality, where age-old taboos make it hard to discuss and address problems like STIs. Fertility issues, too, bring confusion and embarrassment, leaving many women without support that could otherwise help them. Even menopause, a universal experience, is frequently surrounded by shame, highlighting how deeply these stigmas run. Researchers across the Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) member foundations are working to better understand stigmas can be reduced, and to foster open, evidence-based conversations about women’s health. One example is Dr. Jane Schulz, a professor and chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta, and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation Chair in Women’s Health Research. Dr. Schulz’s research focuses on urinary incontinence, a condition often accompanied by embarrassment. In an interview with the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Dr. Schulz stated, “Body fluids do not faze us. We want to see what is going on so we can help people.” Dr. Schulz works to treat patients while also researching the extent to which women may be inhibited from seeking care due to shame or stigma. Some of Dr. Schulz’s past research shows the issue is even worse for new Canadians. “Women from marginalized or minority populations simply suffer in silence,” she said. Understanding this means that strategies can be developed or adapted to meet people where they are and help them get the care they need. In British Columbia, Dr. Lori Brotto, the executive director of the Women’s Health Research Institute and director of UBC’s Sexual Health Laboratory, works to understand how various factors impede healthy sexuality. Dr. Brotto’s compassionate and supportive approach is a great example of how open conversation around a potentially sensitive topic like sexual desire and arousal, can help mitigate shame and improve women’s lives in a tangible way. Research in this area was also highlighted in “Between Us: An Interactive Talk on Painful Sex,” an online panel hosted by the Urogynecology Wellness Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women which featured Dr. Annick Poirier, Dr. Lana Myroniuk, Dr. Erin Kelly, and Dr. May Sanaee, who discussed painful sex and related health conditions. The panel highlighted that up to 75% of women will experience pain during sex at some point in their lives, yet this issue is often overlooked because of its taboo nature.Panels and public awareness campaigns like these are crucial in the effort to destigmatize women’s health and redefine what is “normal”. Despite being a universal experience for women, menopause is another area where stigma and feelings of shame may inhibit women from seeking care. They may avoid seeking medical advice or exploring treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. By perpetuating the idea that menopause is something to be hidden or endured quietly, this stigma not only impacts women’s physical well-being but also their emotional and mental health. At Women’s College Hospital, Dr. Iliana Lega and Dr. Michelle Jacobson are exploring treatment options for menopausal women. They identify that a lack of public awareness about treatments, such as hormone therapy, coupled with the shame and stigma surrounding menopause, prevents many women from seeking care. Across WHCC’s member foundations, groundbreaking work is underway to combat the shame and misinformation around certain topics in women’s health by moving research forward. These dedicated researchers are united in their mission, striving to create a world where every woman can access the care and support she needs without fear or shame.

How We Can Support Women Athletes Through Research

It’s an exciting moment for women’s sports. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games start this week and there is a lot to look forward to this year. Canada will send its first-ever 3×3 women’s basketball team to the competition, while Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated athlete, will return to the pool to race for gold and add to her already impressive medal count. We’re excited to cheer on these athletes and all of Team Canada!

Beyond the Olympics, pay equity movements for women athletes are making headway, and organizations like the PWHL are creating new platforms for professional women’s sports.

However, equity in sports is about more than just pay or visibility. Equity is also about dedicating resources to supporting women athletes at all stages of their development. There is still a major need to advance our understanding of the effects of sports and physical activity on women’s health and to provide women athletes with the same opportunities for excellence enjoyed by their male counterparts.

One legacy of underinvestment in this area is the alarming rate of sports injury among women athletes versus men. Women are two to eight times more likely to experience ACL tears than men. It was once believed that biological factors were purely to blame – leading to the conclusion that women’s bodies are simply less capable than men’s. According to researchers in BC and Alberta, female beauty standards, fewer training opportunities, and limited resources may also contribute to the problem. Research has evolved our understanding and improved how women athletes are supported. However, more research is still badly needed.

At this year’s Olympics, Team Canada will include several athletes who are also mothers, such as boxer Mandy Bujold and basketball player Paige Crozon. Their participation highlights how supporting women athletes increases their opportunities for achievement. Many women athletes feel they must choose between their sport and motherhood, putting them in a difficult position. Groups like MOMentum are working to support women athletes so they don’t have to choose.

Meanwhile, new research by Dr. Margie Davenport, a former national team athlete and Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, is clarifying how and when women who are pregnant or postpartum can safely exercise. Dr. Davenport’s work has shown that it is safe, and beneficial, to both mother and baby to engage in moderately intense exercise while pregnant. While this does not mean it is safe for pregnant women to compete at the Olympic level, Dr. Davenport’s work is helping international sporting bodies create policies around when athletes can safely return to high-level sports after giving birth. Her work also encourages women of all skill levels to remain physically active during pregnancy.

By dispelling assumptions and clearing up outdated science about women’s bodies and health, researchers are moving our collective knowledge forward. This research can help women athletes reach greater heights of sporting excellence. More work must still be done, but the research of Dr. Davenport and others is moving the ball forward in a big way. Go team!