The Illinois Women's Health Registry -- an easy way to advocate for women's health

Women in Illinois -- wuz up?!

Go join the Illinois Women's Health Registry.

Did you know that most of the medical research that informs what we know about health, well-being, disease, and medicine has been the result of research studies conducted primarily on men?  (All those shifting girly hormones make it easier to 'control for variables' when doing research with male subjects.)  While there is much to be learned from these studies, by not including women there are large gaps in medical knowledge as it pertains directly to women and girls and our health.  (And I mean our health in general, not just our reproductive health.  Research is showing more and more that sex has an impact on all areas of health, not just reproduction.)

We know that:

"A number of important differences exist between men’s and women’s experiences of health and illness. Some diseases occur more commonly among women, while others disproportionately affect men. Further, men and women frequently experience different symptoms of the same underlying problem or illness (e.g., heart disease), and they often respond differently to the same medications or therapies."

But -- happy day! -- there are researchers across the country (and probably around the world) who are working to expand what we know about women and women's health.  And their goal is that someday all people will have access to healthcare and health-related information that recognizes that our identities, including our sex, play an important role in our overall health.

In Illinois, one organization working to support research around sex differences in health is the Institute for Women's Health Research at Northwestern University.  They've got all sorts of great things going on, but the one I want to share with you is the Illinois Women's Health Registry.

The Registry is a database that gathers longitudinal data from women in Illinois about their health and well-being.  I've taken part in the Registry for the last three or four years, and it's really simple.  Once a year, I hop online and take 30 minutes or so to complete a confidential health survey.  (They send me email reminders, so it's not like I have to mark my calendar a year out to be sure I get it done.)  The survey asks questions about my demographics info, health conditions, symptoms, diseases, family history of disease, environmental exposures, and stress.

My (de-identified) data is then pooled with that of thousands of other women to track trends in women's health in Illinois over time and to help identify health needs and priorities for our larger community.  In addition, the database serves as baseline data for health researchers.  AND, it can be used to identify women who match eligibility requirements for current research studies and clinical trials. (If you match a study, you are invited -- but in no way pressured -- to participate.)

And the Institute sends you emails and/or mailings about once a month with info and research related to health issues as they pertain to women.  (You can, of course, opt out of these mailings if you choose.)

Every year when I update my info I think, "Dang, this is such a good idea!"  So, now I'm encouraging you (women 18 or older living in Illinois) to join.  It's easy and is a simple way to contribute to the health and well-being of all women.

To participate or to get more information about the Illinois Women's Health Registry, go HERE.