Illinois action blog

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Planned Parenthood Cares About Men’s Health

http://forcoloredgurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/men-and-health.jpgGotcha covered

Almost 6.5 million boys and men live in Illinois. Planned Parenthood has every one of them covered with services such as testing and treatment for STIs or sexually transmitted diseases, to cancer screenings and vasectomies.

You might already know that wearing a condom during sex can help men prevent pregnancy, and protect their partners and themselves from STIs. But getting tested is also part of good sexual health.

Make an appointment during Men’s Health Week, from June 10 to June 16 (Father’s Day) for a checkup. With 17 health care centers around the state, Planned Parenthood of Illinois is here for the guys.

Wear a condom

In the past 10 years, Planned Parenthood has doubled its number of male patients. Over 20 percent of services provided to men are HIV tests, and 27 percent are for gonorrhea and chlamydia tests.

Cook County has the highest number of gonorrhea cases in the country, and the second  highest number of chlamydia infections. Some men may not have any symptoms, but others may experience genital sores, discharge from the penis, itching or burning while they urinate.

Gay and bisexual men also face the highest rates of syphilis, or the clap. Those numbers are rising, and Cook County has the highest rate of syphilis infections in the United States.

Staying healthy

Men are less likely to visit a doctor unless they experience symptoms, but many health issues begin before symptoms are noticeable, such as cancer.

Prostate exams are recommended for men 55 to 69 years old, but about half of testicular cancers are in men between the ages of 20 and 34.

Men of all ages should get checked. Women can help by encouraging family and friends to see a health care professional.

Health matters

Throughout Men’s Health Week, which ends on Father’s Day, women can let the men in their lives know that they care about their health. 

They can share their own experiences with Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and remind them that PPIL provides accurate and trustworthy services for men, including access to birth control and vaccines.

So guys, make an appointment, pee in a cup and grab some condoms when you leave. Good health is that easy, and so important. 

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Illinois Senate Votes in Favor of Comprehensive Sex Education

We are thrilled to announce that the Sexual Health Education bill (HB 2675) just passed in the Illinois Senate! The final vote resulted in 37 voting in favor and 21 voting against. This is wonderful news for Illinois youth!

HB 2675 creates a standard for existing sexual health education courses taught in grades 6-12. It provides medically accurate, age-appropriate, complete information on reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies including information on abstinence, contraception, healthy relationships and boundary setting.

“The goal of any top quality sexual health education program should be to help young people make responsible, healthy decisions. Today we are pleased that the Illinois Senate voted to ensure that teens in Illinois have access to medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education,” said Carole Brite, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO. “Studies show that sex education that covers contraception and disease prevention results in teens who are more likely to delay sexual activity and use protection when sexual activity does occur. More than 30,000 teens in Illinois become pregnant each year, and adolescents account for the majority of reported sexually transmitted infections in the state. This bill is a huge step forward in advancing the health and safety of young people in Illinois—while they are teenagers and throughout their adult lives.”

Thank you to all of our supporters who took action by contacting their elected officials, writing letters to the editor and sharing this campaign with friends and family! This is a victory of which we can all be proud! Stay tuned for more information as the bill gets sent to the Governor's office for signature.
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Take steps to better health during National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is helping women make their health a priority with caring and unbiased services at 17 health centers throughout the state.

Every woman a well-woman

Take control of your health this week! Start by making an appointment for a confidential well-woman exam. These checkups include screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast and cervical cancer, and an opportunity to get the birth control that’s right for you.

Well-woman visits are to prevent problems in the future, or to detect any issues so you can get treated right away. A health care provider will perform a pelvic exam, or gynecological exam, to be sure that your sexual and reproductive organs are ok.

Even me?

It’s important for all women - gay, straight, single, married, sexually active or not - to have gynecological care. How often you go and what tests a health care provider will perform depend on your needs and medical history.

Women should have their first pelvic exams when they are 21 years old, unless they have a medical issue that needs to be addressed earlier. It’s normal to be a little nervous about it, but there are ways to prepare for the trip that can make you feel better.

Even you!

Remember, this is really about getting you the care you need, so if you’re uncomfortable or have questions, speak up. Thinking about what STIs you might need to get tested for or your birth control options can help you make the most of your trip.

Everyone deserves quality, affordable health care. If you don’t have health insurance or have health insurance with a high deductible, you can still make an appointment. Planned Parenthood will work with you to make sure you get the care you need.

No matter what

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is also making it possible for women to get preventive services, such as cancer screenings, STI tests, and birth control without copays. The law takes full effect on Oct. 1, but is already helping people. Almost 2 million women in Illinois don’t have to worry about lifetime limits on health benefits anymore. That means insurance companies can’t stop paying for treatments for those facing cancer and other diseases.

Simple steps

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some suggestions for other ways you can start leading a healthier life this week.

• Get active to lower your risk of illness, and increase physical and mental functions.

• Eat healthy to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

• Take care of your mental health by dealing with stress and getting plenty of sleep.

• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as texting while driving, or smoking.

Put it on your calendar!

Schedule a well-woman visit, and test your knowledge of women’s health. It’s confidential, respectful and all about you.
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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Monday, May 6, 2013

Nearly 400 Supporters Attend Generations Gala

Nearly 400 supporters of all generations attended our Generations Gala at Chicago's historic Navy Pier last Thursday night which raised more than $350,000 in support of Planned Parenthood of Illinois' mission!

The Lehman Family
This year we honored the Lehman Family for their support of Planned Parenthood and access to women’s healthcare for three generations. Building on the example of Elliot and Frances Lehman, the Lehman family has supported Planned Parenthood through leadership roles, board service, and financial support, making a lasting impact on Illinois women. We could not be more grateful for their support!

We also honored Sandra Fluke with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award, an award that honors the next generation of influential activists in the reproductive rights movement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the Planned Parenthood of Illinois Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award. As an attorney and social justice advocate, I’m committed to fighting alongside Planned Parenthood for reproductive justice for all women and men, including immigrant members of our communities. As we celebrate tonight’s Generations Gala and reflect on what our generation’s legacy will be, we must all commit to ensuring that immigration reform includes access to health benefits for families paying taxes on the road to citizenship.”

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America also attended the event and  spoke about the current state of women’s healthcare and what Planned Parenthood is doing today to protect reproductive healthcare for future generations.

Cecile Richards, Carole Brite, Sandra Fluke
“It’s more important than ever that we stand together in support of women’s health care. As Planned Parenthood gears up for the Affordable Care Act, which represents the most significant step forward for women’s health care in decades, politicians across the country continue to introduce bills that aim to restrict access to women’s health care. That’s why Planned Parenthood is absolutely committed to ensuring all women, men, and teens in Illinois have access to the care they need to stay healthy and have the information they need to get health insurance."

Senator Heather Steans (D-7) talked about the Accurate Sexual Health Education Bill (HB 2675) which passed in the Illinois House this April by a vote of 66 to 52. Senator Steans has introduced the bill in the Illinois Senate every year for the last three years. HB 2675 creates a standard for age appropriate comprehensive sexual health education courses for Illinois public school youth.

"The passing of HB 2675 in the House was a huge victory for Illinois youth who are now one step closer to receiving age-appropriate sexual health education. One of the most important things we can teach our youth is how to be safe and healthy. Studies show that sexual health education that is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and comprehensive, will help reach this goal."

And of course, the unwavering Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois also addressed guests.

“Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare to more than 60,000 women, men, and teens across the state each year. Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the healthcare that they need and deserve– no matter what. ”

The Second City performs improv at the Gala.
As if that weren't enough, two actors from The Second City also attended and gave an impromptu improv performance for any topic the highest bidder chose. The winning topic: the Detroit Redwings. Thank you to The Second City!

Finally, David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire and played Steve Brady on Sex and the City, dropped by the event and spoke to guests about why the work that Planned Parenthood does it so important to women, men, and teens. Thank you, David!

The Generations Gala was incredible. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped organize the event, and who has stood by Planned Parenthood's side generation after generation to support access to women's healthcare!

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for photos from the event!
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy


Today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Planned Parenthood is partnering with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to help young people delay becoming parents until they are ready.

The good news

The number of teenage pregnancies is at its lowest in almost 40 years, and the rate of teens giving birth is also at its lowest since officials started keeping track of teenage pregnancy statistics.

Illinois is right in the middle for teen birth rate, at 27 out of 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

There are also new online tools where people can learn about sexual health and avoiding pregnancy.

Some great resources are:

• Planned Parenthood - with special info for teens including Q&A and a chat function

• Bedsider - with information on birth control and where to get it

• My Method - to help you choose the birth control that’s right for you

• Scarleteen - free and fabulous sex ed online

• Stay Teen - info on sex, relationships and teen pregnancy

The bad news

Teenage pregnancy rates are down, but three out of 10 girls will still get pregnant before turning 20. For Latina teens, that number is higher; 40 percent of Latina girls will become pregnant before they are 20 years old.

Having a child is a key reason many girls drop out of high school. In Chicago, only about 70 percent of high school students finish.

What we’re doing

A recent poll from the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health at New York University found that reducing teen pregnancy was a major priority for Latinos. Planned Parenthood is hosting a Twitter town hall meeting on May 7 with Latina magazine, to discuss the issues with experts, community leaders and celebrities.

Studies also show that age-appropriate comprehensive sex education which includes information about abstinence reduces onset of sexual activity and increases the use of protection when sexual activity does occur. This spring Planned Parenthood of Illinois has been supporting HB 2675, or the Accurate Sexual Health Education bill, in the Illinois General Assembly. HB2675 provides for medically accurate, age-appropriate and complete information about sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy in Illinois public schools.

What you can do

Parents have a big influence on teens’ sexual decisions. Talk to your kids this week about waiting to have sex, and how to stay healthy and protected when they do.

Teens - this day is about you, so own it! Update your Facebook status about the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and tweet about it with hashtag #ND13. Tell your friends to learn more, and enter to win a $25 iTunes gift card.

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Know Your STD Status - Get Yourself Tested

Know yourself

Half of all sexually active people will get an STD by they time they are 25 years old. But most won’t know it, because many sexually transmitted diseases and infections don’t come with visible symptoms. The only way to really know is to get yourself tested.

Know your status

Talking with a health care provider at Planned Parenthood of Illinois health centers is private, and personal. We can help you figure out which test to get, depending on your age and experiences. You can also find out about payment options if you don’t have health insurance.

It’s important to be honest with your health care provider about your sexual history. At Planned Parenthood, we care about your health. We believe everyone deserves high-quality, affordable health care, without judgment. Your parents don’t need to know, your teachers don’t need to know. Not even your friends.

Totally normal

Illinois has some of the highest numbers of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis infections in the country. Nationwide, one in six people has herpes. So if you do find out that you have an STD, don’t panic. Most are curable, all of them are treatable, and you are definitely not alone.

Over 19 million people get an STD each year. That’s more than the population of Illinois! If you become infected, a health care provider at Planned Parenthood can help you get reliable and unbiased treatment.

Get yourself tested

Taking control of your health starts with getting yourself tested. But it’s more than that. Get tested after each sexual partner, and have a conversation about it with your boyfriend, girlfriend, friend-with-benefits, sexual partner - whomever.

Can we talk about something?

It doesn’t have to be awkward. Ok, well, it doesn’t have to be too awkward. Here are some tips about having the talk:

    *  Get the facts - Know your STD status, and everything about the sexually transmitted disease or infection if you have one.

    *  Make some time to talk - Don’t wait until the clothes are coming off to talk to your partner about getting tested.

    *  Bring it up - Be honest about your feelings, and listen to theirs. It’s normal to feel nervous about having this conversation, but it’s your sex life. You have the right to take control of your health.

    *  Get yourself tested - It’s better to know what the deal is as soon as possible. That way you can get the treatments you need to protect your health, and prevent spreading an infection to others.
      It happens

      If you do have an STD, life will go on! People have healthy, sexually fulfilling lives even after an infection. Millions of people get them each year, and there are ways to prevent them in the future.
        *  If left untreated, STDs can cause health problems later on, or they can be spread to sex partners. It’s important to take all the medicine that a health provider gives you, even if you think you’re all healed.

        *  Learn about the STD or STI so you can understand how it’s spread, and ways to lower the risks. Have all the facts so you can have a real conversation with your sex partners.

        *  Tell your partner or partners what’s going on. Hold off on sex until you’ve finished getting treated.
          Just so you know

          It all starts with knowing your STD status.

          Visit a Planned Parenthood health center to get yourself tested, and talk with your partner about your STD health status today. To make an appointment, call 800-230-PLAN.
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          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          Wednesday, April 17, 2013

          Illinois House Passes Comprehensive Sex Education Bill

          We delighted to announce that the Accurate Sexual Health Education Bill (HB 2675) passed in the Illinois House of Representatives today by a vote of 66 to 52. This is a huge victory for Illinois youth who are now one step closer to receiving age-appropriate sexual health education!
          • HB 2675 creates a standard for existing sexual health education courses in grades 6 through 12.
          •  It provides medically accurate, age appropriate, complete information on reducing sexually transmitted diseases and infections, as well as unintended pregnancies
          • It ensures that local school districts can choose curricula that meet their community’s standards
          • It allows for parents to remove their children from sexual health education courses for any reason without penalty to their child.
          From Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois:

          “The goal of any top quality sexual health education program should be to help young people make responsible, healthy decisions. Today we are pleased that sixty-six members of the Illinois House voted to ensure that teens in Illinois have access to medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education. Studies show that sex education that covers contraception and disease prevention results in teens who are more likely to delay sexual activity and use protection when sexual activity does occur. This bill is a huge step forward in advancing the health and safety of young people in Illinois—while they are teenagers and throughout their adult lives—and we look forward to thoughtful consideration by the Illinois Senate.” 

          Along with our coalition partners including the ACLU of Illinois and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Planned Parenthood of Illinois has worked hard on this common sense piece of legislation for the past three years. Today that hard work paid off.

          We'd like to thank all of our volunteers and activists for their support on this issue. The fight for comprehensive, age appropriate sexual health education will continue as we shift our efforts to the Illinois Senate! Stay tuned for updates on what you can do to help!
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          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          Thursday, April 11, 2013

          Comprehensive Sex Ed in Illinois - You Can Help!


          We need your help today in urging your state representative to vote for HB 2675 — the Accurate Sexual Health Education bill! Teens in Illinois need medically accurate and complete information to make healthy and responsible decisions about all aspects of their sexual health. Take action now and send your state representative a letter urging him/her to vote yes on HB 2675.

          HB 2675 updates sexual health education materials offered to 6th through 12th graders in Illinois. While no specific curricula is required, the law ensures that when a local school board decides to offer sexual health education to students in 6th through 12th grades, that curricula must be medically accurate, developmentally and age appropriate, and complete. The law reaffirms that the materials must include instruction regarding the benefits of delaying or abstaining from sexual activity but incorporates scientific research and information about reducing unintended pregnancies and STIs.

          It's time to let our legislators know that we support access to age appropriate, medically accurate, and complete sexual health education in Illinois.Tell your state representative that you support HB 2675 and demand that our youth get the information they need to protect themselves and stay healthy.


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          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          Thursday, March 28, 2013

          Bloomington-Normal Health Center Moving This Spring!

          We're thrilled to announce that our health center in Bloomington-Normal will be moving to a new state-of-the-art facility this spring! The new health center will open on Monday, April 22 and will be located at 1319 N. Veterans Parkway just 3.5 miles from our current location in Bloomington-Normal.

          Our new health center will feature plenty of free parking, an inviting waiting room with free wi-fi, modern exam rooms, and a convenient central location. Although it will be the same size as our current location, the efficient layout will allow us to provide more women, men, and teens in McLean County with top-quality preventive healthcare services as the Affordable Care Act goes into full effect this fall.

          Planned Parenthood of Illinois currently provides care to more than 2,500 women, men, and teens in the Bloomington-Normal area each year.

          100% of the services Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides in Bloomington-Normal are preventive, including:
          • Annual Physical Exams Including Pap Tests and Breast Exams
          •  Evaluation and Management of Abnormal Pap Tests
          • Men’s Sexual Health Exams Including Colon and Testicular Cancer Screenings and Urinary Tract Infection Testing and Treatment
          • Comprehensive Birth Control Including IUDs and Implants
          • Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)
          • Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Treatment
          • HIV Testing and Counseling
          • Pregnancy Testing and Options Counseling
          • HPV Vaccine
          • Hepatitis A & B Vaccine
          • Vasectomy Consultation (procedure done at the Champaign Planned Parenthood health center)
          • Essure Consultation (Non-Surgical Permanent Sterilization for Women)
          Last year alone we provided 802 breast exams, 769 Pap smears, administered 2,190 sexually transmitted infection tests, and dispensed 11,422 contraceptives, including condoms in Bloomington-Normal.

          McLean County needs access to affordable preventive care and we're dedicated to providing that care - no matter what. Currently, McLean County ranks in the top 25% for highest chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis rates among Illinois counties. McLean County ranks especially high for chlamydia – 16th out of 102 counties in Illinois.

          We're thrilled to continue to provide the same high quality care we have been providing the Bloomington-Normal area since 1970 (yes, more than 40 years!) in our new facility. We hope you are as excited as us!

          If you would like to make an appointment for a visit, call 309-827-4014. Remember, we accept most forms of insurance, Medicaid, and Illinois Healthy Women. We also offer WE CARE Packages, affordable cash discount packages. Visit ppil.org to learn about what services are recommended for you.

          Also, be one of the first 100 patients at our new location and receive a free Planned Parenthood water bottle! Learn more.

          For more information about our move, visit ppil.org/Bloomington.

          Are you a patient at our Bloomington location? How do you feel about the move? Tell us in the comments!
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          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          Tuesday, March 26, 2013

          Celebrate Generations of Access to Reproductive Health Care at PPIL's Generations Gala!


          On May 2, 2013, join Planned Parenthood of Illinois in celebrating generations of work towards expanding access to reproductive health care at our annual Generations Gala. Last year we had hundreds of supporters come out for the event and we expect an even greater turnout this year!

          Sandra Fluke
          Cecile Richards
          This year, we will be honoring Sandra Fluke with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award. This award recognizes the next generation of influential activists in the reproductive health movement. As many of you know, Sandra Fluke came to national attention last year when a male Congressional committee prohibited her from testifying on a question of women’s health. Continuing her public advocacy, she currently speaks to audiences across the country, in addition to her legislative policy work.

          Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America will also be joining us at the event to talk about the latest issues reproductive health care is facing on a national level. Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2006, Cecile has expanded the organization’s advocacy power and developed a unified national web presence receiving 33 million online visits annually. A frequent commentator on women’s rights, reproductive health, and sex education, she is a contributor to the Huffington Post and serves on the board of the Ford Foundation.

          Elliot and Frances Lehman
          We are privileged to honor the Lehman Family for the generations of support they have given to the reproductive health care movement. Based in Chicago and building on the example of their parents and grandparents, Elliot and Frances Lehman, the Lehman family has for generations been dedicated to the pursuit of civil rights and economic and social justice in their personal, professional, volunteer and philanthropic lives through the generations. High among their priorities has been access to and availability of quality, affordable health care. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is deeply grateful to the Lehman Family and privileged to honor their sincere and invaluable commitment to the women, men, and teens we serve.

          We're looking forward to celebrating and hope you can join us!

          Generations Gala details:

          Thursday, May 2, 2013

          5:00 PM | VIP Reception with Special Guests, Cocktails, and Light Hors d’Oeuvres
          6:00 PM | Program
          7:00 PM | Reception with Cocktails, Hors d’Oeuvres, Mission Market, and Silent Auction

          Chicago’s Historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
          600 E. Grand Avenue
          Chicago, IL 60611

          VIP Ticket: $500
          Regular Individual Ticket: $150
          Next Generation Ticket (35 and under): $100
          Sponsorship opportunities: $1,000 to $25,000

          Tickets are on sale! Buy your tickets online or call 312-592-6832. For more information visit ppil.org/generations.
          __________________________________________________________________________

          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          Tuesday, March 19, 2013

          Endometriosis Awareness Month

          March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to educate ourselves on this disease which affects millions of women and girls globally.

          Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility for women and is mostly diagnosed in women in their 30s or 40s. Among other things, the disease can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful menstruation, large ovarian cysts, pain with sexual activity, urinary tract infections, and more. Many women who have Endometriosis will sometimes have no symptoms.

          The good news is that some hormonal birth control methods can be used to manage endometriosis and may actually help prevent long-term damage to the reproductive system caused by this disease. While the most common reason women use the pill is to prevent pregnancy, 58 percent of pill users also cite other health benefits as a motivating factor.

          The good news is that we can do something. Watch out for the symptoms of endometriosis, like chronic pain in the pelvic area, and most often during menstrual periods. If you think you or a loved one may have the disease, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center to make an appointment.

          We also need to take action to ensure that all women have access to birth control that can help them manage this difficult disease. That’s why it’s important to call, write, or reach out to your Congressperson online and let them know that you support access to birth control.

          As the leading provider for women's health care, Planned Parenthood of Illinois sees many patients for preventive health care like birth control every year.

          To learn more about Planned Parenthood's work to make sure all women have access to birth control, please visit www.plannedparethood.org.

          To learn more about endometriosis, please visit the Endometriosis Foundation of America at www.endofound.org.

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          Patient Spotlight:

          Courtney and Son
          For women like Courtney from Chicago, access to affordable birth control was life changing. When she was 17, she was diagnosed with endometriosis.

          During graduate school, when many of her friends "aged out" of their parent's medical insurance, Planned Parenthood provided her with affordable birth control, which managed the condition and prevented long-term damage to the reproductive system.

          Courtney and daughter
          She now has two beautiful, healthy children. As Courtney said during an event with Planned Parenthood this past summer, "My son and daughter are both here with me today because without Planned Parenthood, they wouldn’t be here today. I am sure of that."

          We are so honored to have met Courtney and her two beautiful children this summer. It is stories like hers that move us to do everything we can to be there for women and men and Illinois every day - no matter what.

          Have you or a loved one suffered challenges due to endometriosis? Share your story with us in the comments section or email mystory@ppil.org.

          __________________________________________________________________________

          This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

          Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
          Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
          Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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          posted by Planned Parenthood at 2:14 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

          • Stay informed with updates from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund!