Heart & Soul tag:heartandsoul.com,2008-08-07:/heartandsoul//4 2009-07-02T16:35:13Z Heartandsoul Movable Type 4.1 Get Tested for HIV! tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.138 2009-07-02T16:34:03Z 2009-07-02T16:35:13Z BART (Being About Rapid HIV Testing), a new initiative designed to help community-based organizations provide rapid HIV testing, blows into Chicago July 1-5 during Chicago Black Gay Pride. Testing is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information,... isturgis BART (Being About Rapid HIV Testing), a new initiative designed to help community-based organizations provide rapid HIV testing, blows into Chicago July 1-5 during Chicago Black Gay Pride. Testing is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, go to bartevents.com.

]]> Athlete Ready for World Cup Action tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.137 2009-07-02T14:33:03Z 2009-07-02T14:46:57Z When Regina Oliver takes to the lacrosse field later this month in Prague, she won't be thinking about the statement she's making. She'll be focused on helping the United States Women's National Team Elite division demonstrate its title-winning skills. admin When Regina Oliver takes to the lacrosse field later this month in Prague, she won't be thinking about the statement she's making. She'll be focused on helping the United States Women's National Team Elite division demonstrate its title-winning skills.

Oliver is one of maybe four African-American women playing the sport at this level, and the only one on the 24-member team. The Pottstown, Pennsylvania, native, who played at Ohio State University on a lacrosse scholarship, picked up the sport while in middle school. "It's pretty big in eastern Pennsylvania. My middle school basketball coach was the assistant lacrosse coach at Pottstown High," Oliver says. "She suggested I try it to keep myself in shape for basketball."

She demonstrated natural ability. Oliver went on to play in high school, joining the national developmental program a few years before graduating from Ohio in 2005. "This will be my fifth year playing with the national team and my first time playing in a World Cup," she says.

The 2009 FIL Women's World Cup will be played over 10 days, June 17-27. Oliver is excited about the opportunity and thankful for those who've made it possible. "People like Cherie Greer who played on the 2005 World Cup team--she's a true inspiration f or me. It's a predominantly white sport, and it can be hard not seeing anyone who looks like you." Greer is in Pennsylvania's Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Even though several who come through the program go on to other sports or careers, they stick close to lacrosse. Former teammate Jessy Morgan says her nonprofit organization, Coast 2 Coast Lacrosse, works with U.S. Lacrosse, the sport's governing body, to encourage minority girls to pick up a crosse, or stick. The sport was created by Native Americans and adopted by the French. "That it's more expensive is not the deterrent to more minorities in the sport," Morgan says. "It's about exposure."

Many on the national team are fresh from college or are college coaches. Oliver says with team members holding down full-time jobs, living in different cities and coming from different schools, it is important to maintain team chemistry. "The majority of the time we play together is in the fall. February through May is the college season."

They use pictures and e-mail to keep each other inspired to work out when they're apart. "I've never been a 'let me go for a run' person," says Oliver, who lives in Pittsburgh. "I have to have something to motivate me. My teammates play a large role in that and the fact that the cup is in Australia right now!"
The public also serves as a motivator for Oliver. While some in the black community wonder how she got into the sport, many find what she's doing "awesome," she says. "They say, 'It's a breakthrough for us. Keep it up.' It gives me the chills when I'm out there."

 The positive feelings extend to other athletes on the developmental and elite teams. "No one treats me like the black girl on the team. We are 48 women  trying to accomplish something great."  

--Monette Austin Bailey

]]> Michael Jackson, Jet and Me tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.136 2009-06-28T10:23:22Z 2009-06-29T16:16:09Z Michael Jackson's death, like his life brings together everyone of every race -- this time to mourn." admin Michael-Jackson-Jet.jpgdandrea-jet.jpg



























Michael Jackson and I shared an issue of Jet Magazine for a week back in November 1987 when he "conquered Japan." Let it be known that Michael was my cover story, and I was his centerfold. We were laid out on those sheets together and I will always "Remember the Time."   
Brother Michael Joseph Jackson transitioned back to "The Light" on June 25, 2009 at age 50.  Regardless of what anyone says to me about the lightness of his Blackness, I know one thing for sure, he never lost his soul power or acknowledgement of the seed from whence it came.
It can be said with confidence that we all have vices.  In my view, Brother Michael's vice was -- skin color. But make no mistake, he always stuck to his mission, to his higher purpose to practice and promote unity and racial harmony.  And he consistently used his talents and skills to help the downtrodden on a global scale.  
The brother was a bridge over racial waters. People from all walks of life love and adore him.  Look out Elvis fans because Michael Jackson has a fan base that quite possibly extends to the universe (I'll have to get back to you with precise datum on that). But for now trust me, his music was/is universal.     
Brother Michael's music catalogue had something for everyone. I cannot say which is my favorite Michael Jackson song because they all stir me one way or another.
However, I repeatedly hit the repeat button on his social conscious music because that is my bag. Songs like  "They Don't Care About Us," where he exclaims: "Some things in life they just don't wanna see.  But if Martin Luther was livin' he wouldn't let it be."   The song and the video stir my soul to "dance, shout" and shake my "body down to the ground" because he and Spike Lee took it to the streets, baby. They took it to the streets of Brazil where more than 50 Brazilian brothers and sisters of all colors, collectively, spoke out against poverty and oppression in Afro-Brazilian drumbeats.  I'll always remember that.
Initially, I was speechless when I heard of Brother Michael's passing, so I listened to the expressed thoughts of others.  Nichelle Smith of Gannett ContentOne said: "I don't see MJ as an avatar; I do think he was one of those folks who was a conduit for getting us along a continuum from King to Obama.  The avatars need artists, writers, entertainers -- and hairdressers, and accountants, and ditch diggers - who agree with them in spirit and principle and do things in their smaller circles of influence that, when added up, equal greater change.  I'm thinking how MJ was a step in bringing kids from all over the world to one place -- MTV -- where they could begin to learn about each other through music.  His death, like his life brings together everyone of every race -- this time to mourn."

His body is gone but his music, his spirit, continues to be a bridge over racial waters.  Let's all "Remember the Time" when Brother Michael Jackson's visionary, brilliant, artistic music brought forth unity on earth, and raised our collective consciousness. 
As a tribute to his spirit, now is the time to remember -- the trick is to -- keep rising. 
-- By Dandrea James Harris



]]> Michael Jackson's Generosity and Love tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.135 2009-06-26T04:37:40Z 2009-06-26T04:44:15Z admin
Despite his limited academic achievements, and well into the '90s -- through benefit concerts and other activities -- Jackson donated millions to the United Negro College Fund and founded the Michael Jackson Scholars program. 

In 1988, at a sold-out dinner in NYC benefitting UNCF, he received an honorary doctorate from Fisk University.  The event was attended by his close friends:  Hollywood luminaries like Liz Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Quincy Jones and Don Cornelius  (creator of "Soul Train"), Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, and Gregory Peck also were part of the celebration, along with captains of industry like Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Clive Davis, and Walter Yetnikoff and more.

Jackson later inspired his sister, Janet, to follow in his footsteps by creating The Rhythm Nation Scholars.

This is a sad, sad day!!!  For a humanitarian with such a big heart to lead a rumor-filled existence and to leave this place so tragically is more unsettling than I can find words to express.
Let's just say:  Many are fortunate that Michael and Janet shared the view that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."  They've done a lot to "Heal the World!"

--Adrienne Rhodes, a former publicist for the United Negro College Fund

]]> Ambi tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.132 2009-06-24T02:59:18Z 2009-06-24T02:59:32Z admin ambiheader.90.jpg]]> Mary Mary tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.130 2009-06-11T16:34:54Z 2009-06-11T16:37:40Z June Heart & Soul, Mary Mary. Survive a job loss. Learn to love vegetables. Boost your beauty. admin HandS_june_cover_09.TMB.jpg

]]> Good Stress, Bad Stress tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.129 2009-06-08T16:07:21Z 2009-06-08T16:11:39Z Negative stress can overwhelm us with extreme levels of pressure, making it almost impossible to work productively. Many family and home life stressors can affect your performance dramatically. admin In the workplace, there are many times where stress can be a positive emotion. It can equal production, causing workers to meet deadlines, find new leads and clients, and drive sales. Over the last 30 years, thanks to technology, our work has become even easier to do with our gadgets, software and 'round-the-clock access to information.

But negative stress can overwhelm us with extreme levels of pressure, making it almost impossible to work productively. Many family and home life stressors can affect your performance dramatically. Large scale stressors can include: home foreclosure; a child not succeeding in school; a relative with a substance abuse problem; divorce or separation; caring for an elderly, sick or disabled relative; natural disasters; death in the family; or even giving birth.
Stress Equals the Job
Many times, it is not problems at home causing the stress. Often, the root of stress is the job itself. Studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show ongoing stress ultimately leads to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, muscular conditions and psychological disorders. It can cost you your health and employers billions annually as they try to pick up the pieces from constant absenteeism, instability and high turnovers.

"There are several things that can cause negative stress in the workplace," says Harrison Allen III, a human resources and employee relations expert in Seattle, with more than 30 years of experience. "These stressors include co-worker challenges, work environment, compensation issues, discrimination, even supervisors." 
Getting Help--EAP Programs
Surprisingly, many employees are unaware that the ability to manage stress may be right under their noses. Many large corporations and organizations in the United States offer comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Usually within these EAPs are sub-programs for stress management and stress reduction.

"Comprehensive EAPs, also referred to as staff resource centers, are primarily established to assist20employees to stay healthy, both physically and mentally," Allen says. "Many organizations recognize that stress can have a detrimental effect on employee productivity. Progressive organizations understand the value of having effective assistance programs because it has been proved repeatedly that healthy employees are more productive. The better programs assist employees to make healthy lifestyle changes by providing programs such as exercise, diet, information, one-on-one counseling and substance abuse."

These stress management programs are available to every employee and some include innovative, holistic components, such as:
  •  psychotherapy
  •  hypnosis for smoking cessation
  •  Kundalini yoga
  •  grief counseling 
  •  mental health assessment and referrals
  •  exercise classes
  •  massage therapy
  • seminars, workshops and classes on relaxation, time management and personal budgeting

A good stress management program within an EAP will also have staff members trained to teach stress reduction. These staffers will be able to show employees there are many simple things they can do to reduce stress on the job:

  • Be more proactive. Learn how to communicate effectively with your co-workers, managers and supervisors, even if it means standing up for yourself.
  • Get up, get out. When stress begins to build, sometimes leaving the scene can do a world of good. Getting fresh air and going for a walk, taking a few minutes for meditation, even listening to soothing music are quick and simple stress reducers.
  • Laugh. This is always the best medicine and a great way to reduce stress. A joke, a funny story or silly picture can always put a smile on your face and may even get a chuckle or two.
-- A.K. Cabell 


]]> Fly (Nearly) Free tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.128 2009-06-08T16:04:56Z 2009-06-08T16:07:00Z Air Tran Airways and Southwest Airlines, have "put the U.S.A. on sale admin Two of America's largest low-cost airlines, Air Tran Airways and Southwest Airlines, have "put the U.S.A. on sale," according to Tom Parsons, CEO and founder of Besfares.com, a discount travel Web site that monitors air travel. Parsons says Air Tran Airways has given consumers some super-low airfares for travel through November 4, 2009.

  --Michael H. Cottman ]]> First Dance Goes to My Father tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.127 2009-06-08T16:00:35Z 2009-06-08T16:04:02Z Everyone who has spent any considerable time with me has heard me say it: "I love my daddy!" Not dad, but daddy, and that is how I refer to him, even though I'm nearly 30. Every year Mother's Day comes around and you can't escape the "love your mom" blitz. I can't say ditto every third Sunday in June, but that doesn't mean I don't celebrate Daddy every chance I get. admin Everyone who has spent any considerable time with me has heard me say it: "I love my daddy!" Not dad, but daddy, and that is how I refer to him, even though I'm nearly 30. Every year Mother's Day comes around and you can't escape the "love your mom" blitz. I can't say ditto every third Sunday in June, but that doesn't mean I don't celebrate Daddy every chance I get.

I love both my parents, but I share something unique with my dad. As a child, I thought every girl had a similar relationship with her dad as I did with mine. A few years and a thousand conversations later, and I realized this isn't the case. Instead, what I heard are tales of absent fathers or unhealthy relationships between fathers and daughters. Through most of these stories, even when a strong bond existed with their mothers, I still heard a yearning for that healthy connection with their dads. 

I have come across a few women whose relationships with their fathers are comparable to mine. They, like me, intertwine dad into their conversations, reflecting on him as friend, adviser, biggest fan, sincerest critic, voice of reason, source of confidence, therapist 
and spiritual guide. 

At a certain age (think: puberty), most girls are more comfortable sharing certain things with mom. Although Mom and I are now best friends, it wasn't so when I was growing up. Dad got to hear all of those things I probably should have spared him. One hot summer afternoon a girlfriend came by so we could go swimming. I calmly announced to my father, "I can't go swimming because I'm on my period, and I don't think it's a good idea to have all that red in the pool. But we can do something else." Without flinching, my dad said, "Oh, okay." The only person uncomfortable with that exchange was my girlfriend. The second we walked out of the living room, she asked, "How the hell could you say that in front of your dad? Weren't you embarrassed?" She definitely didn't understand our bond.

****
It's not what Daddy has bought me. Instead it's the moments we share, and we've had quite a few, many of them set against the backdrop of a long walk. 

My first walk on the beach was with my dad. We talked about guys. He didn't exactly tell me what to look for in a guy. In fact, he highlighted a few of his own shortcomings, which, in essence, told me what to avoid. Actually, what it subconsciously led to is the foundational recipe for relationships, and this is what I've shared with the men who have come into my life: love God, love yourself and without question, you've got to learn to love me exactly the way I am while desiring me to be the best version of me as I would of you. 

Don't get me wrong. Mom makes me laugh, and I have a blast with her. She's always my choice to have a drink with, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. But Daddy brings a different type of fun. The two of us can stay in the house all day working and know we haven't missed a thing from the outside world. These are the moments that he takes my already bound master's thesis and doctoral dissertation and marks them up with edits. It's the moment that he sees a rough draft for a research article I am working on and he queries me extensively on how I conducted my focus groups. It's the occasions he turns to me and we discuss politics, sports or even entertainment. 

"Boy I empathize with that Paris Hilton kid," he said during one of these discussions. "Based on what you see on television, I wouldn't want that kind of limelight." 

Then he reminded me: "Girl, you are doing great, but you have no social life! You've got to want to share all of this with someone. You are a catch!" 
Daddy and I look alike; our likeness in character changes depending on the day. And for every creative, out-of-the-box, emotional and crazy moment, idea or venture I've had, my biggest fan has been my dad. He is rooting for me, win or lose. I have le arned about being a well grounded, giving person from Dad. Our relationship has taught me how to treat people. It has fed me spiritually and emotionally.

To my future husband, on that day--our day--when we decide our two halves should become one, that first dance goes to my father. Without him, I would not be the person you desire.

--T. Richard


]]> Get Unstuck tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.126 2009-06-08T15:55:41Z 2009-06-08T15:58:54Z Life, unlike a broken down car, won't always give us obvious indicators that it's in need of repair. You just stall. admin If you've ever gotten your car entrenched in a patch of mud or stranded on a mound o f snow, you can relate--at least physically--to the frustration and helplessness of being in a rut. Spin tires forward and you go nowhere. Thrust gears into reverse and you get the same result. Until a tow truck plays cavalry to your damsel in distress, there's plenty of time to reflect on how you wound up in the present predicament. In our much more complex and much less metaphoric lives, however, getting out of a stuck place isn't as swift. Life, unlike a broken down car, won't always give us obvious indicators that it's in need of repair. You just stall. 

Identifying that we're in a rut takes self-reflection time that may not be built into the tight schedules we balance. So the routine of just getting by can quickly and quietly become second nature. "Most women fall into ruts because we embrace more than we probably should be taking on," says Nashawn Turner, founder of Uniquely Designed Coaching LLC, a Virginia-based life coaching business. "So when we get overwhelmed, we find ourselves trying to do whatever's easiest and move in the direction that causes us to develop bad habits." The robotic motions of commuting to work, coming home, cooking dinner, helping with homework and going to bed just to do it all over again the next day may seem harmless albeit humdrum. In actuality, it traps sisters into joyless existences with lack of purpose and passion. 

Standing in neutral is one thing; shifting gears to move out of a perpetually stuck place is another. Turner suggests implementing these six steps for rocking out of a rut and re-engaging in life. 

Ask yourself: 
1. Is this what you thought your life would be like? Visualize living free from your regular routine. Understand that it's your life and you can choose how you want to experience it.

2. Contemplate what caused you to get in the rut in the first place and then find out what's causing you to stay stuck. "There's a familiar saying: What you resist will persist," Turner says. Deal with issues that have kept you in a stale, unsatisfying and predictable life, and affirm that you will no longer miss out on enjoying it. "I tell all of my clients change begins with a decision," Turner says. "Only you can say when enough is enough of the same old-same old." Write a list of things you want to add or subtract from your life. Establish little changes to get immediate results so you can feel and see you're moving forward. 

3. Gather resources to nurture change and help you maintain focus. Books and workshops may assist you. Rally family and friends--or make new acquaintances--to help fuel your change. 

4. Be conscious and move through life awake. "Pay attention to your thoughts, words and20actions because these are what establish your behaviors and routine," Turner says. "We get into ruts based on how we think about things. We keep speaking and thinking those things, and our actions are manifested in that way." When you find yourself falling into old habits, ask why you're doing it. That thoughtful moment will enable you to make an alternative choice. 

5. Create a list of things you always wanted to do or draft a vision board that reflects your new way of life with empowering pictures and phrases, and then post it where you can see it every day. Before bed, Turner says, "write down what you did differently and ask yourself how close you actually got to living out your change." 

Initiating a new routine is rarely easy. But after a while, operating from a stuck place isn't so effortless, either. It can take a while to dig into a rut, so expecting an overnight turnaround is surely a setup for disappointment. Being active in the process of change and recognizing that a new day is another opportunity to make it happen is better than beating yourself up for not accomplishing the goals you set the day before. Sometimes just starting the car and putting your foot on the accelerator is all the catalyst you need.
--Janelle Harris  ]]> Traveling in Pairs tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.125 2009-06-08T15:53:17Z 2009-06-08T15:54:54Z Going on a girlfriends' getaway? Try these tips to help you live together on vacation: admin Going on a girlfriends' getaway? Try these tips to help you live together on vacation:

-Keep It Small. "When it comes to your girlfriends, bigger ain't always better," says travel expert Michael Andre Adams, who advises limiting the number of people traveling. It also pays to choose your friends wisely.  If you have trouble spending one afternoon with someone, don't take her on a one-week cruise.

-Two to a Bathroom. "If the plan includes shared accommodations, cap it at two to one bathroom," Adams warns. Fighting for bathroom time can bring out the diva in the sweetest darling.

-Talk Before You Take Off. Get together to decide sleeping arrangements, who showers first, what activities to do and how to divvy up the bills.  Ironing out the fine details before you leave will help keep confusion and anxiety at bay.

-Get Some Space. Just because you're traveling together doesn't meant you have to spend every second together. In fact you shouldn't. Bring a book, take a nap, exercise--do something alone.

-Take a Big Girl Pill. Think positive and expect to have a great vacation, but be realistic and know there may be blips along the way. Be prepared to be the bigger person and let little things go.

--Lorraine Sanabria Robertson
]]> Nothing to It tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.124 2009-06-08T15:51:13Z 2009-06-08T15:52:28Z Feeling the need to hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door? If health and well-being are a priority on your to-do list, take an authorized timeout and temporarily dismiss your multitasking genie. admin Feeling the need to hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door? If health and well-being are a priority on your to-do list, take an authorized timeout and temporarily dismiss your multitasking genie. 

Call it mastering the art of nothing. As demands in our personal and professional lives get more complex, it becomes more important to schedule time for doing absolutely nothing, even if just for five or 15 minutes a day. 

Start by finding a quiet space that filters out all distractions. Whether a study or the backyard, choose a place where you can easily just be--and be most comfortable. Next, breathe deeply. It is a simple technique that is critical to supplying the body and organs with oxygen while helping get rid of toxins. Try prayer or meditation to de-stress in the middle of a hectic day. At home, make use of the bathtub and set up a mini spa. Drop in a fragrant bath bomb to enhance the experience. Lastly, turn off the radio in the car or resist the urge to read a magazine in the checkout line. 
Remember, nothing can make everything perfect.

-- Ayana M. Davis
]]> Ask Nichele tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.123 2009-06-08T15:40:58Z 2009-06-08T15:42:38Z I need to lose weight for my wedding in August. Will wearing a vinyl sweatsuit help? admin Q. I need to lose weight for my wedding in August. Will wearing a vinyl sweatsuit help?
A. Every time I see somebody walking around my favorite park in a rubber suit, I pull out my CPR card and get ready to hit 911 on my cell phone. Sweating is good. I sweat early, often and everywhere. Evaporating perspiration cools us off. That's what it's for.

You can safely and effectively lose one to two pounds per week by reducing your daily calories and upping your physical activity to create a calorie deficit each day--calories in versus calories out. That's the only  magic there is. If you start your program today, you can safely set your goal at four to 18 pounds by August 1. Involve your bridesmaids and family. Set up a little healthy competition and support. Have a wedding day 5K walk and fun run. 

And if are trying to sweat to avoid retaining water, drink more water. Your body won't work so hard to hold on to it if it's getting a regular and plentiful supply. 

]]> Skip the Bird's Eye View tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.122 2009-06-08T15:37:52Z 2009-06-08T15:40:36Z If you're a frequent flyer, you may know that long airplane flights increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially deadly blood clot that usually starts in the legs. But did you know that where you sit on an airplane also could affect your risk of developing the condition? admin If you're a frequent flyer, you may know that long airplane flights increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially deadly blood clot that usually starts in the legs. But did you know that where you sit on an airplane also could affect your risk of developing the condition?

It might, according to a study by Dutch researchers in the British Journal of Haematology. Researchers compared 80 DVT sufferers with 108 control subjects who'd recently flown for at least four hours. They found that passengers sitting in window seats doubled their risk of DVT; no increased risk was found for those in middle seats. Weight appeared to increase the danger: Obese passengers in window seats were six times more likely to develop DVT than those in aisle seats. 

One explanation for the increased risk: Passengers are more cramped in window seats. Another is that passengers fall asleep by a window. In fact, sleeping for several hours at a time during long flights is known to increase one's risk of a blood clot, which can be deadly if it travels from the bloodstream to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.

Researchers found that flying business class reduced passenger risk by about 30 percent. They also found that standard advice from clinicians and airlines for preventing in-flight DVT--drinking water, exercising, wearing compression stockings and avoiding alcohol--was inconsequential or had an opposite outcome. 

But one of the study's critics cautioned against reconsidering preventive advice for passengers. The study sample was just too small.

--Nicole Crawford-Tichawonna

]]> Affordable Birth Control tag:heartandsoul.com,2009:/heartandsoul//4.121 2009-06-08T15:35:29Z 2009-06-08T15:37:19Z Remember the good old days when you paid between $3 and $5 for birth control pills? If you get your contraceptives at a health clinic or on a college campus, affordable birth control may be back. President Obama recently signed the Affordable Birth Control Act, a provision in his $410 million 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill, making contraceptives more affordable. admin Remember the good old days when you paid between $3 and $5 for birth control pills? If you get your contraceptives at a health clinic or on a college campus, affordable birth control may be back. President Obama recently signed the Affordable Birth Control Act, a provision in his $410 million 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill, making contraceptives more affordable.  

The new law undoes the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that caused the price of birth control to spike for clinic patients, college students and Medicaid-eligible women, to the tune of  $30 and $50 per month. Many women found they had to make a choice between paying for food and their birth control. While many pharmacies and clinics started offering lower cost, generic versions, several contraceptives, including NuvaRing, were unavailable in a generic form. 

While the law goes into effect immediately, you might not see the savings at the pharmacy for several months. Most clinics on college campuses will have to sell off their existing supply at the current higher pricing before they renegotiate lower-priced contraceptives next year. Check with your health center or pharmacy to find out when you can expect to see the savings.    --Andrea Collier

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