first instalation of the DU online women's health collective

[veganwitch]

from the idea of an earlier gen discussion post.

so i suppose here is where we should decide what topics we would like to talk about.

also, do we want any underlying rules/guidelines/principles.

please pm me if you would like to talk off the board.

[dweller]

1. question: are men allowed to contribute

to the postings?

dp

[BastsTomCat]

2. hu ?

what ? I lost that ....

[dweller]

3. i'll speak slower

are men allowed to contribute also?
women's health issues are a concern for me also as a father of 2 daughters. I would like to be able to discuss the issues that are in the minds of liberals, regardless of gender, in matters of health.

clearer?

dp

[veganwitch]

4. i would say yes.

does anyone object?

i think it is very important that people know the health issues of people they are closest to. usually it is the partner that finds a lump in the breast (not saying that you would be doing the same with your daughters) or testicles or notices something different that could be a sign of illness.

[dweller]

5. many thanks

While i definitely would not be giving an exam, it would be of help to be able to discuss such matters, show support, etc. It has been most difficult to broach health matters with my kids if only for the fact i'm their dad, and they're my daughters. I am usually resigned to just taking them to a doctor, and suggesting to them to ask certain questions of importance (to me) so they can get some reliable info.

Will the discussion be in the activism/events forum? I'll keep an eye out for it.

thanks,
dp

[veganwitch]

6. at least you might be able to...

give them info to empower themselves.

[MaryBear]

7. Maybe more appropriately

in the Meeting Room or Lounge? I, too, am interested.

[dweller]

8. Yes, my point exactly

i know what guys think, and do as adolescents, having been one myself. I want them to be smart, know what to expect, how to protect themeselves, and how to nurture themselves. I won't be around forever.
For example: Major discussion about seeing a gyno yearly, getting a dr. they are comfortable with, and sticking to it. Breast exams, birth control, birth control and self control. Just getting them in for a yearly physical was like arm twisting...they feel healthy, so why bother? They are happy if I just buy the supplies on time (not 'hey dad, we are out and i need them now!!!')

Besides, i don't know what would be signs of a problem. One daughter is regular as clockwork, the younger other is maybe a month or two between. NEITHER are sexually active at this point (at 16 & 18) and i have to believe them and give them credit for their decisions. We made a pact years ago, if the situation arose, i would provide the birth control for both partners, and a safe environment. They agreed then, but whether or not they'll stick to it, who knows?

It's a fine line between being the dad and a trusted friend. Luckily, they both have really cool, trustworthy friends, too.

and i second GrandmaBear's suggestion, you should maybe repost in the 'meeting room'.

dp

[veganwitch]

9. moved

moving