Keeping the Women we Love Healthy

The question is why are we passionate about women's health research? The need.  Women are not small men. The exclusion of female subjects in current research efforts may result in the misdiagnosis and consequently, erroneous medical treatment of women.  In the era of personalized medicine, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach on the basis of results from male research subjects places women at a higher health risk.  We seek to end the bias at a research level. What we do:   The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research is dedicated to making a long-term, positive impact on women’s health. It is THE premier organization advancing women’s health research. To that extent, the organization: Funds unique undergraduate  research scholarships  and  graduate nursing  research grants  to scientists researching  issues affecting  women’s health.  Presents the latest medical research  ...

Actually, no, it is not (good try mom!).   Even though the complexities of how the brain functions have not been fully discovered, exercising it should be part of our daily routine. Just ask author, speaker and recent addition to the Howell Board of Directors, Ruth Curran, MS. When I heard of all the incredible work Ruth has done throughout her career, the first thing that came to mind was “Brainiac.”   No, not the supervillain, superman-hating enemy in the comic books, more like an exceptionally -intelligent- woman kind of brainiac. Ruth, a Master in Science, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2004 in a car accident. With a very particular perspective on life, she focused on the restoration of her cognitive capabilities by studying, writing and developing methods to improve her brain. On this path to recovery and becoming herself again -- and with much frustration in between-- she became very interested in the connection between the brain and her daily activi...

Won't you join us?  It seems like the 2018 Howell Lecure Series is shaping up to present the role technology is playing for the treatment and cure of severe illnesses.  Just last  February, the Howell Foundation hosted Dr. De Maria, who spoke about the latest technological advances to address heart disease. Now, for our luncheon in May, we have the honor of hosting Benjamin Shepherd, Ph.D, Director of Therapeutics at Organovo, Inc.  His presentation "Advanced Tissue Therapies - Progress in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine” will address the latest and most innovative developments in using cultured human tissues and 3-D bioprinting for vital organ transplantation. Organ and tissue damage can go beyond the current available treatments.  The field of regenerative medicine offers new alternatives when discussing a cure for diseases related to genetic predisposition, congenital abnormalities or severe injuries. Why is the field of regenerative ...

The bottom line is that research  IS  the cornerstone of women's health. The exclusion of female subjects in current research efforts translates into women being misdiagnosed and mistreated when dealing with illness. In the era of personalized medicine, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach on the basis of results from male research subjects, places women at a higher health risk. Why should YOU care about women’s health research? When your doctor discusses alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, it started with research... When we know about the differences between men and women, and heart health, it started with research... When you discuss mammography screening as a guideline to breast health, it started with research... When you take control of your health in an informed manner, chances are... it started with research! Research is how we know that women and men: Do not have heart attacks the same way. Do not face stress the same way. Do not react ...

Kathleen Franklin (left) and Abigail de Agostino (right) are the new Howell Foundation Co-chairs.  They are responsible for leading our team into ensuring that women are informed on the importance of women's health research! “I have written about both, Kathleen and Abigail before,” comments fellow Howell Board Member Carolyn Northrup.  “I am excited about the growth the Foundation is experiencing and am delighted to be collaborating with them. I truly admire their passion for women’s health!” If there is someone who clearly understands the need for women’s health research, it’s Kathleen Franklin .  Serving on the Board of Directors of the Howell Foundation since 2006, she has seen first-hand the efforts the Foundation has put forth to keeping the women we love healthy.  "The Foundation has come a long way since I joined the Board over 10 years ago!" Kathleen Franklin is retired Superintendent of a large territory of parks and beaches in the Malibu area. ...

As this year's International Women's Day comes around, we would like to thank all the men and women that make our work at the Doris A. Howell Foundation possible. It is our belief that by engaging scientists in all activities incidental to women's health research we empower women to be catalysts not only for their health, but for their family's health.  By awarding scholarships to undergraduate students, grants to graduate and post-graduate scientists in relevant women's health research, and by creating a forum where the latest updates on women's health are presented and discussed, we ensure that women's health is on the forefront of medical minds today. But why women's health research ? We have found that women are still underrepresented in clinical trials -- even after the 1993 NIH Revitalization Act that mandates the inclusion of women in pre-clinical studies.  Today, a "one size fits all" approach doesn't necessarily apply when ...

"I am passionate about empowering women in their paths towards healthy living and doing so, through valid and credible research and resources."  Abigail D’Agostino is a medical professional with over 13 years of wide ranging experience in the healthcare industry and has demonstrated proven success with increasing levels of professional responsibility. Ms. D’Agostino obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse license and Public Health Nursing certificate in 2002 and sought medical-surgical and critical care clinical experience for several years where she won an award for clinical excellence and obtained her critical care certification.  Ms. D’Agostino further advanced her education and earned her Master’s in Business Administration and then became certified in Plant-Based Nutrition. Ms. D’Agostino is the Director of Patient Care Services for LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care and is an Associate Consultant with Weatherbee Resources, In...