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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Advancements in Women’s Health NATALIE SPOONER OPENS UP ABOUT BALANCING HEALTH, SPORT, & MOTHERHOOD Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner opens up about how becoming a mother has reshaped her approach to health, the importance of research for female athletes, and practical tips for prioritizing wellness amid life’s demands. Motherhood has added a new layer to your life both personally and professionally. How has becoming a mother influenced your understanding of physical and mental health, particularly in balancing elite sports with family life? I think having Rory has brought a lot of perspective to my life and allowed me to better balance life and sport. No matter how the game goes, or how I play, Rory will always be excited to see me post-game and that has allowed me to get over things a lot quicker and turn my focus to being mom. Motherhood has also really allowed me to be more present when things feel too busy. I try my best to be the most present wherever I am. If I’m at the rink, I’m all in at the rink, working my hardest. If I’m doing a speaking engagement or at an event, I am there doing my best. And when I’m home, I’m trying to be the best mom I can be in that moment. Every day’s best can change but I always do the best I can do at that time.
Women athletes often face unique health challenges that can be overlooked. What changes would you like to see in how female athletes are supported in their health and wellness journeys? I think there’s a lack of research done on female athletes returning to sport post-pregnancy. Each sport is so different, and each pregnancy has its own challenges, and therefore are approached a bit differently. I would love to see more studies and more female athletes sharing their journeys. I was grateful to have friends and teammates that had gone through pregnancy and returned to hockey, but what I experienced was much different than what they did.
Alvina Patient
Read the entire interview with Natalie Spooner at healthinsight.ca
After 60 Years Without Real Change, Improved Outcomes for Ovarian Cancer Patients Possible Ovarian Cancer Canada redefines treatment landscape through research.
W
omen’s healthcare is underfunded and overlooked until it’s often too late. In the case of ovarian cancer, patients are receiving their diagnoses at such an advanced stage that current available treatments aren’t effective long-term. This truth is the result of historic and systemic problems. Decades of underfunding ovarian cancer research means we do not have enough information to improve patient outcomes. If we’re going to make up for lost time and address these problems head on, we need to be bold and unapologetic in our pursuit of change.
NO ONE ELSE IS IN THE POSITION WE ARE TO BE THE CHANGEMAKERS WOMEN NEED US TO BE.
Tania Vrionis CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada
At Ovarian Cancer Canada, we are transforming into the ovarian cancer research engine for Canadian women. In the past five years, we have redefined the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment through strategic partnerships and our $16 million research investment. From making sure the disease is accurately tested in laboratories to identifying new treatments for those who have run out of options, we have introduced a new era in the work to change patient outcomes, for good. After 60 years without meaningful change, now is the time to demand action. We are the only national health charity in Canada solely focused on ovarian cancer; no one else is in the position we are to be the changemakers women need us to be. Women facing this disease deserve our attention. They deserve our focus on saving their lives. Towards this goal, we are relentless.
Sarah Researcher
To learn more visit ovariancanada.org
This article was sponsored by Ovarian Cancer Canada.
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