Illinois action blog

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

PPIA Celebrates IL Voters Support of Birth Control Coverage



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Celebrates Illinois Voters Support of
Birth Control Coverage

Chicago (11/5/14) — Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, applauds the two-thirds of Illinois voters who marked “Yes” for insurance coverage of birth control on Tuesday’s ballot.

The General Election ballot included the following advisory question:

Shall any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage be required to include prescription birth control as part of that coverage?

“On Tuesday, Illinois voters sent an overwhelming and resounding message when it comes to birth control coverage in health insurance,” said Carole Brite, President and CEO of PPIA. “It’s not your boss’ business!”

PPIA heard its supporters’ outrage after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Hobby Lobby decision and turned this into action in favor of a “Yes” for birth control. PPIA implemented a comprehensive campaign for Illinois Votes for Birth Control through canvassing, direct mail, phone banks, social media, and email alerts to 200,000 supporters informing them of the ballot question and urging them to vote ‘Yes’ for birth control coverage.


“Planned Parenthood Illinois Action played a pivotal role in the outcome by turning out thousands of supporters who voted ‘Yes’,” added Brite. “During the weeks before Election Day, we consistently received positive feedback and support for the birth control question. This issue clearly resonated with voters.”


In June, the Hobby Lobby decision allowed some for-profit corporations to deny their employees’ health insurance coverage for birth control because of their boss’ religious beliefs. The women who work for these companies are at risk of losing an important part of their preventive healthcare coverage. In light of the Hobby Lobby decision, PPIA urged Illinois voters to vote “Yes” on Tuesday so that elected officials would understand that birth control coverage is an important issue for Illinoisans.

“Preventive care, including birth control, is basic healthcare for women — and the decision to use birth control is a conversation between a woman and her doctor, not a woman and her boss,” commented Brite. “We hope that Tuesday’s vote in favor of insurance coverage for birth control will give policy makers the support they need to implement policies ensuring that all Illinois women have access to affordable birth control no matter where they live, who they work for, or how much money they make.”

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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). For more information, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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

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Thursday, October 16, 2014

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces Political Endorsements



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces Political Endorsements

Chicago (10/16/14) — Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, today announced endorsements for the November 4 general election. PPIA made endorsements in races for the U. S. Senate, U. S. House of Representatives, statewide offices, Cook County Board President, the Illinois Senate, and the Illinois House of Representatives.

PPIA endorsed Richard Durbin for the U. S. Senate.

“Senator Dick Durbin is an outstanding leader on access to women’s healthcare,” said Pam Sutherland, Vice President of Public Policy and Education of PPIA.

PPIA endorsed the following candidates for Congress:
•  Bobby Rush (D-1)
•  Robin Kelly (D-2)
•  Luis Gutierrez (D-4)
•  Mike Quigley (D-5)
•  Danny Davis (D-7)
•  Tammy Duckworth (D-8)
•  Janice Schakowsky (D-9)
•  Brad Schneider (D-10)
•  Bill Foster (D-11)
•  Ann Callis (D-13)
•  Cheri Bustos (D-17)
“Seeing the repeated attacks on women’s healthcare in the Congress, we know the importance of electing candidates who clearly support access to reproductive healthcare, including birth control and abortion services,” said Pam Sutherland. “It is essential that we elect these candidates because we know they will stand up for women, no matter what.”

PPIA endorsed these candidates for statewide office:
•  Pat Quinn for Governor
•  Paul Vallas for Lt. Governor
•  Lisa Madigan for Attorney General
•  Jesse White for Secretary of State
•  Sheila Simon for Comptroller
•  both Michael Frerichs and Tom Cross for Treasurer

PPIA also endorsed Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President. 


“These candidates understand that they cannot make a personal health decision for someone else,” commented Sutherland. “They respect the complicated, deeply private healthcare decisions women make in consultation with their qualified medical providers.”  


PPIA endorsed these candidates for the Illinois Senate:
•  Mattie Hunter (D-3)
•  John Cullerton (D-6)
•  Daniel Biss (D-9)
•  Suzanne Glowiak (D-24)
•  Terry Link (D-30)
•  Mike Jacobs (D-36)
•  Don Harmon (D-39)
•  Linda Holmes (D-42)
•  James Clayborne, Jr. (D-57)

“The members of the Illinois General Assembly have the power to make policies that directly impact access to women’s healthcare,” added Sutherland. “These candidates know that in order to reduce unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy, all women must have access to a broad range of women’s healthcare services including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, breast health services, Pap tests, sexual health education, information and counseling.”

PPIA endorsed these candidates for the Illinois House:

Daniel Burke (D-1); Edward Acevedo (D-2); Luis Arroyo (D-3); Cynthia Soto (D-4); Kenneth Dunkin (D-5); Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-7); Arthur Turner (D-9); Pamela Reaves-Harris (D-10); Ann Williams (D-11); Sara Feigenholtz (D-12); Gregory Harris (D-13); Kelly Cassidy (D-14); Lou Lang (D-16); Laura Fine (D-17); Robyn Gabel (D-18); Robert Martwick (D-19); Mo Khan (D-20); Silvana Tabares (D-21); Michael Zalewski (D-23); Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez (D-24); Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25); Christian Mitchell (D-26); Monique Davis (D-27); Robert Rita (D-28); Thaddeus Jones (D-29); William Davis (D-30); Marcus Evans, Jr. (D-33); Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-34); Frances Ann Hurley (D-35); Nichole Serbin (D-37); Al Riley (D-38); Will Guzzardi (D-39); Jaime Andrade, Jr. (D-40); Anna Moeller (D-43); Fred Crespo (D-44); Jenny Burke (D-45); Deb Conroy (D-46); Valerie Burd (D-50); Bill Downs (D-52); Martin Moylan (D-55); Michelle Mussman (D-56); Elaine Nekritz (D-57); Scott Drury (D-58); Carol Sente (D-59); Loren Karner (D-61); Sam Yingling (D-62); Jack Franks (D-63); Litesa Wallace (D-67); Mike Smiddy (D-71); Patrick Verschoore (D-72); Martha Shugart (D-75); Kathleen Willis (D-77); Camille Lilly (D-78); Anthony DeLuca (D-80); Elizabeth Chaplin (D-81); Stephanie Kifowit (D-84); Emily McAsey (D-85); Lawrence Walsh, Jr. (D-86); Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-92); Moira Dunn (D-97); Natalie Manley (D-98); Carol Ammons (D-103); Jay Hoffman (D-113); Eddie Lee Jackson (D-114).

PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect the reproductive health and rights of women, teens and families. All pro-choice/pro-Planned Parenthood incumbents receive an endorsement regardless of the position of the opponent. To see the full list of PPIA-endorsed candidates online, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Voters can now access information about candidates in one place with the newly launched online Voter Guide, a voter education tool built by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and other Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations across the country. The online Voter Guide has been optimized for both desktop computers and mobile devices, so that voters in Illinois can take information and ratings on where candidates stand on issues of importance to women right into the voting booth. To access the Voter Guide, visit www.ppactionvoterguide.org.

# # #
Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800
__________________________________________________________________________


This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Endorses Pat Quinn for Governor


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces
Endorsement of Pat Quinn for Governor


Chicago (10/16/14) —Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, today announced its endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn for the November 4th election.

“Governor Pat Quinn has been upfront on his positions for his entire career. Pat Quinn knows that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman,” said Pam Sutherland, Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “Quinn has always trusted women and believes politicians cannot make private medical decisions for us.”

PPIA considers a candidate’s record to be a true measure of his or her positions when it comes to access to women’s health care. On the day of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby case, Pat Quinn came out strongly for insurance coverage of birth control for all women no matter where they work.


“Governor Quinn thinks basic preventive health care is a right for all women,” said Sutherland. “He knows that it’s not your boss’ business.”


Governor Quinn made sure that all those receiving health care through Medicaid have access to a full range of family planning services. In addition, Pat Quinn believes that youth need accurate information to stay safe and healthy. Therefore, he signed into law important updates to Illinois’ sexual health education law ensuring that sex education classes are medically accurate, age-appropriate, and complete.

“Seeing the repeated attacks on women’s healthcare across the country, we know the importance of electing candidates who clearly support access to reproductive health care, including birth control and abortion services,” said Pam Sutherland. “It is essential that we elect candidates like Pat Quinn who we know will stand up for women, no matter what.”

PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect the reproductive health and rights of women, teens and families. All pro-choice/pro-Planned Parenthood incumbents receive an endorsement regardless of the position of the opponent. To see the full list of PPIA endorsed candidates online, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Voters can now access information about candidates in one place with the newly launched online Voter Guide, a voter education tool built by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and other Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations across the country. The online Voter Guide has been optimized for both desktop computers and mobile devices, so that voters in Illinois can take information and ratings on where candidates stand on issues of importance to women right into the voter booth. To access the Voter Guide, visit www.ppactionvoterguide.org.

###

Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

PLANNED PARENTHOOD ILLINOIS ACTION ENDORSES LISA MADIGAN


 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PLANNED PARENTHOOD ILLINOIS ACTION ENDORSES LISA MADIGAN
Attorney General Madigan on the Correct Side of Hobby Lobby Case

Chicago (July 8, 2014) —  In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision granting employers the power to deny women’ reproductive healths benefits to their employees, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action announced its solid support today for Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s re-election campaign, emphasizing the importance of the Attorney General’s role in protecting reproductive freedom and healthcare for women. “In light of the recent ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, it is even more important that Illinoisans vote for a candidate who will stand up for a woman’s right to access birth control, which is basic healthcare for women. That candidate is Lisa Madigan,” said Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action.

In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Attorney General Madigan filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that for-profit corporations cannot force their religious beliefs onto their employees and refuse to cover reproductive health insurance to its employees.

“Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is endorsing Lisa Madigan because she believes that personal healthcare decisions should be left to a woman, her family, and her faith, with the counsel of her doctor or healthcare professional,” said Brite. “Lisa knows that women don’t turn to politicians or their bosses for advice about mammograms, prenatal care, or birth control. Politicians and bosses should not be involved in a woman’s personal medical decisions.”

“Banning access to contraceptives and reproductive healthcare is bad for the women of Illinois and bad for their families,” said Pamela Sutherland, Vice President of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “We need to re-elect Lisa Madigan because she is key to protecting our rights.  Unlike her opponent, she knows the Supreme Court got it wrong in Hobby Lobby and she believes Roe v. Wade should be protected, not overturned.”

Lisa Madigan is seeking re-election as Attorney General in November so that she can continue advocating for and protecting the people of Illinois, including women and their rights to reproductive healthcare. “I am proud to have Planned Parenthood’s endorsement, and I applaud its longstanding work to ensure all women have access to reproductive healthcare,” said Lisa Madigan. 

# # #

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). For more information, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800

_____________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Not Your Boss’s Business

Not Your Boss’s Business
By Carole Brite
President & CEO
Planned Parenthood of Illinois

Carole Brite
Last week I listened to a young woman tell her moving story about what affordable birth control has meant for her. The story started with heartbreak and ended with a happy, thriving family.

Diagnosed with endometriosis at age 17, Courtney endured severe pain and far worse, a serious threat to her longstanding dream of being a mother someday.  The only way she managed through her difficult years college and grad school was to get low cost birth control—the most effective treatment—at Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Courtney is now 35, and her two young children are the biggest blessings in her life.

If the owners of two for-profit companies have their way, stories like Courtney’s may not have happy endings for millions of American women and families. This week the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in cases brought by Hobby Lobby, a for-profit chain of arts and crafts stores, and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp, for-profit cabinetmakers, whose owners claim that their personal beliefs should give them the privilege to pick and choose which parts of the health care law they comply with and which they do not. Despite the fact that the law requires insurance plans to cover birth control, they want the right to deny their employees this coverage.

The owners are cloaking their arguments in claims of religious freedom. Their own, that is. Not yours or mine or someone who works in their cabinet-making shop or rings up customers in an arts and crafts store.

And so the slippery slope begins. If your boss at the arts and craft store can say no to your birth control, what’s next? Imagine a world where your boss could deny your spouse access to a life-saving blood transfusion, or mental health services for your loved ones, or recommended vaccines for your children—all based on nothing more than his or her personal opinions. 

There is so much at stake here, not only for the 27 million women who are already eligible to receive birth control without a co-pay, but for the millions of other Americans who, if the court decides in favor of the owners, could lose coverage of the care they need if their bosses say they don’t believe in it.

Every day at Planned Parenthood, I see how the birth control services and other top quality preventive care we provide is helping women achieve their goals, maintain their health, plan their families, and live financially independent lives. Birth control is basic preventive health care for millions of American women—and the decision to use it should be made by a woman and her doctor, not her boss. Access to basic care should not be dependent upon where you work or your employer’s personal opinions.

We look to the Supreme Court to rule on the side of common sense in the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties cases. Getting a job at an arts and crafts store is not the same as joining a church, and for-profit corporations are not the same as people who have religious beliefs.  

Your birth control is none of your boss’s business.


__________________________________________________________________________

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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Friday, February 14, 2014

10 Fun, Freaky, Fabulous Facts About Condoms

As the nation’s largest provider of sex education, Planned Parenthood works every day to reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies and to keep people healthy. In conjunction with Valentine’s Day and National Condom Week (February 14-21), let’s take a look at some FACTS ABOUT CONDOMS AND CONDOMS USE. Some are mind-blowing, some are straight to the point. Enjoy and be safe!  

Recursos en Español con más infomación sobre los condones al final.
1. Condoms can actually HELP your sex life!
Contrary to popular belief that condoms do nothing for your mojo, people who use condoms rate their sexual experiences just as pleasurable as people who don’t.

2. Easy peasy!
Unlike other forms of birth control, you don’t need a prescription to get condoms. They’re one of the most accessible and affordable types of birth control.

3. All the single ladies…
According to a 2008 study by the Guttmacher Institute, only 19% of single women aged 20 to 44 always use condoms. What’s up with that, ladies? Protect yourself!

4. Yabba Dabba Doo!
The earliest known illustration of someone using a condom is a 12,000+ year old cave painting. Guess we missed that episode of The Flintstones!

5. Silent but violent
Most people who have an STD don’t even realize it, since many STDs cause no immediate symptoms. For example, 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms.

6. Variety is the spice of life
There are plenty of different kinds of condoms out there. (non-latex, FC2 female condoms, flavored, colored, ribbed, etc.). Wonder if there are any red hot cinnamon-flavored ones for Valentine’s Day?

7. Dynamic duo
Even if you’re using another method of birth control, you may be at risk of getting an STD. Condoms+birth control = the best way to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. So put one on before you get it on!

Don't give your valentine anyting but love. show your parnter you care. call Planned Parenthood for top quality medical care. Call for an appointment today. 1-800-230-7526. www.ppil.org. #plan4Vday8. HIV fighter
When it comes to HIV, using a condom makes sex 10,000 TIMES SAFER than not using one.

9. Don’t worry, be happy. Very happy.
Condoms are a good way to feel more relaxed about your sex life. Many people say they find sex more enjoyable when they use condoms because they aren’t worrying about STDs or unintended pregnancy.

10. COMMUNICATE!
Yeah, we know talking about safe sex with your partner can be hard. But it’s important to communicate. Develop a plan and practice what you will say to your partner. Don’t be shy about communicating your needs and feelings. Send a message that condom use is essential every single time you have sex. A partner who respects you, respects your health, and their health as well.

New to condom use or need a refresher, check out the videos below.

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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, September 12, 2013

Back to the Basics: Female Condoms and Global Female Condom Day

With Global Female Condom Day right around the corner it’s time we get back to basics. Nationwide one in six people have herpes and over 19 million will contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year. 

This means when it comes to contraception, people need different methods at different times in their lives that protect against both unintended pregnancy and STIs. For safer sex, Planned Parenthood thinks the more options, the better.

Why internal condoms?

Internal condoms, or female condoms (FCs), are the only contraceptive barrier method where the receptive partner is in control. This means you can feel empowered to take back control of your sex life and your health! Also, internal condoms are prescription free, hormone free and latex free option for both anal and vaginal sex.

What we love about FCs

No interruptions please: FCs can be inserted hours before vaginal sex so nothing will interrupt the heat of the moment! Unlike male condoms, FCs don’t require an erect penis which means your partner doesn’t have to pull out right away which often allows men to feel less constricted during sex.

Hot, hot, hot: Made of nitrile, FCs adjust to your body temperature so you and your partner can feel the heat! Plus, during vaginal sex the internal ring can stimulate the head of a penis and the outer ring can stimulate the clitoris for double the pleasure.

Top Tips

Remember being nervous the first time you tried something new? Internal condoms are the same way, but practice makes perfect! Here are some recommendations when first trying FCs:

-Use lots of lube to ensure that sex goes smoothly and the condom doesn’t move.

-Try inserting a FC several times, alone or before any sex act, to feel comfortable with the product. Third times a charm!

-Never use a male and female condom at the same time. It actually increases the likelihood of breakage and always be sure to check the expiration date before use.

Get Involved

Find a Planned Parenthood health center near you to pick up your own to try or visit www.ringonit.org to learn more about staying safe. Take the pledge to join us in advocating for FCs in your own community and join us as we celebrate Global Female Condom Day with radio personality Loni Swain!


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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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