October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Around 1 in 5 breast cancers are HER2-positive. HER2-positive cancers are a type of breast cancer that contains higher-than-normal levels of HER2 proteins, which help cancer cells grow and multiply. HER2-positive cancers can spread quickly, but they also have one of the highest survival rates when diagnosed early, thanks to highly effective treatments that specifically target HER2 proteins.

Understanding how HER2 status is diagnosed and treated can help you advocate for yourself and make informed decisions as a crucial member of your medical team.

We asked Roshani Patel, M.D., FACS, medical director of the breast program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and member of HealthyWomen Women’s Health Advisory Council, what women should know about HER2-positive breast cancer.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck and Daiichi.

The holidays are just around the corner, and you know what that means — it’s time to get your flu vaccine!

You probably thought we were going to say holiday parties and presents, but that’s the thing about the flu. It can germ its way into your festive spirit and ruin all your plans with fever, headache, chills, body aches and joint pain.

“The influenza virus is nasty,” said Ilan Shapiro, M.D., senior vice president and chief health correspondent and medical affairs officer for AltaMed Health. “And what do I mean by nasty? Compared to other viruses that cause a little runny nose and cough, it’s one full week off of work or school or anything that we enjoy doing — it’s not a regular virus.”

The flu can even be life-threatening. Last year, 28,000 people in the U.S. died from flu-related illnesses and the rate of flu-associated hospitalizations was the highest it’s been since 2010.

Read: Is it Covid, RSV or the Flu? >>

Shapiro noted that last year’s virus stuck around for a long time, so getting the vaccine as early as you can (ideally in October) will help protect yourself from serious illness throughout the flu season.

“If we want to have a beautiful Thanksgiving, if we want to enjoy our Christmas dinner and we want to sing along with family on New Year’s, there are opportunities here to make sure that our immune system is ready for that,” Shapiro said.

The vaccine takes about two weeks for your immune system to build up antibodies to protect against the virus.

Most people associate the flu vaccine with a shot in the arm, but there is a nasal spray option for people 2 to 49 years old. Note: The nasal spray is not recommended for people with certain chronic diseases or people who are pregnant. Of course, talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) if you’re interested in the nasal spray flu vaccine.

In addition to your health, here are Shapiro’s top reasons for getting the flu vaccine this year:

1. You want to spend time with your loved ones — not with your bed. On average, most people are sick with the virus for five days. But symptoms like coughing and fatigue may go on for weeks. And while a little bed rotting can be fun, fever and FOMO are not.

2. You want your family to be well — not sick at home. Getting the flu vaccine and making sure your family gets the flu vaccine means greater protection against the virus, and less chance for serious flu-related complications. It also means you’re not at home taking care of sick people while everyone else is out decking the halls without you.

3. You don’t want to miss work. The flu is no tropical vacation. And if you have the virus, or think you have the virus, the CDC recommends staying home for at least five days after symptoms start — even if you don’t have a fever.

By Gia Calhoun

Many new mothers underestimate the role of breath work and exercises in postpartum recovery.

We at Women Fitness got in touch with Gia Calhoun, a Pilates teacher based in Los Angeles, to answer common concerns often raised by new mothers. Gia has been part of Pilates Anytime since 2013, where she also served as Vice President, and she continues to be featured as a teacher on the platform.

Why is breathing such an important starting point after childbirth

Breathing is one of the most powerful starting points after childbirth because it’s gentle, accessible, and deeply restorative. Even before you’re cleared for exercise, you can safely begin with breathwork. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing helps regulate the nervous system, which is especially valuable during those early weeks when you may feel overtired, anxious, or overwhelmed. It also provides a way to co-regulate with your baby, helping them feel calmer and more secure.

On a physical level, breathwork initiates the process of reconnecting with your core and pelvic floor, two areas that are significantly affected during pregnancy and childbirth. Diaphragmatic breathing encourages the core muscles to re-engage gently and supports pelvic floor recovery without adding strain. In this way, breathing lays the foundation for safe, effective movement and a smoother postpartum recovery.

For moms dealing with diastasis recti, how should they approach breathing exercises safely?

For moms with diastasis recti, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the safest and most effective ways to begin reconnecting with the core. Diastasis is the separation of the abdominal muscles, and deep, intentional breathing helps recruit the diaphragm and deeper core muscles, including the transverse abdominis, without adding pressure to the midline.

When practicing, the focus should be on full, expansive breaths that allow the ribcage and abdomen to gently expand on the inhale, followed by a controlled exhale that engages the deep core and pelvic floor. As strength and control improve, moms can gradually increase the length and control of the inhale and exhale to build more endurance. This mindful approach lays the groundwork for healing and prevents further strain on the abdominal wall.

What are some simple breathing techniques that new mothers can practice daily—even while feeding or resting?

One simple technique new mothers can practice anywhere, even while feeding or resting, is a gentle box breath. Here’s how it works: inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts, and then hold again for 4 counts. As you feel more comfortable, you can gradually lengthen each phase to 5 or 6 counts.

This practice helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote calm. At the same time, the controlled inhale and exhale encourage gentle activation of the core and pelvic floor, supporting your recovery in a safe, accessible way. It’s a simple yet powerful tool you can return to anytime you need a reset.

How can women begin strengthening their pelvic floor and core without overexertion? Share specific exercises.

A safe and effective way to begin strengthening the pelvic floor and core is through quadruped breathing. To practice, come onto your hands and knees with your spine in a neutral position. As you inhale, allow your belly to relax and gently expand. On the exhale, draw your belly back toward your spine, engaging the deep core and pelvic floor. This position works beautifully because gravity provides gentle resistance, helping these muscles activate more deeply without added strain.

Another simple exercise is a heel slide. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. As you inhale, keep your core relaxed. On the exhale, engage your deep core and pelvic floor, and then slowly slide one heel away from your body, extending the leg along the floor. Inhale and bring the heel back in. Keep alternating sides. Move slowly and with control.

Both of these exercises are low-exertion yet effective ways to gently reactivate and strengthen the core and pelvic floor after childbirth, creating a solid foundation for more advanced movement.

Are there specific body areas (like back, hips, or shoulders) that need more attention after childbirth, and what movements help?

After childbirth, the shoulders and upper back often need extra attention. Hours of feeding, rocking, and carrying a baby can create tightness and fatigue in these areas. A gentle mobility exercise is to lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Inhale as you lift your arms toward the ceiling, then exhale as you slowly reach them overhead toward the floor. Inhale to return your arms to the ceiling, and exhale as you lower them back down by your sides. You can move both arms together or alternate one at a time. This simple movement opens the chest, mobilizes the shoulders, and eases upper back tension.

The hips also tend to become tight from more time spent sitting. A great way to release them is with a figure 4 stretch: lie on your back with both knees bent, then cross one ankle over the opposite thigh. From there, gently draw the lower leg in toward your chest until you feel a stretch through the outer hip. Hold for a few breaths before switching sides.

Both of these movements are gentle, restorative, and easy to integrate into daily life, helping new moms relieve tension and restore mobility.

Share 5 postpartum exercises to support better posture, especially for moms spending long hours nursing or carrying their babies.

Here are five gentle postpartum exercises that can help improve posture and ease the strain from nursing or carrying your baby:

1. Pelvic Tilts – Lying on your back with your feet flat, gently tilt your pelvis to activate your deep core and bring awareness to spinal alignment.
2. Hands and Knees Press – In a tabletop position, press your palms into your thighs and feel your abdominals activate. This is a gentle way to strengthen the abdominals and support better posture.
3. Gentle Back Extensions – Lying face down, lift your chest slightly while keeping your gaze down. This helps open the chest and strengthen the spinal muscles.
4. Squats – Strengthens the legs and glutes, which support pelvic alignment and reduce the load on your lower back.
5. Bird Dog – From hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg, then switch. This improves core stability, balance, and overall posture.

These movements are simple yet powerful ways to realign your body, strengthen the muscles that support posture, and create relief from daily repetitive tasks like nursing, rocking, and carrying your baby.

Postpartum fitness can be emotionally overwhelming. What advice would you give mothers to approach this journey with patience and self-compassion?

My biggest advice is to take things slowly and release the pressure to “bounce back.” Postpartum recovery is a journey, and every step forward counts. Even a few minutes of gentle movement can shift your energy, improve your mood, and help you feel more connected to your body.

It’s also important to let go of comparison, whether to others or to your “pre-baby” self. Instead, focus on what feels good and supportive right now. Celebrate the small wins, practice patience, and approach yourself with the same compassion you offer your baby. Consistency, not intensity, is what creates lasting strength and confidence.

Can gentle postpartum movement also support mental well-being and reduce feelings of stress or overwhelm?

Gentle postpartum movement offers more than physical benefits; it can provide a much-needed sense of relief and grounding during a time that often feels overwhelming. Even short sessions can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and create space to reconnect with yourself.

Prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish. It allows you to show up with more energy, patience, and presence for your baby. Movement becomes a way to nurture both body and mind, reminding you that caring for yourself is an important part of caring for your family.

Share your special input for pregnant women and nursing moms on self-care.

Self-care is essential, not optional, for both your physical and mental well-being. To show up fully for your baby, you first need to show up for yourself. Taking even small moments to breathe, move, or simply rest helps you stay grounded and connected to your own needs.

When you honor and care for yourself, you’re not only replenishing your energy, you’re also modeling balance and self-respect for your child. Remember, caring for yourself is an act of love that benefits both you and your family.

About the Author:

Gia Calhoun is a Pilates teacher based in Los Angeles, California, who has been teaching since 2007. She is the creator of Move with Gia, a Pilates app offering on-demand and live classes designed to make movement accessible anytime, anywhere.

Gia has been part of Pilates Anytime since 2013, where she also served as Vice President, and she continues to be featured as a teacher on the platform. She completed her comprehensive teacher training with Diane Diefenderfer at Studio du Corps in Costa Mesa, California. In addition to her online teaching, Gia has presented at Pilates Week at Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

When it comes to innovations in healthcare, Maneesha Ghiya means business.

As a venture capitalist and investor at hedge funds, the Harvard Business grad has spent more than 25 years — pretty much her entire career — investing in healthcare.

But when a medical emergency almost took her life, Ghiya saw firsthand the need for innovation in women’s healthcare specifically. So, she started her own venture capital firm, FemTech Ventures, to fill that gap.

FemTech Ventures partners with businesses to advance women’s health through medications, devices, digital and artificial intelligence, and diagnostics (imaging, tests and tools).

The firm’s investment approach looks at women’s health conditions in three ways: “Only women” (endometriosis), “mostly women” (breast cancer) and “differently in women” (heart disease).

“We created and published this framework in 2019, and it has since been adopted by many others across the healthcare industry. By defining women’s health more broadly, we are able to identify and bring forward innovations that address conditions across women’s health,” Ghiya said.

We asked Ghiya for her thoughts on the technology-based solutions that are making waves in women’s health, and how her own health scare inspired her passion for change.

Our interview follows, edited for clarity and length.

HealthyWomen: Tell us about your experience with postpartum hemorrhage and how it led to the launch of FemTech Ventures?

Maneesha Ghiya: When I gave birth to my daughter at Columbia University under the care of a top OB-GYN, I encountered serious complications.

What began as an emergency C-section turned into a crisis with an undetected internal bleed. Four surgeons performed a reoperation that was ultimately unsuccessful in locating the source, and I was transferred to the ICU, where I underwent 10 transfusions of blood and platelets.

Fortunately, my body caught up with the bleed, and I survived. But that ordeal fueled a desire for me to make a difference in women’s health, which led me to found FemHealth Ventures.

Read: Postpartum Hemorrhage Is a Deadly Problem >>

HW: Historically, we know that women’s health has been overlooked and underfunded. How is femtech helping to broaden interest in women’s health?

Ghiya: We invest in drugs, devices, diagnostics, and digital and artificial intelligence in the women’s health space. We consider femtech a subset of women’s health and would see any software or AI platforms tailored towards women’s health falling into our digital and AI investment focus.

For example, we invested in a company called Cercle. Cercle AI’s product analyzes patient records within a fertility clinic, allowing doctors to quickly access data on how similar cases were treated, including protocols, success rates and side effects.

This helps optimize treatment plans, leading to higher success rates — which, for those familiar with the IVF journey, is incredibly impactful.

Read: Infertility Isn’t Just a Physical Journey — It’s an Emotional One, Too >>

HW: What are you finding most exciting in the world of femtech right now?

Ghiya: I’m excited to see how AI and robotics can raise the standard of care across medical centers.

One exciting application we see in the robotics and AI category is for needle-based procedures. For instance, consider epidurals during labor — 1 in 10 either fail or need adjustment because each person has a different anatomy, which makes it challenging even for experts to achieve precise needle placement.

One of our portfolio companies, Mendaera, has created a robotic needle-guidance device that combines ultrasound imaging with robotic delivery.

Beyond epidurals, this technology can be applied to procedures like nerve blocks and breast biopsies. This is a game changer because, previously, only highly skilled clinicians could perform these types of procedures with efficiency and accuracy. With this robotic and AI guidance system, more clinicians can deliver needle-based care more precisely, which is highly impactful for patients who may not have access to major medical centers.

HW: Since launching FemHealth Ventures, tell us about a product/innovation that has been particularly memorable for you.

Ghiya: We were very excited when our portfolio company Gynesonics was acquired in January by Hologic. Currently, more than 200,000 women in the U.S. undergo hysterectomies each year due to the severe and often debilitating symptoms of fibroids.

Gyenosonics offers a new solution: a non-surgical, outpatient procedure using radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is incision-free, allowing women to return to work as soon as the next day — compared to the months-long recovery associated with surgery. Thanks to Gynesonics, hundreds of thousands of women will avoid hysterectomies. It was exciting to see this amazing innovation be brought to more women through this acquisition.

HW: What big advancements are you hoping to see in women’s healthcare in the near future, or what should we have on our radar?

Ghiya: I am excited to see more solutions for women in the postpartum depression (PPD) space. Unfortunately, maternal mortality rates in the U.S. have been on the rise in recent years, with PPD being a significant contributor. In response to this urgent need, we invested in Reunion Neurosciences, which is developing a breakthrough drug therapy to address PPD.

It involves a one-time, four-hour treatment administered in a specialized facility by trained medical professionals [and has shown promising results in clinical trials]. The drug therapy is currently undergoing a full FDA trial and approval process and will only be available under medical supervision.

Read: When Postpartum Depression Hit, I Heard Only the Lies My Depression Told Me >>

HW: What’s your advice for how readers can help support innovations in femtech?

Ghiya: We encourage anyone interested in supporting women’s health to stay informed.

My company regularly posts articles on our LinkedIn about key updates in the women’s health space and updates from our women’s health focused portfolio companies. A great example of a recent update in the women’s health space is the Gates Foundation pledging $2.5 billion to women’s health initiatives. We are thrilled to see the growing focus and momentum in the women’s health space.

September is Pain Awareness Month.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a lot like it sounds and is a broad term for a wide range of conditions causing pain.