Our Bodies, Ourselves: Revised and Updated (2011) - Boston Women's Health Book Collective

Six years after the 2005 overhaul of this classic guide to women’s health, the 2011 edition focuses on what Our Bodies, Ourselves does best: provide information on women’s reproductive health and sexuality; practical information on how find and access health information; and resources, stories, and information to educate women about health care injustices and inspire them to work collectively to address them.

Like its predecessor editions, this volume is wide in scope (but lacking in depth), and has a profoundly feminist perspective as it emphasizes sexual health, reproductive rights, community-based organization and the political, economic and social conditions that limit women's access to quality health care.

Much of the new information details recent health research on women's needs and inequities in medical care for men and women, and reflects the experiences of different ethnicities, sexual preferences and economic backgrounds. Women are the primary consumers of healthcare in the U.S., but, the authors say, they are grossly underserved. In addition, the medical community has viewed many life-stage conditions' pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, menopause -- as illnesses rather than natural processes that require teams of supportive practitioners.

The book's rousing political orientation may motivate readers to access the numerous resources listed or the companion OBOS Web site. More than a book, OBOS is a health movement and deserves a place on every activist's bookshelf.

With more than four million copies sold, Our Bodies, Ourselves is the classic resource that women and health activists of all ages can turn to for information about every aspect of their well-being. Completely revised, these pages give women everything they need for making key decisions about their health -- from definitive information from today's leading experts to personal stories from other women just like them.This new edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves includes the latest vital information on:

• Changes in the healthcare system—especially how healthcare reform affects women and how to get the care you need.
• Safer sex—how to engage in pleasurable, satisfying sexual experiences while protecting your health and the health of your partner.
• Environmental health risks—including minimizing exposure to everyday pollutants that endanger reproductive health.
• Body image—resisting negative media stereotypes and embracing healthier approaches to looking and feeling good.
• Local and global activism—using social media and organizing tactics to build community and advocate for policies that improve women’s lives.
• As well as crucial information about gender identity, sexual orientation, birth control, abortion, pregnancy and birth, perimenopause, and sexuality and sexual health as we age.
• In our Vaginal Health collection, PASSIONAL Boutique & Sexploratorium hopes to provide essential exercisers, dilators and other tools designed to assist with stretching, strengthening, cleaning, massaging or caring for the soft tissues of the vaginal anatomy in all of its diverse forms. 
• The Boston Women's Health Book Collective’s mission is to empower women by providing information about health, sexuality, and reproduction. 
• Publisher: ‎ Atria Books; Revised edition (October 4, 2011)
• Weight: ‎ 3.45 pounds
• Size: ‎ 7.38 x 2 x 9.13 inches
• Paperback: ‎ 944 pages

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