AIMCORP x Women’s Health

AIMCORP (The Applied Innovation Movement), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on catalyzing impactful change through innovation. Overseeing operations making a difference through social-impact innovation, and prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Spearheaded the launch of various community impact initiatives on a global scale. Organized multiple programs in order to empower, educate, and promote literacy in youth worldwide. Accelerating and launching social-impact startup innovation initiatives.

One of AIMCORP’s primary missions is to expand access to healthcare literacy, particularly for women’s health. You can read more about the social-impact startup initiatives AIMCORP has conducted for Women’s Health below and on our website. This article details resources and more information in regard to women’s health, in hope of increasing awareness and accessibility to educational resources.

Note: This page is guidance, and not diagnostic criteria. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

AIMCORP’s Cause

Diagnostic Delay & Symptom Dismissal: Conditions such as endometriosis, autoimmune disease, nad cardiac events in women routinely take years longer to diagnose than in men, often because early symptoms get attibuted to normal pain.

Maternal Mortality & Postpartum Mental Health: Black women face maternal mortality rates several times higher than white women in the US, and postpartum depression/anxiety are underscreened, especially in under-resourced communities.

Menstrual Health Education & Period Poverty: Many school health curricula give minimal or outdates menstrual/reproductive health education, and rpoduct access gaps still cause school absenteeism.

Underrepresentation of Women in Clinical Research: Women and women of color remain underrepresented in clinical trials, contributing to dosing and efficacy gaps that show up in real-world care.

Learn More:

HPV Vaccination

Schedule

Routine vaccinations at ages 11-12, but can start as early as the age of 9. It is a 2-dose series if started before the age of 15, with each dose being 6-12 months apart. It is a 3 dose series if started at any age older than 15, and a catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26. The ACIP has an active workgroup reviewing HPV vaccine recommendations, and the dosage schedule may shift. Check the CDC page linked below and always talk to your healthcare provider to express any concerns you may have.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html

Why Get Vaccinated?

HPV causes around 43,000 cases of cancer per year in the United States alone. It causes around 91% of cervical cancers, 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, and 91% of anal cancers. About 92% of HPV-associated cancers are caused by strains covered by the vaccine.

A common misconception about this vaccine is that it encourages earlier sexual activity. Multiple independent studies conducted in the UK, Brazil, USA, and more have found no association between HPV vaccination and earlier or increased rates of sexual activity.

https://www.contagionlive.com/view/cdc-acip-workgroup-reviewing-fda-approved-hpv-vaccines

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6733a2.html

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-019-7134-1

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6868297

Cervical & Breast Cancer Screening (USPSTF)

Cervical Cancer

No screening for cervical cancer is required under the age of 21.

For ages 21-29, a Pap test is recommended every 3 years.

For ages 30-65, every 3 yeras with Pap alone, every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing alone, or every 5 years with both.

Self collected HPV sampling is now included as an option to get tested. No routine screening after the age of 65 with is necessary with adequate prior negative screenings.

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening

Breast Cancer

Biennial mammography for ages 40-74 is recommended.

There is insufficient evidnece for routine screening at ages older than 75 or for supplemental ultrasound/MRI in women with an otherwise negative mammogram.

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening

Postpartum Mental Health

Screening Tool(s)

The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a self-report, widely used postpartum depression screening tool across the world. It has been validated for use during pregnancy and up to 8 weeks postpartum.

https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10466/edinburgh-postnatal-depression-scale-epds

Crisis and Support Lines

988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7) https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

1-800-944-4773: Postpartum Support International HelpLine (English/Spanish, 8am-11pm ET, not for emergencies!) https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-helpline/

1-833-852-6262: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7, English/Spanish/60+ languages via interpreters)

Menopause

Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for common Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and genitourinary symptoms till date. For most health sympotomatic women under the age of 60 and within 10 years of menopause onset, the benefits outweigh the risks!

Shared decision-making and periodic reassessment are recommended.

https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/new-hormone-therapy-guidelines-from-the-north-american-menopause-society

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause

Menstrual Health Red Flags

Heavy bleeding, cycle length outside 21-35 days, pain disrupting daily function, and other abnormal symptoms are always worth noting and reporting.

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs

AIMCORP’s Answer

Initiatives:

AIMCORP LOKA: Using cinematography and videography to create content on public health, working against misinformation/disinformation targeted towards Gen-Z

ED Toiletry Closet: Supplying underinsured/uninsured patients with toiletries, including menstrual and feminine hygiene products, upon discharge from the hospital with an EPIC-integrated inventory platform

Awareness & Advocacy: collaborating with organizations and non-profits to raise awareness, increasing literacy by working with local schools, and advocating for women’s health issues

Contact: contact.aimcorp@aimcorp.org