Below Your Belt: How to be Queen of your Pelvic Region

by Missy Lavender, Jeni Donatelli Ihm, Jan Dolby (Illustrator)

Overview

WINNER OF FOUR INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING AWARDS

When was the last time anyone talked to you about going to the bathroom? Probably not since you were potty trained! Did you know there are exercises that improve sports performance as they improve pelvic health? And, have you or your daughter every wanted to curl into a ball and stay home from school or work while you have your period?

More than a book about first periods and changing bodies, Below Your Belt is a pelvic health handbook to teach women and girls about the WHOLE picture - about the other things going on "down there" in addition to menstruation. BYB helps girls be strong from the inside out, as they participate in sports; establish habits surrounding bathroom behaviors, hygiene, and nutrition; and head into young adulthood and beyond with a new understanding and connection to their pelvic region.

Why is this so important? All of these questions address ever-increasing pelvic healthcare costs in the U.S., where nearly $66 billion is spent on incontinence products and treatment alone. Studies have shown that millions of girls already experience symptoms around compromised pelvic health including frequent urinary tract infections and constipation. These symptoms alone can follow girls into adulthood, creating both physical and social discomfort.

Taking readers on a journey through their pelvic region will shine light on each part including bones and muscles, bladder and bowel health, ovulation and periods, core energizing stretches and exercises, hygiene, and more. In addition to the engaging and humorous text, Below Your Belt includes proper terminology, illustrations and diagrams, a "texting Lexicon," Glossary, Conversation Starters and many other websites, products, and additional resources. For girls ages 10-14, parents, caregivers, educators and healthcare providers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780996535809
Publisher:	Womens Health Foundation
Publication date:	10/01/2015
Pages:	212
Sales rank:	714,986
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

Table of Contents

1-It's About Time: Introduction, 2-Welcome to Your Pelvis: A Tour of Your Pelvic Region, 3-Do We Have to go There?: Bladder Health, 4-Constipation Consternation: Bladder Health, 5-Is the Pelvic Pyramid in Egypt?: Pelvic Pyramid Muscles, 6-K.I.S.S. Keep it Strong, Sister: Pelvic Fitness, 7-Congratulations, Your Highness!: Menstruation and a Tale about Ovulation, 8-Practical Matters: Periods, Pregnancy, and Menopause, 9-How to be a Clean Queen: Pelvic Hygiene, 10-Large and In Charge of your Pelvic Region: Coronation, Appendix with Hydration Chart, Bristol Stool Chart, Fiber Finds, and more

Editorial Reviews

The work you did is fabulous!! I am so impressed. The stats related to the lack of correct body, menstrual, and pelvic information is overwhelming so the information you offer is awesome. Your work is long overdue. Congratulations!!! -- Francie Bernier, Ph.D., RN, Assistant Professor, Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing, Shenandoah University I am SO EXCITED about this book. I think it is long overdue and absolutely wonderful!! -- Jill Stein, Resource Coordinator, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Chicago, IL, Wellness Institute, Total Control (TM) Instructor I think Below Your Belt is phenomenal! I love how it has such a focus on confidence-building and empowerment. The sections about reproductive health, specifically menstruation, are introduced in a way that is really separate from either sexual intimacy or motherhood. It retains an emphasis on young women's own identity development .I also love how BYB is focused on young women learning to take care of their own bodies for themselves. -- Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner, School and Adolescent Health Researcher, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health I have loved reading Below Your Belt. The chapters flow so smoothly, and the information is presented in such an easily understood manner. I especially like the pages on the Princess of Ovulation! Charming and cute while imparting really important information. Job well done. -- Kathy Pickus, Founder, Dot Girl First Period Kits (R) Below Your Belt is easy to read with fun facts, drawings and information. It explains needed information from bodily functions to exercise, from periods to stretching, from cramps to hygiene. This is a great read for all young girls (and their mothers) who are about to start on the road to becoming young ladies. -- Joann V. Pinkerton, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director Midlife Health University of Virginia Health Center What a charming way to introduce girls not only to periods, but all other facets of their (ahemm), nether regions. Using a style that is both engaging and humorous, Missy and Jeni have written a book sure to pique the interest of many young girls. -- Toni Weschler, MPH, Author of Cycle Savvy and Taking Charge of Your Fertility It is never too early to start teaching healthy habits - including those that affect us "below the belt"! This is a great book club book. Enjoy learning and sharing the information in "Below Your Belt". -- Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, Dean and Chief Diversity Officer, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago I wish I'd had this book 15 years ago when my own daughters were young. The illustrations are charming and fun, and the book makes important information approachable." -- Dr. Barbara Depree, MD, Director of Midlife Women's Health at Holland Hospital, Holland, Michigan, Founder, MiddlesexMD

From the Publisher

12/01/2015
Gr 4–8—How does one rule the pelvic area like a queen? With knowledge and confidence, according to Lavender and Ihm. Readers learn what constitutes the pelvic region (the pelvic bones, muscles, and organs), as well as how the digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems function within the region. The authors then focus on healthy practices, which include eating enough fiber to avoid constipation, doing exercises aimed at improving pelvic strength, and keeping track of one's menstrual cycle. Lavender and Ihm bring together different topics related to the pelvic region into one comprehensive guide with the goal of educating girls in order to ensure a lifetime of pelvic health. In an effort to tap into youth culture, the authors use text messaging—style abbreviations. For instance, the phrase pelvic floor muscles becomes PFM and know your cycle is shortened to KYC. This may be frustrating for readers with less than perfect recall; however, a "Text It" lexicon is provided. Information is presented in an accessible format with many highlighted subsections and cute, colorful illustrations that add a decidedly lighthearted feel while augmenting the text. The extensive resources include books for kids and parents as well as online sites. The chummy tone will attract readers, but it might also deter the more sophisticated. Regardless, the content is useful and the title is unique. VERDICT Recommended for libraries needing a boost in health material for middle school girls.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

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