5SR - August 18, 2023

Today’s curator is the founder of #5SmartReads, Hitha Palepu. She’s a consummate multihyphenate - CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals, author of WE’RE SPEAKING: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris and How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip, and professional speaker. Hitha is an unabashed fan of Taco Bell, Philadelphia sports teams & F1, romance novels, and is a mediocre crafter. She lives in NYC with her husband and two sons.

Appeals court upholds parts of ruling that limit abortion pill access (Axios)

As a drug developer who works with FDA regularly - the court’s ruling is bullshit.

Mifepristone carries less risks than penicillin and Viagra, whose approvals have never been questioned or investigated by another plaintiff, nor their approval questioned.

I’ve provided a clinical and regulatory explanation of mifepristone in this feed post (posted on the heels of Judge Kacsmaryk’s March ruling).

While the Fifth Circuit Court’s ruling did not revoke FDA approval of the drug (which Kacsmaryk’s original ruling stated), it does restrict access to the medication, which is used in 98% of medication abortions.

If you need reproductive healthcare (for contraception, medication abortion, and vaginal infections), HeyJane provides telemedicine services for all of these conditions. I’m proud to serve on the board of New Morning, a SC-based nonprofit that provides comprehensive, free contraception to every resident in need (both men and women!). And if you’re based in Charleston and want to learn more about the organization, send me a DM and I’ll be sure to invite you to an upcoming event I’m co-hosting in October.

Why The U.S. Has Limited Access To Sunscreens — And Why Some Including AOC Are Pushing To Change That (Forbes)

Instead of defending their rigorous approval process that considers safety first, the FDA should be focused on other things - like approving safe, effective UV filters in our sunscreens the way European and Asian regulatory agencies have.

Don’t take my word for it. Take the word of sunscreen queen Charlotte Palermino:

I hope Representative Ocasio Cortez introduces a bill (specific to updating regulatory guidance on sunscreen regulation) that gives us a more tangible call to action, since calling our reps to voice support on a vague issue is not as impactful as asking them to co-sponsor or vote for a specific bill.

If we want things done, Congress has to work - and part of that is drafting legislation as well as sharing what’s happening in Congress on social media.

How to Write a Great Business Plan (Marie Claire)

I consider Cate Luzio to be a business fairy godmother - her advice is always stellar, and she’s created a really special space for women to gather, learn, and work together to control their future.

I fully followed her business plan tutorial as I develop the next phase of my content and community platform. Old me would’ve avoided listing and thinking through my weaknesses and threats, but focusing on these first forced me reflect on the things I’ve tried and didn’t work out (and why), as well as consider the old shiny things I used to chase instead of focusing on the core value I needed to deliver.

Writing my plan also reminded me that I am so privileged to build this business thoughtfully and along with my incredible team, and there’s no need to rush and do everything all at once. I have 3 clear priorities for this fall:

• finish my book proposal

• execute the speaking gigs and events I have on deck this fall (I just signed with Trailblazers Agency and am thrilled to be working with them)

• deliver a stellar #5SmartGifts guide for the holiday season (on a personal note, I’m ordering our Halloween costumes and Diwali outfits now before fall kicks into gear and I forget - I encourage you to do the same!)

A look at the tumultuous life of 'Persepolis' as it turns 20 (NPR)

I remember picking up Persepolis at the University Bookstore during an afternoon stroll up The Ave in college, and how I let my coffee go cold and my brownie uneaten as I read the book in a single sitting.

While I have no idea where that copy went, I will absolutely be purchasing the 20th anniversary edition, and reading it to my sons.

For a book’s message to remain timely (and being more so) 20 years later is something really unique, and Marjane Satrapi’s reflections of the past 20 years and the impact of the book is worth reading every work of.

Molly Fienning on Supporting Each Other (In Kind)

I feel like I’m failing as a friend right now (and am immensely grateful for the support of said friends who accept and support unconditionally - I adore you).

One of those friends is Molly Fienning, who not only can I pick up with wherever we left off, but checks in and makes sure I’m taking care of myself. She hypes up her friends both publicly and privately and with grace and care, and I absolutely loved this interview she gave with In Kind (an excellent newsletter for more intentional living!) on how to be a good friend.

I’ll leave you with her advice on making new friends":