It’s a gray and dreary day in Michigan. For all of you lovers of Fall this is why I hate it. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Where is the sun? There is something good about today though, it is my brother’s birthday.

Nobody can underestimate the power of being an informed patient. At EmpowHer.com, we encourage patients – especially women to ‘speak’, to research and to take questions and ideas to their doctors, so we can make informed decisions about our most valuable asset – our health.

And, we think women can be advocates for other women as well. Let’s face it, sometimes we’re not feeling up to it and it’s great to have someone else champion our cause.

But not all advocacy programs are being seen in a bright light.

Dr. Dao discusses why it's important for patients to have faith in their doctors.

So we have all heard about Gay Pride. Black Pride. White Pride (ok, so that last one isn't so, uh, respectable but you know what I mean). We see bumper stickers saying Proud to be Irish (no DOUBT!) or proud to be... whatever you are.

Mad Pride is a growing movement of people with mental illness. They have had parades in several countries including England, Australia, the United States and Canada. They have organizational links in Africa.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- At some point during last month's well-baby checkup for her son Isaac, Kamila McGinnis stopped listening to her pediatrician.

Isaac, who turns 3 in June, hasn't shown much interest in toilet training. McGinnis wants him out of diapers and encourages him to use the potty. But, she says, her pediatrician told her to back off.

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At my next appointment I’ll ask my doctor the following heart health questions. If I’m experiencing heart related symptoms, I’ll see a doctor immediately.

MY SYMPTOMS:

The symptoms I'm experiencing include ...

Where on my body?

When?

For how long?

What are the symptoms of heart disease in women and how do they differ from men?

Tell me about heart disease in women. What are the implications of this disease for me in my life time”?

MY STRESS:

Find out why Michelle took her doctor’s advice on taking Premarin without questioning his recommendation, how women reacted to her taking that troublesome drug and her thoughts on advocating for yourself.