Leave it to Whoopi Goldberg to make public a very private matter for one out of three women. She calls it “spritzing,” that embarrassing wetness that happens whenever a cough or a sneeze brings with it light bladder leakage (LBL). And she has signed on as a spokesperson for Poise protection to talk about a topic many women don’t want to talk about.
And in typical Whoopi fashion, she’s found humor in the situation. (Although, don’t laugh too hard unless you’ve already bought your supply of Poise napkins). In a webcast, the comedienne appears as famous women down through history who also suffered from LBL. Now we know what that Mona Lisa grimace was really about! Other ladies who also endured LBL (according to Whoopi) include Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, Lady Godiva, St. Joan of Arc, the Princess and the Pea (no pun intended), the Statue of Liberty, and Eve.
Although Whoopi is bringing humor to the issue, for many women the condition is no laughing matter. A survey from the Poise brand and Women’s Health Foundation (WHF), a non-profit organization committed to championing women’s pelvic health issues, shows that almost 60 percent of women do not talk about LBL with friends or family and almost 40 percent do not even talk to a health care professional. In fact, 70 percent of women with LBL were surprised to learn that LBL affects so many other women.
If anyone can reduce the stigma associated with LBL, it’s Whoopi. “Nobody ever wants to talk about LBL!” said Whoopi on the Poise website. “For some reason, we’ve decided there’s something taboo about it - but so many women experience it and we should be able to talk about it openly! Leaks don’t discriminate, we all go through it - I tell women this all the time.”
Although LBL is often thought to be something that afflicts older women, younger women who have bladder infections or are pregnant, also suffer. The Poise panty liners are being offered as providing better protection for LBL than sanitary products meant to be worn while menstruating.
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Which is why I urge walkers, bikers, families, picnickers, lovers, history buffs, artists, and visitors to New York to take a free, seven-minute New York City ferry from the Battery Maritime Building (to the left of the Staten Island ferry at South and Whitehall Streets) to a tiny piece of greenery in New York harbor, and enjoy a day at one of the city’s most delightful, little-known parks, Governors Island. There are no admission fees: just bring your Metrocard to get yourself to the ferry.
Before you go, here is a bit of history. For 200 years, until January 2003, when the Federal Government transferred the 172-acre Island to the people of New York and the National Park Service, Governors Island was a restricted military base. Colonial governors, revolutionary soldiers, confederate prisoners, doughboys from World War I, Army and Coast Guard families, and a host of famous men—Ulysses S. Grant, Wilbur Wright, Soviet President Gorbachev, among others—spent time on the Island. The military presence is particularly visible in the Island’s 93-acre Historic District. With hundred-year old shade trees, mostly-empty 19th Century Federal and Victorian-style homes, colonial-brick buildings and green, manicured grounds, the Historic District reminded me of an old-fashioned, somewhat haunted, college town. It’s my favorite part of the Island.
Bikers. The Island, with its flat 2.2-mile promenade around the perimeter, is ideal for leisure bikers. You can bring your own bikes (separate line on the ferry) or rent all manner of bikes at the “Bike and Roll” kiosk behind Building 140 to the left of the ferry. (Go to “Bike and Roll’s” website for information about equipment and pricing.) We saw one couple on a bicycle built for two. We also saw families in surries, bike trailers and, of course, New Yorkers from the mainland with their own bikes and helmets. All told, there are more than 5 miles of car-free roads. You can criss-cross the Island, as well as circumvent it, and find the best places to take in the view. On Fridays, bike rentals are free for one hour. First come, first served, so get there early.
Families with Children. This is a very family-friendly place. We saw tons of parents and children of all ages. If you are looking for playgrounds and ballfields, your best bet is to hop on the open-air, sightseeing mini-bus that you can pick up near the ferry exit, and ride it to the far end of the Island, known as Picnic Point. It offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty, but is not the most beautiful part of the Island. Another option is to stroll around the Historic District, spread your blanket under a shade tree and let your kids run around. There is also a free Children’s Arts Center (go to 
Strollers With A Love of History. There is an excellent self-guided walking tour brochure, that you can pick up when you debark from the ferry. A map, photographs of the most distinguished buildings and information on all of them will effortlessly guide you around the most beautiful and interesting part of the Island. Highlights include Castle Williams, that once housed Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, Fort Jay, the oldest building on the Island, and a series of private homes - now hauntingly empty. In and amidst this area are Adirondack chairs painted red, hammocks, picnic tables, pieces of art and acres of shade trees. The Parade Ground—a vast, green manicured lawn where Prince Harry recently played polo—offers spectacular views of downtown New York as well as places to stretch out on a blanket and relax.
Seated on a longboat on wheels that stands as high as a double-decker tour bus, we had Times Square literally in our faces. It’s my most favorite part of the city with its colorful and flashing neon signs that change in a blink, with clever advertisements, and a peek into what’s current and trendy. Derek Jeter is represented there, so is Elvis, and there’s a big hairy hand holding a Sprint phone; Conan O’Brien has the same hair, but a different channel, said the ad. Our guide was a very sweet gal, with a Spanish accent who knew more about city trivia than anyone I ever met. We learned, for example, how Hell’s Kitchen acquired its nickname, about the feuds between the wealthy Astoria brothers, the history of the Empire State Building. On more than a few occasions, Jude and I nodded in agreement, saying, “I never knew that!”
Our ride continued slowly around the harbor. Captain Dan reminded us of the emergency landing that took place just a few months ago, and pointed out the water taxi that was first on the scene. The sky was just an amazing blue, and all I could think about was how lucky we are to live near this great city, one filled with heroes from every walk of life, that show up when you need them.
While her family has shied away from speaking to the media, Margaret has become a part of it. She’s a cultural and political commentator on the Fox Network and has co-hosted ABC’s “The View.” She brands her political philosophy as part Barry Goldwater and part William F. Buckley with an emphasis on individual freedom, small government, and civil liberties. She points to Meg Whitman, eBay founder and likely 2010 California gubernatorial candidate as a great role model.
Hoover came to New York circuitously. She was born in Pittsburgh, raised in Colorado, and traveled the world extensively before settling in New York. She studied abroad in Bolivia and China and her first job after college was working for a law firm in Taiwan. This was followed by time in Washington where she worked for a Florida Congressman, with a heavily Hispanic constituency, followed by a stint in the White House Office of Inter-Governmental Affairs. In 2006, she moved to New York to work for Rudolph Giuliani’s PAC, “Solutions America,” and then worked on his Presidential exploratory effort before joining Fox. Since 2007, she has been a commentator on all things cultural on issues ranging from gay marriage (which she supports) to parental rights.
