Claire Moshenberg

Claire Moshenberg is a writer, editor, and online organizer. She has an extensive background in developing online and on the ground campaign strategies for state and national campaigns. Her writing has appeared on the Huffington Post, MomsRising.org, Yahoo! Shine, Care2, Feministing, and more. She has campaigned for a range of issues including Environmental Health, Health Care, and Immigration Reform.

Blog Post List

Health Care

May 3, 2012

"I feel like I've been in the eye of a perfect storm of messages about the need to walk," says Anita Jackson, Social Media Director at MomsRising. "From articles detailing how my sedentary lifestyle is killing me to a hilarious Funny or Die video featuring the West Wing cast walking and talking about walking, everywhere I turn I've heard it: Walking is the way of the future. Really!" Anita's insight is spot on! West Wing fans have been spreading this Funny or Die reunion video like wildfire this week, and among my coworkers, it's inspiring a mini-walking revolution. Anita was inspired to take...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health

May 2, 2012

With summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to start working on a garden! Don't worry, this doesn't have to be a huge project. Start small with some simple outdoor or indoor gardening (or both!). Get started with a few indoor plants (or even just one! Even one indoor plant can improve your indoor air quality ) Here are a few easy tips on how to keep your weed killers and pest control nontoxic, and ideas for how to start your own indoor garden. Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user Andy Ciordia Weed Killers: Distilled white vinegar, the nontoxic wonder ingredient, saves the day again!...

MomsRising Together

Health Care MomsVote

April 26, 2012

Did you know that domestic violence can be considered a pre-existing condition by health insurance companies? If you have a history of abuse, your insurance company can legally deny you coverage or increase your premiums. Horrifying, right? Since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, there are new provisions that assist victims of domestic violence in getting coverage, and there are even more on the horizon. Here are a few quick facts about how health reform can help: If You Need Coverage: If you've lost your coverage based on a preexisting condition (including a history of domestic...

MomsRising Together

April 19, 2012

Welcome to the final post in our three part "Ask An Expert" series, featuring Ashley Wheeland from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative! A few weeks ago, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative hosted an informative Facebook chat with MomsRising about the Affordable Care Act. Here are a few commonly asked questions on health reform and health services Check out our first two "Ask an Expert" posts: Ask an Expert: Pregnancy, Coverage for Kids, and Health Reform Ask an Expert: Women, Health Reform, and the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative How do I know if I qualify for benefits under the...

MomsRising Together

Realistic & Fair Wages

April 17, 2012

Junior year of high school, my best friend found out that new male hires at her job were being paid the same amount as her, even though she had been there for a year. When she told me, my reaction could eloquently be summed up as “Huh?” Her realization that she was experiencing pay discrimination seemed as topical to me as her showing up at the polls, only to find out that women hadn’t won the right to vote yet. What year was this anyway? My best friend and I were kids of the early 90s. Growing up, we saw constant images of strong working women like Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show , Julia...

MomsRising Together

Health Care

April 11, 2012

A few weeks ago, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative hosted an informative Facebook chat with MomsRising about the Affordable Care Act. Here are a few commonly asked questions on pregnancy, kids, and health reform, with expert answers and resources from Ashley Wheeland from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative . What if I get pregnant then lose my job and health coverage? Ashley: Depending on why you lost your job you can maintain your insurance because of a law known as COBRA for a certain amount of time. However employees have to pay for the costs of the insurance, which can be...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

April 11, 2012

Getting ready to set up a nursery? Make it as safe and nontoxic as possible with a few important green swaps when it comes to decor, furniture, bedding, and toys! Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user courosa Paint: Avoid VOCs (volatile organic compounds) by using low or no VOC paints. After the room is painted, give it adequate time to offgas. Keep the windows open and use fans if possible to push air out of the room. This is especially important if you're pregnant. Healthy Child, Healthy World has additional tips on choosing safe paints for your nursery (or for any room in your home). For more...

MomsRising Together

Health Care

April 4, 2012

Want to know how health reform helps women? Not sure what preventive services to ask for? Unclear on which women's health services will be available this August? We've got answers! A few weeks ago, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative hosted an informative Facebook chat with MomsRising about the Affordable Care Act. Here are a few commonly asked questions on women and health reform, with expert answers and resources from Ashley Wheeland from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative . What preventive tests and screenings should women be asking for and what costs should we expect? Ashley:...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care Food!

April 3, 2012

Getting ready for Easter this weekend? Do it the nontoxic way! There are easy, affordable, nontoxic alternatives for everything from egg dyes to Easter sweets. And you'll be in good company: Last year, the White House started making the annual White House Easter Egg Roll greener by using environmentally friendly wooden eggs. Photo Credit: Photo by Flickr User tiaragwin Easter Egg Dye: Did you know that you can turn everything from red onions to frozen blueberries into natural dyes for Easter eggs? The Green Gifts Guide has a great assortment of natural dye recipes that you can make with white...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Food!

April 3, 2012

I love Seder, and I would never want to give up any of the traditional pieces of the meal, or any of the traditions my family shares. Luckily, I can make Seder less toxic without losing any of the components that I love, and you can too! A few simple changes will drastically reduce toxic chemicals on your table and in your home this Passover. Photo Credit: Photo by Flickr User ImagineryGirl Charoset: Apples are a key ingredient in charoset; unfortunately, they’re also a member of the Dirty Dozen, a list of the most pesticide contaminated fruits and vegetables . Minimize toxic chemicals in...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care Food!

March 29, 2012

We are so fed up with bisphenol-A (BPA). It's highly toxic, our families are being exposed to it left and right, and, now we have a chance to help get rid of it! In just two days the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is going to issue a final decision on whether or not BPA should be banned from consumer goods. This is the big moment we have been waiting for, and we've got to act quickly. *Make sure the FDA knows that moms across the country want BPA banned for good! Click here to sign the petition. Why must BPA be banned? In the past two years, BPA has been linked to cancer [1] and the...

MomsRising Together

Health Care Blog Carnivals MomsVote

March 21, 2012

Happy second birthday, health care reform! This week is the two year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Over the past two years, millions of families have been helped by health care reform, and when new provisions kick in 2014, millions more will have access to crucial health care coverage for themselves and their families Photo by Flickr User hoyasmeg MomsRising is celebrating all week---join us! We're doing everything from tweeting with the White House to sharing important health care resources to showcasing stories from our members about how health care reform has...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health

March 20, 2012

Every Tuesday on the MomsRising blog , you can find new information on how to eliminate dangerous chemicals and toxins that are in every day products. Our weekly guides break down the information moms need into easy-to-understand, realistic tips for daily life. We can’t avoid all chemicals, but a few simple changes at home or in your routine at the store can make a big difference. Today, we're celebrating the first day of Spring by taking a look back at all of this past season's nontoxic tips! Top 5 Tools for a Non-toxic New Year A Green Makeover for Your Bathroom A Non-toxic Kitchen Makeover...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

March 20, 2012

Happy first day of Spring! Spring break is here or on it's way, the Spring holidays are just around the corner, and with all this Spring merriment comes a host of Spring chores. It's time for spring cleaning! Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user bies This year, why not skip pricey, potentially toxic cleaning supplies and test a few DIY recipes? For this week's Tips Tuesday, we're breaking down how to make cheap and easy green cleaning supplies for different rooms in your house. (Not in the mood to DIY? Don't worry! We have a few bonus basic tips at the end to reduce toxic chemicals in your home...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

March 14, 2012

Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user Rik Ruff Are you a young adult looking for health care? Or maybe you're the parent of a young adult who's navigating the sometimes complicated world of tracking down coverage? This Wellness Wednesday, we're taking a look at health coverage for young adults. We'll break down: How to get started in your search for coverage How to get coverage through your parents, community, and more New resources on coverage for young adults from the Young Invincibles ***How to get started*** Know Your Terms: Caps, premiums, deductibles---health care jargon can be confusing...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

March 14, 2012

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors , with most of their working hours spent in an office. Meanwhile, s tudies from the EPA show that indoor air quality can be even more polluted than outdoor air. One of the most important things you can do to avoid toxic chemicals is to clean up your indoor air quality. Luckily, the best ways to clean up your indoor air quality are easy and inexpensive. Try these top five tips to improve your indoor air quality at home, at work, and in your car: Open a window: We spend most of our time indoors, which is why cleaning up your indoor air quality is one of...

MomsRising Together

Health Care

March 7, 2012

Photo Credit: Flickr User Fanny While February was American Heart Month, we want to keep the celebration going and keep our hearts healthy year round. Right now, heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women, killing more than one third . More women than men die of cardiovascular disease each year. This Wellness Wednesday, we're breaking down: Heart attack symptoms for women What to do when you experience symptoms Lifestyle changes you can make to prevent heart disease How the Affordable Care Act (health reform) can help with heart disease prevention Signs of a Heart Attack (...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

March 7, 2012

Reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals during your pregnancy is important for the health of you and your little one. Luckily, it doesn't have to be a chore. You can reduce your toxic chemicals exposures while you reduce morning sickness, stretch marks, aches, acne, and more. Take small steps and try changes that work for you and your budget. In this week's column, we'll focus on reducing toxic chemicals in personal care products used during pregnancy. Below, you'll find budget-friendly tips on how to turn your living room into a prenatal yoga class, how to make your own belly cream, and...

MomsRising Together

Environmental Health Health Care

February 29, 2012

Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user Will Nickelson Great news: Nontoxic baby care products don't have to be expensive! Organic, nontoxic, or even fragrance free items for our little ones can veer towards the pricey side. Luckily, there are easy, affordable DIY solutions for many commonly used baby care products. Here are our top 5 DIY nontoxic baby care products (Not up for a DIY project? We have bonus tips at the end on how to buy the best nontoxic baby care products): Baby powder: Avoid potentially toxic talc by skipping commercial baby powders and making your own. This recipe from the Smart...

MomsRising Together

Health Care

February 23, 2012

Photo credit: Photo by Flickr user timojazz Great news! Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced last week that the Affordable Care Act has provided approximately 54 million Americans with at least one new free preventive service in 2011 through their private health insurance plans. This Wellness Wednesday, we’re breaking down the covered preventive service provisions in the ACA and taking a closer look at what this could mean for you. What does free mean, really? If you’re eligible for these free preventive services, that means that you do not have to pay: A co-payment...

MomsRising Together

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#WellnessWeds: Start a Walking Routine

Tips Tuesday: 3 Green Gardening Tips

Wellness Wednesday: Health Reform and Domestic Violence

#WellnessWednes: Ask an Expert featuring the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

What year is this anyway?

Ask an Expert: Pregnancy, Coverage for Kids, and Health Reform

A Green Makeover for Your Nursery

Ask an Expert: Women, Health Reform, and the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Top 5 Eco Easter Tips

Top 6 Green Passover Tips

Ban BPA!

Celebrate Health Care Reform: Tweet chats, carnivals, stories, and more!

Tips Tuesday: A Season of Tips

DIY Green Spring Cleaning

Wellness Wednesday: Coverage for Young Adults

Tips Tuesday: Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Wellness Wednesday: Women and Heart Disease

5 Nontoxic Pregnancy Tips

5 DIY Nontoxic Baby Care Products

Wellness Wednesday: Free Preventive Services