Iowa’s First Lady is leading a new initiative aimed at Iowa’s young women. A conference is set for November to discuss mental and physical health issues for young women between the ages of 16 and 19. An essay contest has just started, too. Three young essay writers will each receive a 500-dollar award — and the top 50 essays will be published.First Lady Christie Vilsack has read a few of the essays which have been submitted.Vilsack says many of the essay-writers are touching on the subject of weight, and the pressure to be thin. She says they’re very concerned about the perception of what they should look like instead of what should be healthy.Last year, Mrs. Vilsack hosted a women’s health conference focused on older women who’ve gone through menopause. This year’s conference is November 11th at Drake University in Des Moines.
