LOS ANGELES — At the conclusion of her highly anticipated keynote speech to a standing-room only crowd at Sexual Health Expo, iconic sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer was presented with the first-ever Sexual Health magazine Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Ava Cadell, noted therapist, speaker, author and recipient of Sexual Health Expo's 2015 Sexpert of Year Award presented Westheimer with the honor. “You’ve always been an inspiration to me,” she told the legendary sexpert.
Born Karola Ruth Siegel, Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a psychosexual therapist who pioneered speaking frankly about sexual matters on radio with her program, “Sexually Speaking.” It began in September of 1980 as a 15-minute, taped show that aired Sundays after midnight on WYNY-FM (NBC) in New York. One year later it became a live, one-hour show airing at 10 p.m. on which Dr. Ruth, as she became known, answered call-in questions from listeners.
In addition to radio, her television career has spanned both broadcast and cable. Her first TV show went national on Lifetime's “The Dr. Ruth Show,” while her “Ask Dr. Ruth” show was syndicated both nationally and internationally, making her internationally famous in places like London and Hong Kong. She’s been featured on TV commercials for Clairol Herbal Essence, Honda, Pepsi, Entenmann’s and many other products, and has reached multigenerational audiences with appearances on PBS and MTV U.
In print she circles the globe with her column, Ask Dr. Ruth, syndicated by King Features. She is the author of 35 books, and counting. She’s also released calendars and a board game.
Dr. Ruth’s story has been turned into an off-Broadway play called “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” which has starred Debra Jo Rupp (“The 70’s Show”). From fleeing the Nazis to joining the Haganah in Jerusalem as a scout and sniper, to her struggles as a single mother coming to America, Dr. Ruth has come a long way to become America's most famous sex therapist.
“I was delighted to get the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from Sexual Health magazine,” Westheimer said. “I'm going to put it in a place of honor in my home. I hope that as a result of this exhibit many other people pursue their dream of getting into the field of sexuality education. Sexual Health Expo is doing a very good job in providing the public with much needed information.”
Westheimer drew hundreds to her keynote speech on Saturday at the Sexual Health Expo held at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles.
“Dr. Ruth is, without question, the mother of the modern-day sexual health and wellness movement, and a true national treasure,” SHE Media Director Sara Ramirez said. “We’re so honored to present Dr. Ruth with Sexual Health magazine’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Sexual Health magazine made its debut in September as a groundbreaking publication covering the latest information and progressive views on intimacy.
Published quarterly, Sexual Health magazine takes a comprehensive look at the evolving realm of sexual wellness with exclusive interviews with today’s thought leaders to the hottest intimacy tips, pleasure product reviews and more.
The magazine mirrors the principles of Sexual Health Expo, which biannually provides a welcoming environment to immerse oneself in learning the benefits of a healthy sex life.
