FOR  IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, November 3, 1999
Contacts:Office on Women's Health
202-690-7650

INTERACTIVE HEART HEALTH FEATURE ADDED TO THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER

Washington, November 4, 1999.....The Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the American Heart Association, today announced the addition of an interactive heart health assessment feature as part of the expanding National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC). The "For Your Heart" feature is the first of its kind, and will engage women in a confidential dialogue about health that examines their individual blend of motivations, barriers, desires, and needs. NWHIC serves as a single gateway to thousands of federal and private sector publications and organizations on women's health through its Web site (http://www.womenshealth.gov) and toll-free information number (1-800-994-WOMAN).

"Public health education works best when you can talk to folks one-to-one," said David Satcher, M.D., Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary of Health. "With "For Your Heart," we can use the Internet to communicate with the effectiveness and candor of a one-to-one conversation, and offer women the information tailored just for them. This special feature is part of our continuing commitment to provide reliable and practical health information relevant to all Americans."

The "For Your Heart" feature uses breakthrough interactive tailoring technology to engage users in a brief conversation about their health behaviors. Women are presented with a tailored response that pertains to their specific risk factors and willingness to change behavior. The conversation culminates with a personalized listing of additional resources that are available. All of this takes place in real time, and without compromising the privacy of the woman's personal health information. After each visit, all user data is deleted and no attempt is made to track visitors. The only purpose of this site is to provide information and resources for those who request it.

The HHS Office on Women's Health used the American Heart Association as a content source on this project. In addition, the association, the nation's most trusted source of cardiovascular disease information, provided a link to its women's Web site, "Take Wellness to Heart" (http://women.americanheart.org).

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of American women, taking the lives of more than a half Million women every year. In fact, women are nearly twice as likely to die of cardiovascular disease than of all cancers combined. It is estimated that one in two women will eventually die of cardiovascular disease or stroke, compared to 1 in 27 who will die of breast cancer. Many of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease can be reduced or avoided with lifestyle modifications. Each visitor to the site will be made aware of risk factors, and given the tools and information they need to begin living a more heart-healthy lifestyle.

"Thirty years from now, one in four American women will be over the age of 65, and at high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke," added Wanda Jones, Dr. P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health and Director of the HHS Office on Women's Health, which sponsors the NWHIC site. "It is our hope that the interactive format will help women take positive steps now that will help them live long and healthy lives well into the next century."

NWHIC is the only combined comprehensive health Web site and hotline service offered by the federal health agencies. It is designed to provide information on how women are uniquely affected by health concerns that threaten the general population, as well as on health issues that are exclusive to women. Other special features recently developed include a site for women with disabilities, a general Spanish-language section, a section devoted to the health concerns of women of color, and a section on men's health designed to help women better understand the health issues of the men in their lives.

"We were pleased we could partner with the Office on Women's Health by sharing information we created during the development of our own personalized health management program," said former American Heart Association president Martha Hill, R.N. Ph.D. "Our comprehensive cardiovascular disease and stroke risk reduction program, which allows people to participate not only via the Internet but also through an 800 number or the U.S. mail, will be ready later this fall."

The HHS Office on Women's Health provides national leadership in advancing women's health. It acts as a catalyst for new national and regional initiatives to improve women's health, including support for 17 Centers of Excellence in Women's Health that serve as models for integrated and comprehensive women's health care services and research.

The American Heart Association spends more than $300 million a year on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. With more than 4 million volunteers, it is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill more than 959,000 Americans

The new "tailored communications," technology was developed by MicroMass Communications, a pioneer in relationship marketing tools and personalized information health programs.

Note: HHS press releases are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.hhs.gov.