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HHS URGES WOMEN TO TAKE A DAY FOR THEIR HEALTH AND TO LEARN HEALTH FACTS THROUGH A SPECIAL DATABASE

May 9, 2004

Contact: Linda Allen
HHS' Office on Women's Health
(202) 205-2551
or
Jennifer Haslip
Matthews Media Group
(240) 747-1734

Washington, D.C. -- Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other leading causes of death among women may be prevented if women take simple, proactive steps to monitor and improve their health. To celebrate the importance of women's health, the Office on Women's Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has launched its fifth annual National Women's Health Week. A national effort by an alliance of government organizations, National Women's Health Week will be observed from May 9 to May 15, commencing on Mother's Day.

During this observance, the second annual National Women's Check Up Day will be held on Monday, May 10. On that day, almost 400 community health centers, hospitals, and other health care providers will offer preventive health care screenings and other services to women around the country.

"We continue to see heart disease, diabetes, stroke and lung cancer take a terrible toll on women nationwide. At the same time, we know that there are steps that women can take to reduce the impact of these diseases, including staying active and eating a healthy diet," HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "This week is a time to encourage women to take care of themselves and get the preventive screenings they need."

During National Women's Health Week, which encourages women to lead healthier lives, more than 500 events focusing on women's health will take place around the country. Examples of events include health fairs, walks, guest speakers, and healthy cooking demonstrations. These events will occur across communities at local health care centers, in places of worship, in community centers, and in schools. Across the country, governors and mayors of 82 states, towns and territories have declared May 9 15, 2004, National Women's Health Week.

HHS' Office on Women's Health is also releasing the first women's database containing extensive health data at the county and state level by age, race/ethnicity, and gender: all at the same time. It includes mortality and incidence rates for a variety of chronic and infectious diseases, including heart disease and indicators for mental health, reproductive health, maternal health, violence and abuse, illness prevention, and access to care. This information can benefit researchers, women's and maternal child health organizations, state health departments, consumers, and others. The database is available on CD-ROM at no cost by calling George Tsamoutales at Quality Resource Systems, 703-352-7393.

Additionally, to encourage young women to adopt good health habits, HHS' Office on Women's Health has redesigned its Web site targeting girls ages 10 16. The 4Girls web site www.GirlsHealth.gov features accurate, up-to-date information on health and relationship issues particularly important to young women. A sounding board of 16 diverse young women ages 12 to 17 provided input into the site's new design.

To find a National Women's Health Week event or get a Check-Up in your area, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw or call 1-800-994-WOMAN (9662), Monday through Friday, 9 AM 6:00 PM Eastern Time, or TDD 1-888-220-5446. Callers can speak to Information Specialists, who can provide services in both English and Spanish.