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For immediate release: May 5, 2004 (04-048)
Contacts:
Jane Wilson, Family Planning and
Reproductive Health 360-236-3469
Miriam Fay, Heart Disease and Stroke
Prevention 360-236-3792
Kate Lynch, Communications Office
360-236-4072
This Mother’s Day give yourself or the woman you love a healthy gift
OLYMPIA ¾ Many women are so busy taking care of everybody and everything in their lives that they often don’t make the time to take care of themselves. During Washington Women’s Health Week, May 9-15, health professionals are reminding women to make choices that will help them live longer, healthier lives. Health fairs, workshops, free exams and testing are just some of the activities that will be held statewide.
"We know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for women – and men," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Women are 10 times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer. Simple tests can help women detect heart disease and cancer, and help them live longer and healthier."
The largest event, hosted by the Washington Health Foundation, is the 2nd Annual Latina Health Fair which will be held at Seattle's Seahawks Stadium on Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be free mammograms, Pap and other health tests at the event. Women who are interested in free tests should call 1-800-756-5437 for an appointment.
In Wenatchee, Sonus Center for Sound Hearing will offer free hearing tests. Longview Family Health Center will offer free cholesterol screening. Tribal health clinics – Nisqually, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Squaxin, Suquamish and Swinomish – will host events and offer special gifts for women. Events and activities are also planned in Cathlamet, Connell, Federal Way, Olympia, Renton, Tacoma, Kingston, Moses Lake, Ephrata, Medical Lake, Bremerton, and Anacortes. A list of Washington health events is online (http://www.doh.wa.gov/OS/commoffice/events.htm).
The Department of Health will also offer free blood pressure screening for state employees in Western Washington at offices in Kent, Shoreline, Olympia, and Tumwater. Call 360-236-3469 for details.
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and cancer accounted for more than 12,000 deaths among Washington women in 2002. Most of these deaths could have been prevented or delayed if the conditions had been detected early and treated.
Heart disease and stroke can be detected early by identifying risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. For more information, contact American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org.
Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer, and many programs are available to help smokers quit. Quit line: 877-270-STOP or visit www.Quitline.com.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Washington women. Invasive cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. When detected early, the chances of a full recovery and longer life are much greater. For information call 1-888-438-2247 or visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/wbchp/ .
Sexual assault affects many Washington women. A survey of women aged 18-96 found that 33 percent – more than 765,000 – had been sexually assaulted sometime in their lives. For more information, call 360-754-7583. Local toll-free hotlines can be found online at the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (www.wcsap.org).
Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), was diagnosed in more than 12,000 women last year. It is the most common STD among young women. Many women have no symptoms of the infection, which can cause fertility problems later in life. Information about clinics and testing is available from Family Planning and Reproductive Health (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/FPRH/default.htm) or call the hotline: 800-272-2437.
For information in English and Spanish about local events during National Women’s Health Week, call the National Women’s Health Information Center at 800-994-WOMAN (9662); hearing-impaired, 888-220-5446. Or visit the Web site at www.4woman.gov/whw/
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