Passion Award Given to Woman Raising Awareness of Pelvic Health Conditions

Christine Cornell of Downers Grove, Ill., Recognized for Her Inspiring Story

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Jun 07, 2010, 08:01 ET

CHICAGO, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- One in three women experience light bladder leakage (LBL) but many are too embarrassed to talk about it. Women's Health Foundation (WHF) and Poise brand have teamed up to reduce the stigma associated with LBL and celebrate the women who continue to break barriers around this and other pelvic health conditions with a special award.

WHF honored Christine Cornell, one of the many women championing this cause, by naming her the 2010 Passion Award winner at its annual Below the Belt Gala in Chicago this past weekend. The Passion Award, sponsored by the Poise brand, is given annually to a woman who has overcome a pelvic health condition, such as LBL, overactive bladder or pelvic organ prolapse, and found personal strength through wellness and lifestyle changes.

Cornell has managed and overcome pelvic issues such as LBL and uterine prolapse after giving birth to three children and is passionate about encouraging open conversation surrounding pelvic health. Having worked as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer for over 20 years, she has become a respected advocate for pelvic health in her community through teaching and speaking at local hospitals and fitness centers in DuPage County, Ill. Cornell has more recently become a master trainer of WHF's comprehensive pelvic exercise and education program, Total Control®, and is focusing on teaching prenatal and postnatal women and seniors.

"Pelvic health is as important as any other part of your health," said Cornell. "Too many women don't realize this and aren't even talking to their doctors about it. I think it's good for women to hear that someone with my training and understanding of pelvic health still focuses on improving it every day -- I am not giving up!"

Cornell accepted her award during the Gala where Grammy Award-nominated artist Jewel performed a private concert. The Below the Belt Gala is held every year to help further WHF's mission to improve the pelvic health and wellness for all women.

Too many women keep LBL to themselves out of shame and embarrassment. In fact, a survey conducted by the Poise brand and WHF showed that almost 60 percent of women do not talk about their LBL with friends or family and almost 40 percent do not even talk to a health care professional. Half of women who experience LBL feel there is a stigma associated with the condition.

The Poise brand and WHF are committed to engaging women in a dialogue to reduce the stigma surrounding pelvic health issues. In addition to the annual Passion Award, the Poise brand and WHF have partnered on several educational initiatives across the country, including WHF's Sex, Chocolate and Your Pelvic Floor events which invite women to engage in an open conversation about pelvic wellness while enjoying an exciting evening of champagne, chocolate and activities.

To learn more about the Poise brand, LBL and solutions visit www.1in3likeme.com and for more information about WHF visit www.womenshealthfoundation.org.

About the Poise Brand and Kimberly-Clark

Launched in 1992 by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Poise brand is the market leader in absorbent protection products for women. Poise products come in three different forms (liners, ultra thins and pads), five absorbencies and offer custom product features such as longer length and wings. For more information and to request a free consumer sample kit, visit www.poise.com.

Kimberly-Clark and its well known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No.1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 138-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

About Women's Health Foundation

Founded in 2004, Women's Health Foundation (WHF) is a nonprofit organization focused on providing life strategies, community-based programs and services, and events to encourage women to proactively manage their pelvic health and wellness. Dedicated to eliminating the Sisterhood of Silence and creating a Sisterhood of Strength, WHF is becoming the nation's most visible and passionate champion of women's pelvic wellness issues. Headquartered in Chicago, Women's Health Foundation sponsors programs in Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, Arizona, Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and throughout the Chicagoland area. To learn more, visit www.womenshealthfoundation.org.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark