Pennsylvania Department of Health Reminds Women to Stay Healthy

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In observance of National Women's Health Week, Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy reminded women of the manageable steps they can take today and incorporate year-round to improve and take control of their health. Women's Health Week celebrates the progress in women's health and recognizes that more needs to be done to safeguard the health of women and future generations.

"Women of all ages need to know about their health risk factors and to learn about actions they can take to improve their own health," said Dr. Murphy.  "Although National Women's Health Week is coming to an end, it's never too late to take measures to improve your health. Whether you're in your 20s or your 90s, commit to a healthier you today by taking these steps: eating healthy; getting active; avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption; reducing stress and getting enough sleep; scheduling your annual medical checkup and preventive screenings."

Screenings can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some common screenings include obesity, breast and cervical cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Check with your family physician to see which screenings apply to you.

The Department of Health has several programs to increase awareness of women's health issues and provides important health services:

• The HealthyWoman Program – this program provides mammograms, clinical breast examinations and education on breast self-examination, Pap tests and pelvic examinations. These services are available year-round to adult women who are traditionally hard-to-reach, aged 50 to 64, with low to moderate incomes, and those who have limited or no insurance. For more information, visit www.PAHealthyWoman.org.
• Pa. Breast Cancer Coalitions' Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund – found on Pennsylvania's state income tax reporting forms, you can contribute directly by making a donation of all or a part of your tax refund. Every penny of your donation goes to fund breast and cervical cancer research conducted by Pennsylvania researchers. For more information, visit www.pabreastcancer.org or call 1-800-377-8828.
• Pennsylvania's Women Infants and Children (WIC) program – is a health and nutrition program for women, with low to moderate income who have infants and children under age 5. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition services, breastfeeding support, and healthcare and social service referrals. For more information, call 1-800 WIC-WINS (800-942-9467).
• The Healthy Baby Line – assists pregnant women with finding medical and health care coverage so they can receive prenatal care, and connects new mothers with breastfeeding support in their local communities.  For more information, call 1-800-986-BABY.

For more information about women's health and services available to women in Pennsylvania, visit www.health.pa.gov, click on the My Health tab, Women's Health section.

Media Contact: Amy Worden, 717-787-1783           

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us

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