SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today announced the awarding of more than $1.5 million in grants for women's health programs that focus on cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, menopause and eating disorders.

"The recipients will administer model education programs designed to help women and young girls lead healthier lifestyles," Dr. Whitaker said. "Included are multi-week curricula and health promotion activities that cover nutrition, exercise, risk assessment, treatment options and prevention strategies."

Some programs focus specifically on individuals at risk, while others focus on providers and professionals who come in contact with those at risk.

"Our community education programs have exceptionally successful track records," Dr. Whitaker said. "For example, 7,800 women participated in our osteoporosis education programs last year, and more than eight out of 10 indicated they either made a lifestyle change or took preventive measures to reduce their risk of osteoporosis."

The Women's Health Initiative Grants, which are funded through state general revenue funds, provide money for six model education programs -

1. Heart Smart for Women, a 12-week community-based program designed to change behavior while promoting the benefits of exercise and nutrition.
2. Heart Smart for Teens, a nine-week nutrition and exercise curriculum geared toward school-aged girls.
3. Building Better Bones, which offers group education sessions, as well bone density screening for osteoporosis.
4. Osteoporosis Provider Education, which educates health care providers about identifying, treating and preventing osteoporosis.
5. Understanding Menopause, which offers educational sessions that help women understand peri-menopause and menopause and inform them about related health issues.
6. Eating Disorder Professional Education, which helps adults who work with young women and girls to understand and recognize disordered eating patterns and to refer those at risk.

This is the seventh year that the Department has offered women's health funding to local health departments and community-based organizations.

A list of this year's 72 grant recipients is attached.