| May 13, 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gov. Blagojevich launches Women’s Health Week in Illinois on Mother’s DayHealth fairs, workshops, seminars, speakers and screenings held across the state to help improve women’s healthSPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Wishing moms a happy Mother’s Day and encouraging women to take simple steps to improve their health and live healthier, longer and happier lives, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proclaimed May 13 through May 19th Women’s Health Week in Illinois. The state declaration was made in conjunction with the 8th annual National Women’s Health Week themed “It’s Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit.” The Governor also announced $44,000 in grants to local health departments to help sponsor women’s health events across Illinois. “Mothers make so many sacrifices to take care of their families and the people they love. Today is a chance to show mothers how much we appreciate them and to encourage them to take care of themselves as well as they take care of others. Every year thousands of women in Illinois die from cancer and heart disease. Women's Health Week is a time for women to learn about how they can lead healthy lifestyles and remind them about the importance of knowing their health background along with their risk factors so they can take action,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “By taking some of the simplest steps, like going for walk, eating more fruits and vegetables and making sure to go for routine health screenings, women can see significant results and improvement in their health,” said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health Director. “The more women know about the diseases that affect them and their own risk factors, the better able they are to take charge of their health and live better lives.” The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Office of Women’s Health awarded 44, $1,000 grants to local health departments holding health fairs, seminars, workshops and other activities in recognition of Women’s Health Week. The following local health departments received grants.
Gov. Blagojevich has made women’s health a priority in Illinois and strongly supports the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women’s Health and its administration of three specific cardiovascular programs: Heart Smart for Women, Heart Smart for Teens and the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program. Heart Smart for Women is a 12-week education program where participants learn the benefits of exercise and nutrition as well as how to reduce their cardiovascular risk. Last year more than 2,100 women participated in the program, and almost 60 percent of those women reported improved nutrition and/or physical activity levels. Heart Smart for Teens is a nine-week education program to educate adolescent girls about the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and teach them the importance of healthy diets and physical activity. Last year more than 3,000 girls completed the program, and 78 percent of those girls reported improved knowledge about nutrition and physical activity. The Illinois WISEWOMAN Program is designed to help women reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes through screenings, physical activity and healthy eating habits. This research program is offered in 21 Illinois counties and targets women in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. ProclamationWhereas, Women’s Health Week was being initiated in the dawn of the new millennium by a coalition of public and private organizations dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues; Whereas, From that day forward Women’s Health Week has occurred in the spring with an annual celebration held the week following Mother’s Day; Whereas, Women’s Health Week is a celebration of women taking responsibility for their own health through greater knowledge and understanding; Whereas, The State of Illinois is committed to the prevention of illness and to the promotion of good health among all Illinois women; Whereas, Women’s Health Week celebrates the efforts of national and community organizations working with partners and volunteers to improve awareness of key women’s health issues; Whereas, Significant numbers of female-related health problems, such as breast and cervical cancer, could be detected and treated if the awareness of these problems were increased; Whereas, The State of Illinois promotes statewide women’s health week events and promotions; and Whereas, The State of Illinois has chosen to officially launch our statewide efforts. THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 13, 2007, through Saturday, May 19, 2007, to be WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS and encourage all citizens of the State of Illinois to increase their awareness and understanding of women’s health issues. For more information call the Women’s Health-Line at 888-522-1282 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only), 800-547-0466. Information on women’s health issues and programs can also be found on the IDPH Web site, www.idph.state.il.us.
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |