Empowering Women to Make Health a Top Priority
State public health director announces statewide events for National Women’s Health Week – May 9-15, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health director, is encouraging women to take time for themselves during National Women’s Health Week and focus on improving their health and preventing disease. This year’s theme is “It’s Your Time,” a nationwide initiative encouraging women to take simple steps for a healthier and happier life.
“Women are often the caregivers in the family, taking care of children, spouses, parents and others. During National Women’s Health Week, I encourage everyone to tell the women in their lives to take time for themselves, for their health,” Dr. Arnold said. “Tell you mother, grandmother, wife or aunt to get regular health screenings, take time to exercise and do the little things that will help them lead longer, healthier lives.”
The following are steps women can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain disease.
- Getting at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
- Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
- Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
As part of National Women’s Health Week, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Office of Women’s Health is teaming up with local health departments and medical centers to host women’s health education and screening events in communities. IDPH awarded 28 grants totaling $39,230 for events across the state designed to increase the knowledge and general well being of women.
Grantee |
Program |
Amount |
Bond County Health Department |
Stroke Awareness and Risk Assessment event May 11 - free screenings |
$1,000 |
Carroll County Health Department |
Healthy cooking demonstration, screenings and Zumba demonstration |
$1,000 |
Cass County Health Department |
Health fair and screenings |
$1,000 |
Douglas County Health Department |
Health fair with workshops, screenings and exhibitor education |
$2,000 |
Fayette County Health Department |
Health fair with lunch and prizes |
$1,000 |
Ford-Iroquois County Health Department |
Screenings and educational materials for 5K walk/run workshop |
$1,500 |
Hancock County Health Department |
“All About You Women’s Health Expo” May 14 |
$980 |
Henderson County Health Department |
Health Exposition and screenings |
$500 |
Henry County Health Department |
Healthy lifestyle education and screenings |
$1,000 |
Jasper County Health Department |
6th Annual Jasper County Health Fair |
$1,000 |
Jersey County Health Department |
Health fair and screenings for women |
$1,000 |
JoDaviess County Health Department |
May 19 cardiovascular disease screenings |
$500 |
Lake County Health Department |
Building Better Bones presentation |
$2,000 |
LaSalle County Health Department |
“Woman to Woman – Take Time for Yourself: workshop May 15 |
$2,000 |
Lee County Health Department |
Seminars and screenings |
$1,500 |
Livingston County Health Department |
Seminar speakers and screenings |
$2,000 |
Marshall County Health Department |
Community health fair with free screenings |
$1,000 |
Mason County Health Department |
Women’s Health Fair and screenings |
$2,000 |
Mercer County Health Department |
Workshop to promote physical activity |
$1,500 |
Monroe County Health Department |
Health fair, speakers and screenings |
$2,000 |
Peoria City/County Health Department |
Free heart and osteoporosis screenings |
$1,000 |
Provena St. Joseph Medical Center |
Workshops, exhibitors and screenings |
$3,000 |
Skokie Health Department |
Screenings and education program |
$1,000 |
Wabash County Health Department |
“Take Time for Your Health” gift packets |
$1,000 |
Washington County Health Department |
Women’s Health Awareness Day- May 10 |
$900 |
Schuyler County Health Department |
Educational sessions and screenings |
$1,850 |
Warren County Health Department |
“Health Series” for women |
$2,000 |
Will County Health Department |
Women’s Health Fair/ Workshop |
$2,000 |
TOTAL |
|
$39,230 |
The Office of Women’s Health encourages all Illinois women to participate in events their local health care facilities may be offering to promote a happier and healthier tomorrow.
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