 Healthy Women
Today
October 2003
FROM THE NWHIC PROJECT DIRECTOR
U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Office
on Women's Health (OWH)
October brings some of the health
observances that are closest to our hearts: National Breast Cancer Awareness month,
National Domestic Violence Awareness month, National Lupus month and nearly 30 other
health observances. You can check NWHIC's calendar for a full list of these health
observances. When you do, remember the simple steps you can take in your everyday life
that can help prevent some of these health problems. Things like being physically active
on most days of the week, eating a healthy balanced diet and working with your health care
provider to get important screening tests go a long way in helping to prevent many
diseases.
Take a moment this month to review our
re-designed Menopause & Hormone Therapy Page (http://www.4woman.gov/Menopause/). The Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), joined by Congressman Henry Bonilla and Congresswoman Rosa
DeLauro, recently launched a nationwide information campaign to raise awareness about the
recent findings on the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy.
"Postmenopausal hormone therapy is a major, personal decision for women, and they
should be armed with the latest key facts and useful tools to make the best decision for
their needs. It is very important that women realize that this beneficial therapy also
carries significant risks. Our recommendation is that if you choose to use hormone therapy
for hot flashes or vaginal dryness, or if you prefer it to other treatments to prevent
thin bones, take the lowest dose for the least duration required to provide relief,"
said Dr. Mark B. McClellan, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration. The main tools of the campaign are a menopause and hormone-therapy
fact sheet, and a purse guide that provides questions for discussion with a health
professional. These materials are available in both English and Spanish from the National
Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) by contacting: 1-800-994-9662 or
TDD:
1-888-220-5446.
Recent weather conditions brought out the
best in neighbors as Hurricane Isabel hit the Mid-Atlantic region. As power outages spread
across the region, people loaned out everything from chain saws for fallen trees to
candles, flashlights, batteries, freezer space and even charcoal to grill food before it
spoiled.
Hopefully now we can move on to enjoy a
glorious fall. Let the season continue to become your own best friend, and take good care
of yourself and your family. Until next month …
Valerie Scardino, M.P.A.
NWHIC Project Director
Office on Women's Health, DHHS
IMPORTANT NWHIC & OWH NEWS
HHS DESIGNATES SIX NEW
NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (CoEs) IN WOMEN'S HEALTH
The new centers awarded
through HHS' Office on Women's Health are at Virginia Commonwealth
University, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Brown
University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Arizona and the
Oregon Health and Science University. The centers will serve as
"one-stop shopping" models targeted to the health care needs of
women.
This newest generation of
centers will broaden the reach of this already successful program. The
centers not only will provide nationwide examples of excellence in
integrated women's health care, but also will strengthen our ability to
continue addressing the special health concerns of women in ethnically,
racially, and culturally diverse communities. Evaluations of existing
National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health have found that the
approach strengthens the focus on women's health at academic medical
centers. In addition, the centers provide a wide array of clinical
preventive services and produce high levels of patient satisfaction.
The centers partner with
the National Community Centers of Excellence in Women's Health, a network
of 12 community health centers and clinics that provides funding to
existing community-based organizations to develop models of comprehensive,
preventive care for underserved women of all races across their life span
and to replicate these models in other communities and organizations. To
learn more about the CoE Program go to http://www.4woman.gov/coe/.
 NEW MENOPAUSE SECTION ON WWW.4WOMAN.GOV!
Women are often curious about what will happen
when they reach menopause. To help alleviate these concerns, NWHIC has developed a new web
site section containing resources and information on the period prior to menopause
(perimenopause), signs and symptoms of menopause, recommendations, how to talk to your
doctor and information regarding alternative therapies.
Learn more by going to: http://www.4woman.gov/menopause/
STEPS TO A HEALTHIER US INITIATIVE:
2nd National Steps to a Healthier US Summit - March 18-19, 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland
Submit an Abstract for the Summit
Online at: http://steps2004.iqsolutions.com/abstracts/
The deadline for submission
is October 31, 2003.
If you have any questions about the
Summit, please contact:
Nancy Stanisic
202-260-3601
nstanisic@osophs.dhhs.gov
THE NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN:
Breastfeeding Helpline! NWHIC Can
Answer Your Basic Breastfeeding Questions - Do you have questions about
breastfeeding? NWHIC can help you with your basic breastfeeding concerns. Our trained
Information Specialists can answer breastfeeding questions in English and Spanish, order
free breastfeeding publications for you and direct you to organizations that can provide
you with additional assistance. Call us today at: 1-800-994-9662 or TDD 1-888-220-5446.
FREE BREASTFEEDING INFORMATION
PACKETS NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND CHINESE! These information sheets
are available through our toll-free call center 1-800-994-9662, and online. They may also
be reproduced as needed. Please share these links with your friends and family members who
are breastfeeding or who would like to learn more about breastfeeding.
Spanish: www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/Spanish/sp-breastfeeding.pdf
Chinese: www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/bf-chinese.pdf
English: www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/Breastfeeding.pdf
NEW!!!!! "AN EASY GUIDE TO
BREASTFEEDING FOR AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE FAMILIES" This
publication provides information and encouragement to American Indian and Alaska Native
women to breastfeed. It explains the benefits for baby, mom and society, and also provides
frequently asked questions and answers about breastfeeding. It also stresses the
importance of breastfeeding in the American Indian and Alaska Native community, provides
information on how this issue is being addressed, and how to talk to your healthcare
provider about breastfeeding.
FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT AND PROMOTION INFORMATION FREE FROM NWHIC!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services' Office on Women's Health recognizes the critical role of knowledgeable health
care professionals in promoting and supporting breastfeeding.
The Office on Women's Health supported The
American Academy of Pediatrics in the development of the AAP Speaker's Kit on
Breastfeeding Promotion and Management that will enable health care professionals to
educate themselves and their colleagues while spreading the message about breastfeeding in
the community.
The CD-ROM, "Breastfeeding Support and
Promotion," provides a comprehensive discussion of the key topic areas, including
management strategies for common breastfeeding challenges. Speaker's notes are available
with each slide on the CD-ROM.
Ten Steps to Support Parents' Choice to
Breastfeed Their Baby, also included in the kit, is a culturally effective
poster/brochure adapted in consultation with the National Center for Cultural Competence
and the 11-organization project advisory committee for the AAP/Maternal and Child Health
Bureau-funded Breastfeeding Promotion in Physicians' Office Practices program, that shares
healthcare provider's commitment to breastfeeding promotion and support with their
patients. Health professionals may request a free copy of the kit by calling NWHIC at
1-800-994-9662.
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR
COPY OF THE 2004 WOMEN'S HEALTH DAYBOOK,
"Wellness Starts With You: Women's Steps to a Healthier US"! Our annual
Daybook offers comprehensive information on a variety of health topics along with other
valuable resources. Reserve your individual copy by calling us at: 1-800-994-9662!
FREE 4GIRLS.GOV POSTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM NWHIC! Call NWHIC at
1-800-994-9662 to request a free poster of the 4Girls Health web site for the young lady
in your life. The 4Girls Health web site www.4girls.gov
was developed by the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human
Services to give girls between the ages of 10 and 16 reliable, current health information.
The site focuses on many health topics that respond to adolescent girls' health concerns
and motivates girls to choose healthy behaviors using positive, supportive and
non-threatening messages.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: The
Office on Women's Health would like to highlight a number of new funding opportunities.
You may view them by going to: www.4woman.gov/fund/index.htm.
OCTOBER FEATURED HEALTH ARTICLE
Frequently Asked Questions about
Breast Self--Exams
Regular breast self-exam can help you know
how your breasts normally feel and look, so you can notice any changes. When you find a
change, you should see your health care provider. Most breast changes or lumps are not
cancerous, but only a health care provider can tell you for sure. When breast cancer is
found early, you have more treatment choices and a better chance of recovery. So, it is
important to find breast cancer as early as possible. Breast self-exam should not take the
place of getting regular mammograms. Right now, mammograms are the best way to find breast
cancer early and to improve your chances for survival.
For more information on breast-self
examinations, please go to: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/bsefaq.htm
GUEST EDITOR FEATURE FOR OCTOBER 2003
The featured health article for this month
comes from Ladies Home Journal Online:
Lumps, Bumps & Pain
http://www.lhj.com/lhj/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/lhj/story/data/13799.xml
COOKING HEALTHY IS EASY - START EATING RIGHT TODAY!
NWHIC is featuring quick,
colorful dishes, ready to eat in 30 minutes or less from the American Heart Association's
"Delicious Decisions" site (http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/).
Involve the kids and spend quality time with them if you weren't there to help with
homework.
ENTRÉES:
Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=31&Nutrition1='Entrees'
Turkey Lasagna:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=35&Nutrition1='Entrees'&st=61
Sloppy Joes:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=41&Nutrition1='Entrees'&st=41
LUNCH:
Double Onion Soup with Cheese:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=198&Nutrition1='Soups+and+Stews'
Tomato Soup:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=77&Nutrition1='Soups+and+Stews'&st=1
Shrimp Gumbo:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=13&Nutrition1='Soups+and+Stews'&st=1
BREAKFAST:
Cinnamon-Orange Pancakes:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=71&Nutrition1='Breakfast'&st=1
Egg, Spinach and Bacon Sandwiches:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=147&Nutrition1='Breakfast'&st=1
Omelettes:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=69&Nutrition1='Breakfast'&st=1
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES IN OCTOBER
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Healthy Lung Month
- National Lupus Awareness Month
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
- National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (12-18)
- National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (19-25)
- National Child Health Day (6)
- National Mammography Day (17)
THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR
HEALTH
What You Need to Know About Mammography and Breast Cancer:
http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/brcneed2.htm
What You Can Do if You Are a Victim of A Crime:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/factshts/whatyoucando/welcome.html
A Breath of Fresh Air:
http://www.4woman.gov/QuitSmoking/index.cfm
Handout on Health: Systematic Lupus Erythematosus:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/lupus/slehandout/index.htm
Tools to Build a Happier Life:
http://www.4woman.gov/tools/
WHO IS USING NWHIC'S SERVICES?
California produced the most calls to our toll-free Information and Referral line. Help
your state become our "number one" state by encouraging your friends, colleagues
and family members to call our toll-free service if they need information on women's
health topics.
Our most frequently asked health topics this month were requests for information on:
Breastfeeding, Breast Cancer, Menopause, Diabetes and State Health Department
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