First Lady Cheri Daniels recognizes National Women’s Health Week
INDIANAPOLIS (May 8, 2009) - First Lady Cheri Daniels and the Indiana State Department of Health are joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to celebrate the tenth annual National Women's Health Week. With the theme "It's Your Time," the nationwide initiative will kick off on Mother's Day and will be observed until May 16.
"National Women's Health Week is important because it encourages women to take time for their own health," said First Lady Cheri Daniels. "Women are often too concerned about their families to make their own health a priority. The goal is to remind women that they too need to visit the doctor for regular checkups and screenings, eat a balanced diet and schedule enough time each week for physical activity."
During the week, communities, health organizations, businesses, government agencies and individuals will join together to raise awareness about women's health issues and educate women about the simple steps to take for a longer, healthier and happier life.
"Women suffer from many of the same illnesses and disease that men do, but they often present with different symptoms and have unique barriers to accessing health information and health care," said Tanya Parrish, Director of the Indiana Office of Women's Health. "By shining the spotlight on the unique aspects for women related to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and many other health conditions, we can begin to make a positive impact on the health of Hoosier women."
Various organizations across the state are hosting National Women's Health Week events, including educational workshops, group fitness walks, and free screenings and preventive tests. National Women's Checkup Day, a day where women across the country are encouraged to visit their doctor, is May 11. In addition, the WOMAN (Women and Girls Out Moving Across the Nation) Challenge, an eight-week online physical activity program, will begin on May 10.
Governor Mitch Daniels has issued a proclamation declaring May 10-16 as Women's Health Week in Indiana.
For more information on National Women's Health Week events in Indiana, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/events.
For more information on National Women's Health Week and the WOMAN Challenge, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw.
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Media contacts:
Julie Aud, Office of the First Lady, 317/931.3076, jaud@gov.in.gov
Sarah Tagtmeyer, Office of the First Lady, 317/931.3076, stagtmeyer@gov.in.gov
