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May 9, 2003
Honolulu - Heart disease, cancer and stroke kill
hundreds-of-thousands of women every year in America. These killers can
be stopped, prevented or treated if caught early. To kick off "National
Women’s Health Week" May 11-17, women across the state and across
the nation are being encouraged to take simplest most effective actions
for better health - getting an annual check-up.
- More than 22 percent of Hawaii women have high blood cholesterol, a
leading risk factor for heart disease, the number one killer of women
in Hawaii.
- Despite many cancers being preventable or treatable with early
detection cancer remains the second leading cause of death of women in
Hawaii.
- About 6.8 percent of women in Hawaii have been diagnosed with
diabetes, it is estimated that as many as 10,000 women remain
undiagnosed.
- Over 40 percent of women in Hawaii are over this recommended weight
range. Excess weight contributes to heart disease, cancer, diabetes,
stroke, arthritis and mental health problems, such at depression.
"Women are the caregivers in the family, unfortunately they often
put themselves last when it comes to healthcare," said Chiyome Fukino,
M.D., Director of the Hawaii State Department of Health. "National
Women’s Health Week is a good opportunity for families across
the state to take care of the ‘caregiver’. Ask the women in
your life if they are up-to-date on all their screenings and encourage
them to see their doctor."
The Hawaii State Department of Health and the Women’s Health
Ohana Coalition want to encourage every woman to call their doctor
today and schedule an appointment. Visit www.hawaii.gov/doh and click on
"Recommended Screenings For Women" to get a printable list of what
screenings are appropriate for women of different ages.
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For more information, contact:
Betty Wood
Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant
Phone: (808) 586-4530
E-mail: phhsbg01@mail.health.state.hi.us
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