"A time to begin taking the steps to
improve Women’s Health"

I. What is the Pick Your Path to Health Campaign?

Women experience multiple demands on their time and energy. Women tend to be the caregivers in our society – of children, spouses, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors – often caring for others before themselves. The campaign is designed to encourage women to take time to nurture themselves while taking care of their families and loved ones. It encourages awareness about key health issues among all women, especially African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic American, American Indian and Alaska Native Women. Research has shown there are significant health disparities among these groups compared to white women.

• The focus is on the importance of incorporating simple, preventive and positive health behavior into every day life based on the woman’s individual lifestyle and circumstances.

When women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant. Women need to be able to choose the most effective steps for their individual lifestyles and circumstances, they need to be informed and take responsible actions to improve their own health.

II. What resources offer information on improving women's health?

http://state.ct.us/dph/signal/osteoporsis/hom.htm provides women with valuable information on risk factor assessment and reduction, secondary causes of osteoporosis and tips on prevention strategies. This web site also discusses maximizing bone health, calcium requirements for all ages and links to national osteoporosis organizations.

http://state.ct.us/dph/bch/hei/arthritis%20page.html

http://www.arthritis.org

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Although arthritis can affect any one at any age at any time, there are higher rates in women and persons age 65 and older. The above web sites provide information on what arthritis is, who it affects, whether it can be treated and what individuals can do to reduce their risks. Tips for what an individual can do to take care of themselves, if they have been diagnosed with arthritis are also provided.

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes has information and the publication "Diabetes and Women's Health across the Life Stages. A Public Health Perspective." This document addresses the manifestations of diabetes at different stages of a woman's life, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/womenandtobacco shines a bright light on the devastating impact of smoking on women and the need for the Nation to come together and address this problem. Just look at a sample of the statistics summarized in this report.

• An estimated 27,000 more women died of lung cancer than of breast cancer in 2000.

• Three million women have died prematurely because of smoking since 1980, and on average, these women died 14 years prematurely.

• Twenty-two percent of women smoked cigarettes in 1998.

• And 30 percent of high school senior girls reported smoking in the past month, according to recent information.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco is the hub of tobacco-related health information including free materials, help for quitting, campaign updates, publications, data and much, much more. This site also contains a special spotlight on the new Surgeon General's Report entitled "Women and Smoking."

http://www.womenagainst.org

Founded by the American Medical Women's Association, the National Coalition FOR Women Against Tobacco aims to recognize the dangers of tobacco use and exposure, and take a leadership role in helping the global community of women and girls lead tobacco-free lives. On this site you will find a way to join the campaign and make your voice heard as well as some goodies for your computer and two videos featuring recording artists, The Indigo Girls.

http://www.cdc.gov/health/womensmenu.htm contains links to other web sites from a list of 18 topics related specifically to women's health. Use this site to link to lots of other health-related resources. Also access all other health topics available through the CDC itself.

http://www.cdc.gov/ccdpdp/cvd

http://www.americanheart.org

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death for women and men. Information about heart disease, stroke and obesity in women can be found at the above sites.

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ttp://www.cdc.gov/ncipc The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has information and resources on preventing injuries including falls which are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization and death among older adult women in Connecticut." A Tool Kit To Prevent Senior Falls" which includes a reproducible safety checklist can be ordered from http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub 

III. Department of Public Health Programs that Focus on

Women's Health

Healthy Choices for Women and Children

Pregnancy-Related Mortality Surveillance

Unintentional Injury Prevention

Prevention of Falls among Older Adults (local health departments may use their PHHS Block Grant Funding to conduct home safety assessments and provide educational sessions on fall prevention)

• Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program -

This program provides comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screening throughout Connecticut for medically underserved women. For screening locations and eligibility call the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at (860) 509-7804.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

• Intimate Partner Violence Training Program