THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly

IN THIS ISSUE:
1) Secretary Thompson expands access to health care for Afghani Women
2) National Minority Cancer Awareness Week
3) Personal Health
4) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson introduces his health care Prevention strategy
5) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's public schedule:
Secretary Thompson expands access to health care for Afghani Women

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson is participating in a joint effort with the Department of Defense to open the Rabia Balkhai Women's Hospital in Afghanistan. The hospital will have completely refurbished facilities and more training will be provided to physicians, nurses, midwives, and clinicians to assist in lowering the country's extremely high incidence of infant mortality. With 165 out of every 1,000 infants dying at birth, and maternal mortality being the second highest in the world, this hospital will finally bring services to women that were traditionally neglected under the Taliban.

Since the Memorandum of Understanding was signed last October between Afghani President Karzai and Secretary Thompson, there has been increased funding and other efforts designed to stabilize Afghanistan's health system.

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To mark National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (April 20-26) Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson will be announcing public awareness efforts that focus on reducing cancer and health disparities within minority populations.

The new initiatives are centered around the theme of prevention steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Some of the presenters during the event include HHS Secretary Thompson, ABC Radio personality Tom Joyner, NCI Director Dr. Andrew Von Eschenbach, CDC Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Dr. Nancy Lee, and American Cancer Society CEO Dr. John R. Seffrin.

The event will be held on Thursday, April 24, (time to be disclosed) at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. There will also be heart-healthy fruits and vegetables offered to the public.

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Here is some information to disparage the myth that dairy products are fattening and unhealthy:

Fact: Dairy products have many nutrients your body needs. They have calcium to help children grow strong bones and to keep adult bones strong and healthy. They also have vitamin D to help your body use calcium, and protein to build muscles and to help organs work properly.

Low-fat and nonfat dairy products are as nutritious as whole milk dairy products, but they are lower in fat and calories. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk, cheese, yogurt (frozen or regular), and reduced-fat ice cream.

For people who can not digest lactose (a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products), lactose-free dairy products can be used. These are also good sources of protein and calcium. If you are sensitive to some dairy foods, you may still be able to eat others, like yogurt, hard cheese, evaporated skim milk, and buttermilk. Other good sources of calcium are dark leafy vegetables (like spinach), calcium-fortified juice, bread, and soy products (like tofu), and canned fish with soft bones (like salmon).

Many people are worried about eating butter and margarine. Eating a lot of foods high in saturated fat (like butter) has been linked to high blood cholesterol levels and a greater risk of heart disease. Some research suggests that high amounts of "trans fat" can also cause high blood cholesterol levels. Trans fat is found in margarine, crackers, cookies, and other snack foods made with hydrogenated vegetable shortening or oil. Trans fat is formed when vegetable oil is hardened to become margarine or shortening, a process called "hydrogenation." More research is ongoing to determine the effect of trans fat on the risk of heart disease. Foods high in fat, like butter and margarine, should be used in small amounts.

This information is provided by the National Institute of Health.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced Steps to a HealthierUS, an initiative to promote the prevention of chronic diseases and ultimately lower the cost of health care last week. The risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes can be dramatically reduced by taking simple preventive steps such as eating 5 fruits and vegetables and walking 30 minutes each day.

"I am convinced that preventing disease by promoting better health is a smart policy choice for our future," Secretary Thompson said. "Our current health care system is not structured to deal with the escalating costs of treating diseases that are largely preventable through changes in our lifestyle choices."

Steps to a HealthierUS will take a community-based approach by issuing $15 million in grants to support programs across the country that have made an impact on behavior and yielded results within the population.

To find out more about Steps, visit www.HealthierUS.gov/steps.

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Minority Cancer Awareness Awareness event
Thursday April 24, Time to be disclosed
Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C.

National Donate Life Month Celebration
Friday April 25, 10 a.m.
Lobby of UNOS building

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Last updated May 8, 2003
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