Healthy Women Today. A Newsletter from the National Women's Health Information Center (www.4woman.gov, 1-800-994-9662). The Office on Women's Health, U S Department of Health and Human Services

July 2002 edition

FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The tourists are back here in Washington, DC, a tribute to the nation's commitment to live our lives without fear. It's fun seeing the people interested in seeing the nation's capital.... college students, young families, and older folks in their sneakers and visors, enjoying the great sights and museums this city has to offer. We welcome them all. Seeing all of the joggers and cyclists out exercising is good motivation and encouragement. See our summer feature, "Hot Summer Moves!" below, for tips on fun summer activities to stay healthy.

Now that it's summer and the kids are out of school, please indulge me by focusing on summer safety for a minute. While the kids are at the pool, with their friends or even home, be sure to stay in touch with them regularly. In my family, kids go nowhere without a cell phone, to call home in an emergency. Since they know I will see the bill, they are not tempted to use it irresponsibly. Some cell phone providers have inexpensive family plans. My kids and I can call each other for free.

If you have teenagers at home, and a computer, it's likely the Internet will be buzzing this summer. At the National Women's Health Information Center, we have a great deal of experience in responsible Internet use. Have you set up Internet rules to guide your children? I have three words of advice: supervision, supervision, supervision! Even the nicest kids can be seduced by those chat rooms. Despite all the well-publicized horror stories, kids are still arranging to meet people they find on the Internet. Encourage them to tell you if they receive a message that in any way made them feel uncomfortable. You can forward these messages to your Internet service provider and ask for assistance. Make sure that you also maintain privacy on the Internet, and never give out personal information such as your home address, social security numbers, credit card numbers or telephone numbers while in those chat rooms.

While you are out enjoying your summer days, remember, anyone exposed to high temperatures for a sustained period of time is at risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Keep an eye on elderly neighbors and remind your older parents or friends to take the threat of heat related problems seriously. To prevent heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated and cool. It helps to spend even short periods of time in the shade, and plan outdoor activities for the cooler part of the day. For more information on preventing heat-related illnesses, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat.   And ... do I have to say it? SUNBLOCK! Even for darker complexions.

Please note our Guest Editor feature this month; on the role genetics plays in disease. Do you know that your body might be programmed with certain protections against illnesses, just as it might be programmed to get certain diseases? Also, to help you assess your risk for certain illnesses, please see our new user-friendly prevention charts at http://www.4woman.gov/screeningcharts/general.htm. Don't forget to read the news below about the 2003 Women's Health Daybook, now in development. We are very excited about this year's theme, "Health for the Home Front", which will include important health resources for all U.S. states and territories. Take time to remind a friend to order one.

At our household, the kids have just left for camp, and mom will celebrate by sleeping as long as she wants on Saturdays. The specter of summer projects looms ... summer yard work, overhaul of the kids' rooms, especially their closets. I must admit there is a thrill in being able to run out the door on my own, wearing a pair of shorts and sandals, or strolling through the produce stand without having to look at my watch even once, looking for those luscious peaches and strawberries just waiting with my name on them.

All of us at the Office on Women's Health wish you a beautiful July as a grateful nation celebrates its 326th birthday.

Until next time...

Carol Krause,
Director of Communications, Office on Women's Health, DHHS

IMPORTANT NWHIC and OWH NEWS


COMING SOON TO NWHIC!!! - "Health For the Home Front," Women's Health Weekly Organizer for 2003. Call our toll-free call center today at: 1-800-994-9662 to reserve your individual copy of our annual daybook.

NOW AVAILABLE!!! -The Prevention Guide: You can now order a single copy of "A Lifetime to Good Health, Your Guide to Staying Healthy." This attractive, easy to read guide offers basic information that every adult woman needs to know to protect her health and the health of the ones she loves. It's chock-full of useful information such as recommended screenings and immunizations and provides tips on topics such as maintaining a healthy pregnancy, healthy lungs and healthy eyes, just to name a few. You can order your copy now by calling NWHIC at 1-800-994-9662.

2002 Young Women's Health Summit, July 31 - August 3, Washington DC: The 2002 National Young Women's Health Summit is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health.

The goals of the Summit are to foster the development of community based health awareness programs through the efforts of young women, mentors, parents and local community groups. These educational sessions will alert young women to positive self, family and community health promotion activities that will lead to healthy behaviors and a health conscious nation. To learn more, visit: http://www.4woman.gov/nwhic/current/calendar/YWHS/2002/index.htm

First Annual National Women's Health & Fitness Day: On Wednesday, September 25, 2002, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 women of all ages will participate in local health and fitness events at hundreds of community locations across the country as part of the First Annual National Women's Health & Fitness Day (sm). This new event, the first of its kind, will always be held the last Wednesday in September as part of National Women's Health & Fitness Week celebrations throughout the United States. For more information, please visit: http://www.fitnessday.com/women/press_release.htm. The Office on Women's Health is a sponsor of this event.

OTHER HHS NEWS and EVENTS


National Leadership Summit to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health
July 10-12, Washington, DC: The Leadership Summit seeks to draw national attention to the existence of health disparities and to innovative approaches being implemented at the local, State, Federal and Tribal levels. Registration will be limited to 2,500 individuals on a first registered, first admitted basis. Additional information on registration, exhibiting, sponsorship and submitting an application for a poster session is available at: http://www.summit.omhrc.gov or 1-888-516-5599.

HHS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO "TAKE TIME TO CARE ABOUT DIABETES:" Free Risk Assessments for Women Offered in 10 Cities.

On May 2, 2002, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson launched a nationwide campaign to raise women's awareness about diabetes, a serious condition that affects more than 17 million Americans, more than half of them women. The main tools of the campaign -- diabetes-related brochures, wallet-sized calendars, and cards with recipes for nutritious meals -- will be distributed in grocery stores and pharmacies in the 10 cities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis and Philadelphia. The brochures are being provided in English and Spanish.

Additional information about the "Take Time to Care" campaign is available on a newly created web site http://www.fda.gov/womens/taketimetocare/diabetes. The site provides information about the campaign and diabetes and is being linked to the web sites of all the partners and HHS agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Relief Study: The National Institutes of Health invites women with endometriosis to take part in a pain relief study of the drug Raloxifene (EvistaT). Call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY# 1-866-411-1010). Learn more by going to the following URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/w1b/show/NCT00001848?order=1&JServSes

NEW!!! HOT SUMMER MOVES!


It's warm outside - take this opportunity to change or start a new exercise regimen. We all know that we can benefit from regular physical activity. But, do you know that exercise need not be strenuous in order for you to reap the rewards? This summer, try something new like in-line skating or enjoy a few hours in the pool with the kids. It's a great way to relax and work your entire body at the same time. Below, we have provided examples of how to get started. Don't forget your sun block! And be sure to always speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercises.

Try something new in the swimming pool:

If you'd rather stay on land:

For more information on physical fitness, please visit http://www.fitness.gov.

WHAT'S NEW ON THE NWHIC WEB SITE?


Presented by the Office on Women's Health (OWH) and the Society for Women's Health Research, "The State of the Art in the Management of Irritable Bowel Disease" as published in the Clinical Courier® is the first in a series of newsletters, based in part on the proceedings of a conference, that was held in December 2001, in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit: http://www.4woman.gov/owh/gastro/.  

JULY'S FEATURED HEALTH ARTICLE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALCOHOL ABUSE AND TREATMENT

Opinions vary on the definition of alcohol abuse. Abuse can be regular usage that is turning into a dependency. Abuse can also be binge drinking; consuming a large quantity of alcohol in a very short amount of time, but not necessarily every day. Some believe that more than one drink a day for most women is too much.

To read this FAQ in its entirety, please visit: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/sa-alcoh.htm

An updated Directory of Residency and Fellowship Programs in Women's Health is now available from the Office on Women's Health (OWH). This directory highlights established programs in the expanding field of postgraduate training in women's health. You can learn more at: http://www.4woman.gov/owh/resfel/.

GUEST EDITOR FEATURE FOR JULY 2002


"Like Mom, Like Me" - Catherine Cassidy, Editor in Chief at Prevention Magazine, introduces our featured article, written by Sarí Harrar, Barbara Loecher, and Elizabeth Shimer.

To read this article, please go to: http://www.4woman.gov/editor/jul02/.

COOKING HEALTHY IS EASY - START EATING RIGHT TODAY!


While it is important to keep in mind that no one food will make you healthy, a well-balanced diet will. The recipes below, provided by the American Heart Association's, Delicious Decisions Web Site ( http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/ ), contain healthy diet choices. These recipes may even reduce your risk of certain health conditions! Try one today!

Entrees:

Pot Roast Styled Steak with Tomatoes:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=224&Nutrition1='Entrees'&Nutrition2='Meat'&st=1

Spicy Baked Pork Chops:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=95&Nutrition1='Entrees'&Nutrition2='Meat'&st=21

Vegetables:

California Cucumber Salad:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=16&Nutrition2='Vegetable'&st=1

Guacamole Salad with Cactus:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=215&Nutrition2='Vegetable'&st=1

Soups:

Double Onion Soup with Cheese:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=198&Nutrition1='Soups+and+Stews'&st=1

Tomato Soup:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=77&Nutrition1='Soups+and+Stews'&st=1

Dessert:

Deep Dish Fruit Pie:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=61&Nutrition1='Desserts+and+Beverages'&st=1

Refrigerator Pineapple Cheesecake:
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/show_search.cfm?RecipeID1=63&Nutrition1='Desserts+and+Beverages'&st=21

JULY'S PICK YOUR PATH TO HEALTH THEME: Drug Abuse -- Use and You Lose!

Links for additional information on drug use, abuse and addiction for all women:

Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/PODAT/PODATIndex.html

Substance Abuse: A National Challenge - Prevention, Treatment and Research at HHS:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/subabuse.html

Find Out How to Keep Your Kids Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Free:
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/educational_materials/ms&mykid.htm

NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES IN JULY


Hemachromatosis Screening Awareness Month

Fire Works Safety Month (June 1 - July 4)

Eye Safety Awareness Week (June 27 through July 5)

National Therapeutic Recreation Week (14-20).

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH


Fireworks Safety:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/012.html

Frequently Asked Questions - Iron Overload and Hemachromatosis:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/hemochromatosis/faq.htm

Are You at Risk for Cataract?:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_risk.htm

10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/343.html

WHO IS USING NWHIC's SERVICES?


Again, New York 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 services if they need information on women's health topics. Take time to place your individual request for the 2003 Daybook or the Prevention Guide!

The five most popular NWHIC web pages this month were:

Our most frequently asked health topics this month were requests for information on: Menopause, Breast Cancer, Aging/Elderly, Nutrition and Women's Health.

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