Rep. Pat Gardner to Georgia Women: 'It’s Your Time' to Take Control of Healthcare
Atlanta, GA (May 14, 2012) – This week marks National Women’s Health Week. In March, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution that I sponsored recognizing National Women’s Health Week as a weeklong health observance, taking place May 13-19, 2012, to bring together communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week seeks to empower women to make their health a top priority.
Click here for Rep. Gardner's TV interview on National Women's Health Week.
“National Women’s Health Week is an annual observance that puts the spotlight on the health of women, who account for more than half our state’s population,” said Representative Pat Gardner. “Unfortunately, a lack of adequate health care can mean delayed detection of breast and cervical cancer, which are most treatable when found early, or the loss of the opportunity to prevent or delay diabetes.”
“Georgia women are often at risk to some of the most debilitating but preventable maladies. This makes it even more important for women in Georgia to take charge of their health,” said Representative Gardner.
During this year’s National Women’s Health Week, all women are urged to take charge of their health. By considering the following five steps, women can make great strides in improving and saving their lives:
Get moving! Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity, one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week. Exercise is vital to staying healthy and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis pain. Exercise can help prevent more serious complications, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in diabetics.
Eat Healthy. Eating a balanced diet and making good food choices helps to maintain a healthy weight, an important factor in preventing chronic diseases. Eating in a healthy manner is as simple as eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat versions of dairy products, fish, skinless poultry, lean red meats, dry beans, eggs, and nuts.
Get a Check Up. Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings. To learn more about the benefits and cost savings available, visit http://www.HealthCare.gov/.
Quit Smoking. Women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not. Speak with your employer about benefits available to help you quit. There are other community resources available through the American Lung Association. Visit http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/
Don’t Stress. Pay attention to your mental health, including managing stress and getting enough sleep. Sufficient sleep is a necessity and increasingly promoted as essential to preventing chronic disease.
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Click here for Pat's Latest E-newsletter of April 2, 2012
Click here to download Pat's April 2012 newsletter to House District 57 (PDF) |
