When was the last time you had a checkup? In honor of Women’s Health Month, Downeast Health Services Inc invites all women in Hancock and Washington counties to join us on May 24th, 2007, from 10am to 2pm for our first annual health fair in 3 locations, Ellsworth, Machias and Calais. The goal of National Women’s Health Month is to encourage women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.
Our clinics in Calais, Machias and Ellsworth are offering FREE exams and pap smears during this fair to any woman who has NO health insurance, and who has not had an exam or pap in the last two years. Downeast Health Services Inc will also offer refreshments, door prizes and information about other services for women at this time.
Services will be provided at:
All services are strictly confidential. If you are not available on May 24th, please call one of the telephone numbers listed above to make an appointment that convenient to your schedule.
The goal of National Women’s Health Month is a national effort by an alliance of organizations to raise awareness about manageable steps that women can take to improve their health. These steps include eating right, exercising and having annual checkups and screenings. The focus is on the importance of incorporating simple preventive and positive health behaviors into their everyday life for a longer, healthier and happier life. When women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant. They need to be able to choose the most effective steps for their individual lifestyles and circumstances.
Women need to be informed and take responsible actions to improve their own health. For example, heart disease is the number one killer among women, cancer ranks second and stroke is the third leading cause of death among American women, followed by diabetes, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. There are an estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year in the United States, with about 30% of reported infections occurring among women. During their check-ups, women should discuss with their health care professionals which screening tests are right for them, when they should have them and how often. Screening tests, such as mammograms and pap smears, can find disease early, when the disease is easier to treat.
These events are a collaboration of four programs of Downeast Health Services Inc. Family Planning clinical services, as a member of the health care community, provides all individuals with unrestricted access to clinical services, referrals, and education. Family Life Education and Outreach provides professional workshops, outreach services and programs for schools and community groups. Downeast Sexual Assault Services offers a 24 hour crisis helpline (1-800-228-2470), support groups, advocacy and training. Hancock County Children’s Council provides parent education and support groups, to enhance children’s safety and to support families.