PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein 

Date: May 10, 2019 

CONTACT: Kara Kane, Public Information Officer

Email: kara.kane@erie.gov 

Phone: (716) 858-4941   

TAKE STEPS TO BUILD BETTER HABITS DURING WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK 

Erie County Department of Health Programs Promote Healthy Living at Any Age

ERIE COUNTY, NY – National Women’s Health Week celebrates its 20th year in May, and the week begins with Mother’s Day on May 12.

“Individual behaviors have a major role in improving one’s health and quality of life,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “This week is an opportunity to remind women that they have the power to make their health a priority.”

Healthier habits can take the shape of daily actions, such as adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats into a balanced diet, and making exercise part of your lifestyle. If women choose to drink alcohol, they can do so in moderation – or up to one drink per day. Quitting smoking and tobacco use, building exercise into daily activities, and protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases are other basic ways to maintain good health.

At least once a year, women should take stock of their overall well-being and make sure they are scheduled for an annual check-up. That appointment is a good opportunity to find out about needed vaccinations and screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer that should be done based on age and family history. And before any annual check-up, it is a good idea to write down any questions and existing health problems or changes in health, and bring those questions to the exam.

“If women reading this do one thing with this information, it should be to make and keep an appointment with a health care provider for a well-woman exam,” Dr. Burstein explained. “Women know their bodies, and it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your health concerns and behaviors – positive and negative.” She continued, “Sharing symptoms and changes with your health care provider, especially as you get older, can identify conditions and diseases before they become more serious.”

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) provides services that are directly related to women’s health. The Erie County clinics at 608 William Street offer family planning resources and testing for sexually transmitted infections; those offices can be reached at (716) 858-7687.  

“Our Cancer Screening Program is available for women and men who are uninsured or underinsured to connect them with free cancer screenings,” offered Dr. Burstein. “Early detection of breast, cervical and colorectal cancers increases the chances that those conditions can be treated and cured.”

Ten Tips for Women’s Health 

1. Schedule annual check-ups with a health care provider.
2. Choose healthy foods.
3. Add exercise into your day.
4. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
5. Get enough sleep each night.
6. Pay attention to your mental health and find ways to manage stress.
7. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit.
8. Take prescription medications only when directed by a health care provider.
9. Know your risks and get tested for sexually transmitted infections if you’re 25 and under; for people born between 1945-1965, get screened for hepatitis C.  
10. Get screened as recommended by your health care provider for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers. 

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health: https://www.womenshealth.gov

Erie County Cancer Services Program: http://www.erie.gov/cancerservices or (716) 858-7376

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