Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the leading causes of death for women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.†These threats to women’s health can be prevented ñ if you know how. El Paso County Public Health wants to remind women that seeing a doctor for an annual physical and other preventive screenings can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help them achieve better health and wellness.Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, children and parents before their own. As a result, womenís health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community, it is our responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer, healthier and happier lives.For women without health insurance or whose health insurance does not offer affordable preventive screenings, there are community resources available. This is a very caring community and there are many ways we can help women access preventive screenings. I encourage anyone who needs information to call 2-1-1 and let us assist you. The Pikes Peak United Wayís 2-1-1 Call Center connects people to many important community health resources.Available resources include Womenís Wellness Connection, a program for low-income women ages 40-64 to receive free breast and cervical health screenings. Public Healthís Clinical Services offers reproductive health screenings on a sliding scale basis to low-income women. Safety net clinics can offer help with chronic disease management and prescription drug assistance; and many community churches and agencies host health fairs throughout the year.Take the time to improve your physical and mental health and lower your risks of certain diseases. For more information about prevention and wellness, go to El Paso County Public Healthís Web site at http://elpasocountyhealth.org.
