CLEARFIELD – Celebrating National Women’s Health Week, May 11-17, reminds women that taking care of themselves is essential to living longer, healthier and happier lives. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children and parents and forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. When women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone will benefit.
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health suggests these simple steps to improve women’s physical and mental health and prevent disease:
-Engage in physical activity most days of the week, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.
-Eat a nutritious diet.
-Visit your healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings.
-Avoid risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
Locally women in Clearfield County can participate in a Lunch and Learn Series during this week. The programs run from noon to 1:30 pm and there are still seats available each day. Lunches are provided by the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center Culinary Arts Department, and are available for $4.00. Make your reservation today by calling Penn State Cooperative Extension at 765-7878.
“Eating for Heart Health,” will be presented by Richard Kralj, RD, LDN, and Extension Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension on Wednesday,
May 14, at Shaw Public Library in Clearfield. He’ll share the role and sources of fat in the diet and ways to reduce consumption of dietary fat. He’ll also address current topics, such as fish oils, Trans fats, plant sterols, etc.
“What’s Available Locally for Cardiac Intervention,” will be presented by Pat Crawford, RN and Cardiac Cath Lab Manager with DuBois Regional Medical Center, on Wednesday, May 14, at the DuBois Public Library. She’ll share the various procedures and devices used in treating heart disease and participants will have an opportunity to handle these devices.
Thursday, May 15, Darlene Rowles, RT, “R”, “M”, Supervisor in Radiology at Clearfield Hospital, will present “Breast Health Awareness,” at Shaw Public Library in Clearfield. She’ll share the new and softer equipment available for mammography, and the importance of breast self exam and clinical breast exams.
Thursday, May 15, at the DuBois Public Library, Lori Rancik, RN, BSN and Case Manager at the Women’s Health Center at DuBois Regional Medical Center, will present “Taking Action at Any Age for a Healthier You.” She’ll share the health concerns, issues and recommended screenings for each decade of a woman’s life.
“Strong Women Stay Young,” will be presented Friday, May 16 by Andrea Bressler, MS, and Extension Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension, at Shaw Public Library in Clearfield. Exercise is the new “fountain of youth” and she’ll discuss the role of strength training for women. The StrongWomen program is growing within Clearfield County and she’ll share results for recent participants.
“Taking Care of Yourself and Your Busy Life,” will be presented Friday, May 16, at the DuBois Public Library, by Shelley Spicher, MS and Intake and Assessment Coordinator in the Rehab Services Dept. of Clearfield Hospital. Women tend to be multi-taskers, juggling work, home and family responsibilities. Taking time to care for your own health is often a low priority for women with stress filled lives.
The Lunch and Learn Series is sponsored by the Women’s Health Task Force of Clearfield County, Clearfield Hospital, DuBois Regional Medical
Center and Penn State Cooperative Extension. Additional information on any of these National Women’s Health Week activities is available by calling Penn State Cooperative Extension at 765-7878. Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Andrea Bressler at 765-7878 in advance of your participation or visit.