SUNDAY, May 9 (HealthDayNews)-- Women who want to take better charge of their health will have the federal government on their side this week.

National Women's Health Week takes place May 9 to 15, and the U.S. Department on Health and Human Services is sponsoring medical screenings across the country.

Most will take place on May 10, or National Women's Check-Up Day. On that day, more than 700 community centers, hospitals and other health-care providers will offer health screenings and other services.

Women can visit http://www.4woman.gov/whw/2004/ to find out what events are happening in their city.

Health officials suggest that women start by inquiring about:

  • -- Mammograms if older than 40;
  • -- Pap smears if sexually active or older than 21;
  • -- Cholesterol checks starting at 45, or at 20 if you're a smoker, diabetic or genetically predisposed to heart disease;
  • -- Diabetes tests if diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol;
  • -- Blood pressure checks at least every two years.

More information

The Office on Women's Health has more about women's health issues.



--Dennis Thompson



SOURCES: Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, news release, May 2004

Last Updated: May-09-2004