Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Women invited to take the Healthy Georgia Promise In observance of National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15, the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health are asking all women to take the Healthy Georgia Promise to help prevent cancer by following these recommendations: • Take 5 to 9. Consume 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, eat less fat and eat or drink foods with calcium.ÊLimit intake of red meats, including those that are high in fat or processed meats. • Eliminate tobacco products. Stop using all tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke. • Adopt a physically active lifestyle.ÊBe involved in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes or more five or more days per week. • Maintain a healthy weight.ÊWatch food portion sizes and eat fruits and vegetables, limiting intake of higher-fat snacks. Choose a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat.ÊLose weight if overweight or obese. • Limit alcohol consumption. Limit consumption of alcohol to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. • Protect skin from the sun. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF or more, even on hazy days, no matter your skin color. • Visit your doctor regularly.ÊAsk your doctor or health care provider which early detection tests you need to have and how often. Cancer can be detected early when treatment is often more effective and offers better chances for a cure. The GCC and DHR’s Division of Public Health recently created the Healthy Georgia Promise for people to use as a guide to help reduce cancer risk and improve their quality of life. So far, more than 2,000 people across Georgia have signed the promise and have invited their friends and loved ones to also take the promise. ÊCall your local public health department or the DHR, Division of Public Health, Cancer Control Section (404-657-6611) to find out how to be part of the Healthy Georgia Promise. National Women’s Health Week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is an effort to raise awareness about important steps women can take to improve their health. It encourages women to incorporate simple preventive and positive health behaviors into everyday life. “Getting checked for cancer is one of the most important things women can do to reduce the number of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer deaths,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., director of the DHR, Division of Public Health. “This is a great opportunity to remind all Georgia women to get checked for cancer.” During National Women’s Health Week, community health centers, hospitals and other health providers across the nation will encourage women to come in for preventive health services or to schedule an appointment with their health care provider for a checkup. “National Women’s Health Week encourages awareness about key health issues among all women.ÊA healthy lifestyle and diet can help reduce the risk of cancer. Abstaining from the use of tobacco products, getting more exercise and eating a healthier diet can help prevent cancer. And, it’s never too late to start,” said GCC President Bill Todd. “We are encouraging all Georgians to follow these guidelines and to ‘Save a life. Get checked.’” The GCC and DHR, Division of Public Health urge women to contact their health care provider or local health department during National Women’s Health Week for more information. Or, call 1-800-4CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit www.georgiacancer.org.