NEWS RELEASE
May 30, 1997
Every Woman
Observes
Menopause, Minority Health in
June
Menopause and minority health are highlights of
June observances by Every Woman...Michigan's Year of Women's
Health.
"Menopause is one of the primary issues in
the Every Woman initiative," said Michigan First Lady
Michelle Engler, honorary chair of Every Woman.
"Menopause is a natural growth transition in women, yet it
is often seen as an uncomfortable subject. It is a condition that
can be eased for many women if they have more and better
information."
June is National Menopause Awareness Month.
Menopause is the end of menstrual periods as a result of
decreased estrogen production by the ovaries. Every woman
experiences menopause in a unique way. Signs of this transition
may begin in the late 30s to early 40s. The most common symptoms
are night sweats, mood swings, menstrual changes and hot flashes
-- a feeling of intense heat coupled with redness and sweating. A
number of lifestyle changes can ease menopausal discomforts.
These include a diet
of sufficient calcium and low fat and
cholesterol, exercise of 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a
week, various stress reduction techniques, and avoiding smoking,
caffeine and alcohol. Prescription hormone therapy may also have
a role to play, and every woman needs to consult with her health
care provider to make the decision that is best for her.
Another observance in June is Color Me Healthy,
Michigan's commemoration of Minority Health Month. The focus is
improving the health status of Michigan's five populations of
color -- African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Arab
American/Chaldeans, and Asian and Pacific Islanders.
Many health risks are higher for some members of
minority populations, according to James K. Haveman, Jr.,
Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "It
is important for people of color to know if they are at higher
risk for certain diseases and conditions and, if so, what they
can do to reduce their risks," Haveman said. Like most
Americans, populations of color can improve their health through
increased exercise, improved nutrition, and other sustained
health-seeking behaviors.
For free information
on how to protect their health, women can call 1-800-922-6266.
###
Editors Note:
A list of several June observances in Michigan is attached.
JUNE 1997
|
Minority Health Month
|
Date(s)
|
Title of Event/Program and
Description
|
Time(s)
|
Location(s)
|
Contact(s)
|
Month of June
|
"Color Me Healthy"
Month
Lead
Agency: Office of Minority Health, Michigan Department of
Community Health
June has been
designated as "Color Me Healthy"month in Michigan by Governor John
Engler. A statewide disease prevention/risk reduction
promotional campaign targeting the five populations of
color (African-American, American Indian, Arab American,
Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic) recognized by
the OMH will occur during this month.
|
TBA
|
Local Health Departments, Community
Based Organizations, and other health entities across the
state
|
517/335-9287
|
10
|
"Increasing Recruitment and
Retention of Minorities into Clinical Trials"
Sponsored
by Wayne State University, Center for Urban Studies
|
9 a.m. -
5 p.m.
|
Atheneum Hotel, Detroit
|
313/577-8995
|
16 & 17
|
"Women of Color"
Women's Health Conference
Sponsored
by Michigan State University/College of Human
Medicine/Center of Excellence in Minority Medical
Education and Health
The purpose
of this conference is to heighten the awareness of health
issues for women of color and to encourage their active
participation in their health care. Keynote speaker
Byllye Avery, founder of the National Black Women's
Health Project.
|
6-9 p.m. and
8 a.m.
-4:45 p.m.
|
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
|
517/355-2404
|
National Menopause
Awareness Month
|
|
|
|
12
|
"Menopause and Hormone
Replacement Therapy"
Sponsored
by Butterworth Health Connections
Every woman's
experience with menopause will be different, yet every
woman needs to consider her options at this time. Hormone
replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for menopausal
women today, but not every woman will respond to hormone
therapy the same way. Today there is a wide variety of
hormone therapy available by prescription. This
comprehensive program will teach you the physical changes
that can occur pre- and post-menopausally, the kinds and
types of hormone therapy available and the benefits and
potential risks of hormone therapy. $10.00 fee.
|
7 p.m.
|
Butterworth Health Pavillion South,
Community Room,
Grand
Rapids
|
616/391-1672
|
18
|
"Menopause and Hormone
Replacement Therapy - Risks and Benefits"
Sponsored
by Petoskey and Traverse City Planned Parenthood Clinics
Free Brown
Bag (bring your lunch) Program. Registration required by
June 16.
|
12:15-
1 p.m.
|
Petoskey and Traverse City Health
Centers, Petoskey and Traverse City
|
616/929-1844
616/347-9692
|
23
|
"Menopause Naturally:
Dietary Considerations"
Sponsored
by Butterworth Health Connections and Butterworth Food
and Nutrition
For women who
are experiencing menopausal symtoms or their "change" you may be interested
in learning what dietary changes could possibly decrease
you symtoms and may also provide additional healthy
benefits. Come to this interesting program and learn how
to include phytoestrogens in your daily intake, ensure
adequate calcium intake, and how to decrease fat from you
diet. Recipes, food samples, grocery shopping tips,
cooking tips, and more. $10.00 Fee.
|
7 p.m.
|
Butterworth Health Pavillion South,
Community Room,
Grand
Rapids
|
616/391-1626
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
For Immediate Release Contact: Geralyn Lasher
May 30, 1997 517-241-2112