Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is promoting National Women’s Health Week, May 11-17, 2008. This national initiative, which annually kicks off on Mother’s Day, aims to raise awareness about steps women can incorporate into their lives to improve their health. This, the ninth year, will focus on women and smoking, depression, and maintaining a healthy weight.
“Maintaining good health is important for everyone, but there are differences between men and women and these can affect health outcomes and treatments so it is important that we focus on women’s health” said Dr. José Montero, Director of the Division of Public Health Services at DHHS. “Women are affected by illness differently than men. For example, women exhibit different symptoms when they have depression than men and as many as one in five U.S. women experience postpartum depression.”
“The mission of DHHS is to join communities and families in providing opportunities for citizens to achieve health and independence,” said Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas, “and National Women’s Health Week is a good example of such an initiative. It is a good opportunity to reinforce the importance of disease prevention, physical fitness, and regular check ups for women to help maintain health and well being for themselves and the people who depend on them.”
Some hospitals in the State are planning events to recognize National Women’s Health Week. Check with your local hospital and the health agencies in your area or visit the National Women’s Health Week website at www.womenshealth.gov/WHW.
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