Healthfirst Launches Women's Health Initiative Workshop Series in Celebration of National Women's Health Week 2012
Contact:
Laura Vialva
212-801-1451
718-764-3517 (mobile)
Lvialva@healthfirst.org
NEW YORK, NY, May 18, 2012 – Healthfirst is launching a health awareness workshop series in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, observed from May 13-19, 2012. The series is part of the HealthfirstHealthy Living awareness initiative.
According to the American Diabetes Association,12.6 million of all women aged 20 years or older in the United States suffer from diabetes.What’s more, the American Heart Association reports that one in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease. These startling statistics highlight the importance of women’s health education in our communities.
Workshops will be held with Healthfirst providers in Brooklyn and Manhattan, including Joseph P. Addabbo Health Center, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Chinese American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA), Maimonides Medical Center, New York Downtown Hospital and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Attendees will receive:
- Free screenings for blood pressure, body mass index and diabetes
- Information on healthy food choices
- Panel presentations from physicians on topics such as Hepatitis C, stroke prevention and stress/pain management
The American Diabetes Association will also attend some workshops to provide a presentation on foot care.
“We are very committed to promoting women’s health and resources for improved health in the many and diverse communities we serve,” said Pat Wang, Healthfirst President and CEO. “As befits a locally-run provider-sponsored health plan, we are enthusiastic about working with our partners in the community to offer these workshops."
National Women’s Health Week is designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. Created to encourage women to improve their physical and mental health, the annual observance – which begins annually on Mother’s Day – is currently in its 13th year. This year’s theme, “It’s Your Time”, encourages women to make their health a top priority.
To learn more about the Healthfirst Women’s Health Initiative workshop series, please visit the Healthfirst Healthy Living website at www.hfhealthyliving.org. For more information onNational Women’s Health Week 2012, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.
About Healthfirst
Established in 1993, Healthfirst is a not-for-profit managed care organization that offers low or no-cost health insurance to eligible individuals and families living in the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey. It provides a variety of government-sponsored health insurance programs, including New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid, as well as Medicare Advantage. The Healthfirst family of companies includes Healthfirst in New York, Healthfirst NJ in New Jersey, and Senior Health Partners (SHP), a managed long term care plan serving Medicaid-eligible clients in New York City. For more information, visit the company's websites at www.healthfirst.org and www.healthfirstnj.org.
