 "Here in Illinois we're ahead of
the nation when it comes to making sure people who need to see a
doctor or need to get treatment have access to health care. We
recently became the first state in the nation to give every
uninsured woman access to breast and cervical cancer screenings and
treatment. And last year we made sure that every uninsured child had
access to quality, affordable health care. I'm proud that Illinois
is also being recognized as a national leader for developing a
program which promotes lasting, healthy lifestyles for women,"
Blagojevich said.
The Illinois Wisewoman Program aims to lower heart disease and
other chronic disease risk factors through screening and a lifestyle
intervention program. The lifestyle intervention program is a
12-week nutrition and physical activity program that helps women
improve eating and physical activity habits, helps them set goals
and gain stress management skills, and identifies the importance of
keeping a supportive and healthy environment.
"Our goal is to provide women with the knowledge, skills and
opportunities to improve diet, physical activity and other lifestyle
behaviors to prevent, delay and control cardiovascular and other
chronic diseases," said Illinois Department of Public Health
Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "Many women would have been unaware of
their risk factors if not for the Illinois Wisewoman Program, and
we're exited that women across the country will now be able to
benefit from this program."
Uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64, at or below 250
percent of the federal poverty level, who are currently enrolled in
the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, are eligible to
participate in the Illinois Wisewoman Program currently in 21
Illinois counties.
All Illinois Wisewoman Program participants receive baseline
screening tests, which consist of total lipid profile, blood
glucose, blood pressure, dietary intake, physical activity level,
height, weight, waist circumference and resting pulse. Participants
are eligible for rescreening of these measurements after the 12-week
intervention classes. If screenings indicate an abnormal result, the
participant can see a medical provider at no cost. Additionally, the
program assists participants with finding free or reduced-cost
medications if necessary and links them with resources for other
needs such as smoking cessation.
"The Illinois Wisewoman Program helps the Fulton County Health
Department provide essential cardiovascular disease screenings for
women in our community who otherwise wouldn't have the means to do
so. These classes and screenings change lives. It is so rewarding to
equip our women with the tools to fight the No. 1 killer in America:
heart disease," said Theresa Bankert, a nurse with the Fulton County
Health Department.
"The Wisewoman Program has made me more aware of ways I can
improve my health, has shown me how to set attainable goals and has
given me tools to use to ensure the success of reaching my personal
goals. I have been successful in decreasing my cholesterol levels
and maintaining my blood pressure at a normal level. If I have
questions or need to refresh my understanding on any of the
information, or just need an incentive boost, I can pick up my
manual and get back on track; or I can make a phone call to one of
the Wisewoman facilitators, who are always willing and able to
help," said participant Candice Kindred.
[to top of second column]
 |
Heart disease is preventable;
however...
-
Nearly 36 percent
of all female deaths in Illinois occur from cardiovascular
disease, which includes coronary heart disease, stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases.
-
Disease of the
heart is the leading cause of death for Illinois women.
-
In 2005, diseases
of the heart claimed the lives of 14,383 women.
Last October, Blagojevich expanded the Illinois Breast and
Cervical Cancer Program to provide mammograms, breast exams, pelvic
exams and Pap tests for all uninsured Illinoisans. This expansion
provides access to screenings for 261,000 women in Illinois. If
diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer upon screening, program
participants will have access to coverage for treatment. Launched in
1995, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program has provided
almost 183,000 screenings -- and more than 109,000 of those
screenings have been provided since 2003 under the Blagojevich
administration. Other key governor's initiatives regarding women's
health include:
: Beginning in 2003, Blagojevich funded the Stand
Against Cancer, a community outreach and screening program
targeting the hardest-to-reach minority women. It is conducted
by a coalition of neighborhood organizations, churches and
federally qualified health centers. In fiscal 2007, SAC provided
more than 23,900 breast and cervical cancer screenings and
reached more than 324,225 other women through educational
programs and outreach.
Hispanic Breast
and Cervical Cancer initiative : In 2005, Blagojevich
launched the Hispanic Breast and Cervical Cancer initiative,
which is closely patterned after Stand Against Cancer. Women
screened through the initiative who subsequently need diagnostic
tests are referred to local IBCCP lead agencies.
Women's
Health-Line : Increased access to services is available
through Women's Health-Line and other informational resources.
In fiscal 2007, the state-funded, toll-free Women's Health-Line
responded to almost 6,000 calls, referring women to services and
providing more than 270,000 free educational materials to women
and community providers. These
materials are also available online from the Illinois
Department of Public Health.
For more information on women's health issues and programs, call
the
Women's Health-Line at 1-888-522-1282 or, for hearing-impaired
use only, 1-800-547-0466 TTY, or visit
www.idph.state.il.us.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
|
