For Immediate Release
_____________________________________________________________________
April 29, 2005
WOMEN’S CHECK UP DAY MAY 9TH
One of the most important steps a woman can take for better health is to get regular check-ups and ask her health care provider about screenings for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases.
On National Women's Check-Up Day, May 9, 2005, health care providers across America will recognize this day by offering preventive health screenings and other services.
Ionia County Memorial Hospital and the Tony Balice Clinics are proud to be sponsoring this year’s annual National Women's Check-Up Day. This event is a nationwide effort, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to encourage women to visit health care professionals to receive regular, preventive check-ups and screenings.
The free or low cost event will take place at the Tony Balice Clinics at 550 E. Washington St, next to the hospital, on Monday, May 9th. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm., women will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked at no charge and have their cholesterol/lipid/glucose checked for a small fee of $5.00. Please be sure to fast for at least 12 hours before having your blood drawn. Vouchers will be available for blood to be drawn at Ionia County Memorial Hospital Laboratory for those that have not fasted.
Our female healthcare professionals, Bonnie Galloway, Certified Nurse Midwife, Angie Beckhold, Physicians Assistant, and Vickie Gregory, Nurse Practitioner, will be providing pelvic and clinical breast exams at no charge. A Pap Smear (Test) will also be provided at a reduced fee of $40 . (Some insurance may cover this). Along with light refreshments provided by the Ionia County Memorial Hospital and a variety of health information will be available. No appointments are necessary.
The purpose of the annual Women’s Check Up Day is to emphasize the importance of getting regular check-ups and asking a healthcare provider about screenings for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Maintaining regular check-ups is one of five health habits that can contribute to the betterment of women's health along with exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, and following general safety rules. Screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap smears, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat.
Do something good for yourself. Stop by at the Tony Balice Clinic, 550 E. Washington St., Ionia on Monday, May 9th. If you have question, please call the Tony Balice Clinics at 1-616-522-0714 or Laurie Tjalsma, Community Relation for ICMH, 616-527-4200, ext. 240.
##