Pinal County Holding Educational Seminars During National Women’s Health Week

When we were young, our mothers were often the ones who provided TLC for anything from a scraped knee to a bruised shin.For many women, their family’s health is a priority, while letting their own needs go by the wayside.The Tenth Annual National Women’s Health Week, May 10th through May 16th, hopes to empower women to make their health a top priority. “It’s Your Time” is the theme of this year’s celebration of women’s health.The Pinal County Public Health Services District is helping women to live a healthier lifestyle by holding free 60-minute educational seminars, which are open to the public.“By holding these seminars, we aim to convince women that a healthy lifestyle is attainable through proper attention to the specialized needs of women,” said Pinal County Public Health Director Tom Schryer.Schryer said the educational seminars will address diabetes, nutrition, breast, & cervical cancer screening information as well as physical activity ideas.“Public health programs fill an important, vital role. In an economy where job losses have occurred and insurance coverage may be scarce, women still need specialized care and public health clinics are prepared to provide quality, confidential care,” Schryer said. “There is a sliding fee schedule based on state-established eligibility requirements to ensure that we keep our people healthy. In some circumstances, services may be free.”There are two sessions per day at each of five sites. The first session begins at 10 am and the second starts at 11:30 am.The free seminars will take place at the following locations:Eloy – Monday, May 11th, at 302 East 5th Street; 10 am and 11:30 am.Coolidge – Tuesday, May 12th, at 119 West Central; 10 am and 11:30 am.Apache Junction – Wednesday, May 13th, at 575 North Idaho Road; 10 am and 11:30 am.Mammoth – Thursday, May 14th, at 110 Main Street; 10:00 am and 11:30 am.Casa Grande – Friday, May 15th, at 820 East Cottonwood Lane; 10 am and 11:30 am."If you would like to attend any of the seminars, please contact Pinal County Public Health District’s Central Appointment Line at 1-866-960-0633. Walk-ins are also welcome," Schryer said.If you are unable to attend any of the educational seminars, you can start a healthy lifestyle by following these habits:Each week getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both.Eating a nutritious diet.Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.Avoiding risky behaviors, like frequent drinking, smoking or not wearing a seatbelt.Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.