May is proclaimed Women’s Health Month

Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres joined Commonwealth Healthcare Corp officials in proclaiming May as Women’s Health Month, to celebrate the progress made in women’s health and recognize that more needs to be done to safeguard women’s health for generations to come. The proclamation took place at CHCC’s conference room on May 4.

The event is modeled after the National Women’s Health Week that is celebrated annually across the nation.

In the CNMI, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension remain the leading causes of death for women and an activity as simple as walking for at least 30 minutes, six days per week can reduce the risk of dying from these diseases by 50 percent.

Women in the CNMI can promote health, prevent disease, and illness by taking simple steps to improve their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health by not smoking, chewing betel nut with or without tobacco, eating nutritious meals, being physically active and receiving regular medical checkups.

Torres urged women and organizations to join the movement to promote a healthy lifestyle by participating in CNMI Women’s Health Month.

TaAnn T. Kabua, of the Division of Public Health Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau, will be the main contact for the monthlong celebration.

The division has lined up several activities to mark this celebration, including an invitations-only breakfast club yesterday that served as a forum for exchanging health information and statistics promoting DPHS-MCHB community-driven projects, developing strategic contacts, and increasing the visibility of health-driven women.

On May 9, from 10am to 12pm, there will also be a celebrity bagging at all four Joeten Shopping Centers, where incentives will be given to families who purchase at least five fruits or vegetables, while supplies last.

On May 10, from 10am to 11am, there will be a Mother’s Day Mass at St. Jude Parish in honor of the Inaugural Women’s Health Month.

May 11, from 8am to 4pm, will be Women’s Health Day. This will be at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center and will include presenters and exhibits. Health services will be offered as well.

On May 12, there will be group prenatal care classes at CHCC’s Women, Infant, and Children Program, which is by invitation only. On May 14 there will be a self-defense class. Contact 287-7718 to register.

On May 16 there will be a healthy cooking demo at the WIC Clinic. From May 18 to 21 there will be lunch hour walks at the American Memorial Park from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

On May 22, there will be a “Walk in Our Shoes” three-mile race at the Garapan Fishing Base and will include men.

The final event commemorating Women’s Health Month is a Zumba Party on May 28 at the Garapan Central Park from 6pm to 9pm. Health screenings will be available before the Let’s Move Zumba class starting at 4:30pm.