#KNOWHmore About Your Health, Today and Every Day
May 14-20, 2023 is National Women’s Health Week. The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is joining with the HHS Office of Women’s Health (OWH) to promote this year’s theme: #KNOWHmore About Your Health, Today and Every Day. When women know more about health topics that are specific to them, such as family planning, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, they can lead healthier lives.
“It is especially fitting that this year, National Women’s Health Week began on Mother’s Day. Women play so many important roles in our communities. They are leaders, educators, providers and nurturers. Before women can care for others, they must care for themselves and make their health a priority,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Women should keep up with recommended health screenings, such as pap smears for cervical cancer and mammograms for breast cancer. These screenings can identify cancerous or precancerous conditions, sometimes before any symptoms appear. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider or check the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative’s web site to find out which health screenings are right for you,” said Dr. Burstein.
For family planning and reproductive health options, ECDOH’s Family Planning Center, located at the Jesse Nash Health Center on 608 William Street in Buffalo, provides affordable, confidential, non-judgmental and comprehensive care for all Erie County residents - regardless of ability to pay. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; it recently started extended evening hours on Wednesdays until 6 p.m. Uninsured Erie County residents may receive low-cost or free services. Visit erie.gov/familyplanning or call (716) 858-2779 for more information.
The Family Planning Center offers a wide array of services, including:
- Annual gynecological checkups, or Well-Woman exams
- Breast exams and mammogram referrals
- High blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening
- HPV, Hepatitis A/B and MMR vaccines
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling
- Referral for prenatal care and infertility
- Pap tests
- Sexual health education and counseling
- STI and HIV prevention counseling, testing and treatment for women and men
- All forms of FDA-approved Contraceptives [including, but not limited to: intrauterine devices (IUDs), implant (Nexplanon), shot (Depo Provera), vaginal ring (Nuva Ring), patch, birth control pills, and Morning-After Pill (Plan B and Ella)]
When women know more about their health, they can take on a more active role in their health care. Alongside their healthcare providers, women can play an important role by seeing a healthcare provider regularly, being prepared for medical appointments, keeping track of health information, knowing family health history, asking healthcare providers important questions, and making sure to follow-up after medical appointments. Visit the Office on Women’s Health to learn about Healthy Living by Age, but keep in mind that “the foundation of good health is the same, no matter your age!”
By Parveen Attai, MPH, Public Health Fellow
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Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) National Women's Health Week - https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw
U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) - National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) 2023 - National Women's Health Week (NWHW) 2023 | FDA
ECDOH Family Planning Center - Erie County Family Planning Center | Health
Office on Women’s Health - Healthy Living by Age - Healthy Living by Age | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
Women’s Preventive Services Initiative - https://www.womenspreventivehealth.org
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