Women’s Health

1. Women’s Health Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

2. Women’s Health Women’s bodies are different need special care to be healthy Sometimes a woman might feel healthy, but actually have problems Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

3. It’s very important for a woman to get a check up at the doctor once every yearThis way the doctor will be able to find problems early when they are not very difficult to fix Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

4. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a very serious cancer that causes many women die In the beginning, a woman might not feel like she has it A doctor will do several tests to check for breast cancer Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

5. One test is called a MAMMOGRAM A woman’s breast is pressed gentry by the mammogram machine An X-Ray picture is taken of the breast to check for cancer lumps inside If the doctor sees a problem, she will do more tests to make sure Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

6. All women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram once every two years Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

7. Cervical Cancer A very serious cancer of the women’s reproductive system Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

8. A doctor will check for cervical cancer and other problems by doing a Pelvic Exam Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

9. During a pelvic exam, a doctor will ask you to undress and put your feet up in stirrups. Then she will press your organs to check for problems Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

10. A doctor will also do a Pap Smear The doctor will open up the vagina and brush the cervix with a special swab Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

11. A Pelvic Exam Doesn’t Hurt! It might feel uncomfortable, but you should tell your doctor if you feel any pain Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

12. All women should get a Pap smear once a year if they are older than 21 or three years after they start having sex Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

13. “Gardasil” There is a vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

14. A woman has to get the vaccine shot 3 times She has to go back to the doctor 2 months after her first shot and 4 months after the second shot Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

15. It’s very important that all women and girls age 11-26 get this vaccine! Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

16. MENOPAUSE Menopause is a health concern of older women

17. Menopause happens when the woman’s monthly bleeding ends Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

18. Menopause is a natural part of aging that happens to all women However, because their bodies are changing, some women don’t feel well during menopause Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

19. Hot Flashes Short period of time when it feels very hot and you start to sweat Dressing in light layers, using a fan, getting regular exercise, not eating spicy foods, and managing stress may help Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

20. Sexual Problems During menopause, sex might become painful, less pleasant or uncomfortable Using a water-soluble lubricant can help. It’s important to check with your doctor that the problem isn’t caused by and STI or an infection Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

21. Other Problems • Feeling sad or angry • Gaining weight • Having trouble sleeping Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

22. Staying Active The best thing to do to feel better is to get regular exercise Exercise can prevent weight gain and make you feel happier Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

23. Eating Healthy Food Eating a balanced diet of whole grains, lots of fruit and vegetables, and lean protein will help women feel healthier Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

24. Calcium As women get older their bones lose calcium and get weaker and more breakable Its very important for women to eat lots of calcium-rich food like milk, yogurt, broccoli, oranges and leafy greens Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

25. Talk to your doctor if you feel very bad There are medicines that can help manage the symptoms of menopause Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

26. Remember, you are responsible for your health!

27. It’s very important to share information about health with friends and family members so that everyone can be healthy! Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

28. Evaluation! Write down the letter of the answer that you think is right. If you don’t know, write “?”

29. #1How often should a woman go see a doctor? A. Only when she feels sick B. Once a year for a regular check-up C. When someone in her family is sick Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

30. #2What can a woman do to help prevent cervical cancer? B. Get a vaccine A. Wash her hands often C. Eat food with a lot of calcium Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

31. #3Who should get the cervical cancer vaccine? A. All girls under 11 years old B. All women over 65 years old C. All women and girls age 11-26 Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

32. #4 What is a mammogram? A. A test to check for breast cancer B. A serious disease that women get C. A treatment for a disease Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

33. #5What kinds of food have calcium, which is important for strong, healthy bones? B. Beef, chicken and fish A. Whole grain bread, cereal, and pasta C. Milk, yogurt, broccoli and leafy greens

34. #6What is the best thing to do to improve the symptoms of menopause? A. Get regular exercise B. Take lots of medicine C. Drink a lot of coffee and tea Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

35. Thank You! Created by Alina Fomovska and Jennifer Bello, MD Special Thanks To Judith Weinstein Uma Devi Mishra Ernest Pyaohn Sarah Eichberger Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

36. References • Hesperian Where Women Have No Doctors http://www.hesperian.org/publications_download_wwhnd.php • Healthy Roads Media http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/ • New Americans Health Information Portal http://palantir.lib.uic.edu/nahip/ • USCRI http://refugees.org/ • WedMD http://www.webmd.com/ • Peer Health Exchange http://peerhealthexchange.org/ • Medline Plus http://medlineplus.gov/ • Minnesota International Health Volunteers http://www.mihv.nonprofitoffice.com/