Kolb
WHAT EVERY WOMAN
should know
TO PROTECT HER HEALTH
A special message from Assemblyman
Brian Kolb
Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States and a leading cause of disability among women. Heart disease and strokes share many of the same risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet and obesity. To prevent a heart attack or stroke, women should be aware of these risk factors, follow a healthy diet and daily exercise routine, and abstain from smoking.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer poses a threat to all women. Of all breast cancer patients, over 50% have no known risk factors. That’s why it is important for all women to educate themselves about this disease. In 70% of all cases, breast cancer is discovered through self-examinations. Risk factors include being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult, never having children, using combined estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, and having more than one drink of alcohol per day. Every woman between the ages of 35 and 50 should have a baseline mammogram.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women worldwide. It can be detected through a Pap test administered by your OB-GYN. Approximately 70% of all cases are associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The cervical cancer vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 to 12, although it may be used in girls as young as 9. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a catch-up immunization for girls and women ages 13 to 26 who haven’t been vaccinated or who haven’t completed the full vaccine series.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer usually occurs in women over age 50, but it can affect younger women. Its cause is unknown and it is hard to detect early. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider as sometimes there are no symptoms.
Symptoms may include:

• Heavy feeling in the pelvis
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Weight loss or gain
• Abnormal periods
• Unexplained back pain that gets worse
• Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. Women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55% of people aged 55 and older.
There are five steps, which together can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. They are:
• Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
• Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
• Avoid smoking and excessive use of alcohol
• Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health
• Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
Depression
Depression is a serious illness that affects both men and women, but women experience depression at roughly twice the rate of men. Symptoms can occur in time-limited episodes or can be present for long periods of time. People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms can vary. Symptoms include:
• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Thoughts of suicide
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44. Victims may suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. They may suffer emotionally from depression, anxiety or social isolation. Abusers use many ways to isolate, intimidate and control their partners. It starts insidiously and may be difficult to recognize. The following are some early signs of abuse:
• Quick whirlwind romance
• Wanting to be with you all the time
• Tracking your activities and who you are with
• Jealousy at any perceived attention to or from others
• Quick to blame others for abuse
• Pressure to do things you are not comfortable with
Kolb
Rape
Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. College-age women are especially vulnerable as they are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted.

Rape is a common form of sexual assault. Approximately 73% of rape victims know their assailants so it’s important to trust your instincts and get out of a situation that feels unsafe or uncomfortable as soon as possible. If you become a victim of rape, it is important to first get to a safe place, away from your attacker. Then, you should go immediately to an emergency room. Do not bathe or change your clothes before you go to the hospital. Just get there as fast as you can. You can call the police from the hospital.
Reproductive and Sexual Health
Women’s reproductive and sexual health needs change over the course of their lives. With adequate, accurate information and skills, women can protect their health and well-being. All women benefit from routine gynecological screenings, including a pelvic exam. Most experts agree that the first pelvic exam should take place within three years of the onset of sexual activity or by age 21, whichever comes first. Women age 40 and older should also have a mammogram screening every one to two years.
women
Important Contact Information
Ontario County Public Health
3019 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, New York 14424
(585) 396-4343

Cortland County Health Dept.
60 Central Avenue
Cortland, New York 13045
(607) 753-5134

Seneca County Public Health
31 Thurber Drive
Waterloo, New York 13165
(315) 539-1920

Cayuga County Health Dept.
160 Genesee Street
Auburn, New York 13021
(315) 253-1451

Onondaga County Dept. of Health
421 Montgomery Street, 9th Floor
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 435-3252
Phone Numbers and Web Sites of Interest
NYS Ovarian Cancer Hotline
1-866-53-SHARE

National Women’s Health Information Center
1-800-994-9662
http://www.4women.gov
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
1-800-656-HOPE
http://www.rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
http://ndvh.org
American Heart Association
1-800-AHA-USA1
http://americanheart.org
National Osteoporosis Foundation
1-800-231-4222
http://www.nof.org
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
1-800-685-5531
http://nccc-online.org
National Institute of Mental Health
1-866-615-6464
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Dear Friends,

I appreciate this opportunity to remind you of the need to take care of yourselves first and foremost. When you are healthy, you can develop your talents and share them more readily. I hope the information in this brochure will be helpful to you and something you can pass on to other women in your life.

Breast cancer and heart disease are known to be the most common of health concerns facing women today. However, it is important to be aware of many other issues facing your lives and, ultimately, your families.

The Internet has a vast array of informative health sites. These sites, along with the information in this letter, should not take the place of candid conversation with your personal healthcare providers. It is important that you are comfortable being open and honest with your healthcare providers about the issues that can affect your health and to work together with your doctors to create a lifestyle that promotes a healthy you for the betterment of your life and family.

Please take advantage of the information in this brochure to help promote healthy conversation between you and your healthcare providers and to better your quality of life. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,
signature
Brian Kolb
Assemblyman, 129th District
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