Stephen F. Austin State University

Pineywoods Area Health Education Center is partnering with Nacogdoches Medical Center in celebrating National Women's Health Week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office.

Pineywoods AHEC has organized a Women's Health Seminar scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, May 18 at the Women's Center, third floor classroom, at Nacogdoches Medical Center. The seminar is designed to increase awareness of women's health issues, according to Kinnie Parker of Pineywoods AHEC. A light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited, and reservations may be made by calling (936) 568-3289 or toll free, (866) 898-8446.

National Women's Health Week is a national initiative that calls attention to the importance of women's health, Parker said.

"During the week, families, health organizations, businesses, communities, governmental agencies and individuals come together to raise awareness about women's health issues and to educate women about simple steps they can take to have longer, healthier and happier lives," Parker said.

"The theme for National Women's Health Week 2007 is 'It's Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit."

Nacogdoches Medical Center is participating in the event with a luncheon and a half-day seminar that reflects this year's theme of pampering the mind, body and spirit.

Presentations include: Managing Stress of the Working Mother by Dr. Modupe Sokunbi, Signs of Perimenopause/Menopause by Dr. Brian Glymph, Benefits of Adequate Sleep by Jennifer Bragg, Proper Breast Self Examination by Melanie Miller, Prevention of Osteoporosis by Laurie Hurst and free bone density screenings.

"National Women's Health Week is important because it is the one week we set aside to encourage women to take time for themselves," Dr. DawnElla Rust, SFA health science professor said. "Women are often the caregivers for their families and forget to take care of themselves. With National Women's Health Week we remind women that they too need to visit the doctor, make sure their screenings are up-to-date and just take a minute to think about their health."

National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 13 and will be celebrated through May 19. National Women's Check-up Day, a day when women across the country are urged to visit their doctor, is scheduled May 14. For more information about National Women's Health Week, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw.