Preventive Health For Women With Disabilities
BINGHAMTON, NY - If you are a woman with a disability, getting regular preventive health care and screenings, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important. But, paying attention to your disability-related needs is also important to prevent or delay the onset of many secondary health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, excess weight gain or depression.
Preventive health care and screenings include the full range of health maintenance and health promotion activities, as well as reproductive and gynecological care. "Don't let physical barriers prevent you from obtaining important preventive health care. United Medical Associates at 30 Harrison Street, Johnson City, at 607.763.8008, is a Healthy Women Partnership Healthcare facility that offers accessible examination tables, which adjust in height and other accommodations for women with disabilities. United Medical Associates is a participating provider in the Healthy Living Partnership which covers the cost of clinical breast exams, mammograms and cervical cancer exams for women who are uninsured, or underinsured for these services," states Claudia Edwards, Director of Public Health in Broome County. "Work with your healthcare provider to address other barriers to healthcare, such as attitudes, communications and cost of care."
Ms. Edwards, continued, "Women with disabilities are faced with many stereotypes. It's important that everyone, including health care professionals, understand that having a disability is not the same as being ill. Women with disabilities are women first. Women with disabilities have as much, if not more, need to be proactive about their overall health."
To achieve optimal health, a woman with a disability should:
- Make healthful food choices. Eat five servings of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and foods low in fat every day. If you rely on someone else to make your meals, work with that person to plan healthy meals that suit your needs and tastes.
- Stay Fit. Physical activity is good for the body because it energizes, and increases stamina and strength; enhances mobility; reduces spasticity; and keeps joints, tendons and ligaments flexible for easy, unrestricted movement.
- Avoid tobacco, excess alcohol and illegal drugs. These substances can be even more dangerous if you already have other health problems. Talk with your health care provider about help with a drug or alcohol problem. For smoking cessation, the New York State Smokers Quitline at 1-888-609-6292 offers free and confidential assistance. If you are eligible, Medicaid can pay for smoking cessation aids, such as the nicotine patch, with a prescription from your health care provider.
- Get recommended reproductive and gynecological care. Finding a health care provider you feel comfortable with is critical so that your needs are met. The National Center for Research on Women and Disabilities reports that women with physical disabilities may find it difficult to obtain information about birth control methods that are safe and effective options for them. Also, although they may intend to have regular pelvic examinations, they are often discouraged by inaccessibility and other barriers in physicians' offices.
- Getting preventive care and screenings is critical to maintaining good health. Be proactive by working closely with your health care professionals – discuss your concerns and ask questions. Use the Internet to access information and resources on health issues important to you.
CONTACT:
Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us
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