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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Neal P. Goodman
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House unanimously adopts Goodman resolution on women’s health
HARRISBURG, May 7 – The House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution Wednesday introduced by state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, declaring the week of May 11, 2008 as "National Women’s Health Week" in Pennsylvania.
Goodman, D-Schuylkill, said the week is part of a national effort to raise awareness about manageable steps women can take to improve their health.
"Many of the leading causes of death among women can be successfully prevented or treated if the warning signs are detected early enough," Goodman said. "I hope that families, businesses and health-care professionals will use this week as an incentive to educate women about the importance of preventative care and a healthy lifestyle. "Everyone knows the common-sense steps to take regarding one's health. It comes down to regular exercise, a healthy diet and regular checkups. However, getting people to do those things is a different matter. Motivate the women in your life to take the time to care for themselves." According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting regular checkups, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and following general safety rules are five health habits for improving women's health.
Goodman said hundreds of local women would benefit if the state Senate acts on a health-care bill the House passed in March. That bill, known as Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care or PA ABC, would provide access to health coverage for uninsured adults who are not eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. It would also help small businesses provide health benefits to their employees.
PA ABC would take over coverage for current adultBasic enrollees and expand coverage to those on the waiting list, which includes 1,070 people in Schuylkill County. The coverage would be available at no cost up to a monthly premium of $50 for uninsured adults earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $42,400 for a family of four. Uninsured adults earning between 200 percent and 300 percent of the poverty level could access PA ABC for about $311 a month.
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