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UNITED
STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE |
May
11, 2011 |
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Gubernatorial
Proclamation - Women's Health Week
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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 11, 2011 as “Women’s and Girl’s Health Mentorship Day” and May 8-14, 2011 as “Women’s Health Week” in the U.S. Virgin Islands to celebrate women taking responsibility for their health through greater knowledge and understanding. During these designated days, we acknowledge progress made over the years in advancing women’s health, including through empowerment, education and prevention. The nationwide initiative encourages women to lead longer, healthier and happier lives.
Women’s Health Week was initiated at the dawn of the new millennium by a coalition of public and private organizations dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues. Since then, the week has been observed each spring following Mother’s Day.
By taking steps to promote health and prevent disease and illness, women can improve their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Recognizing that women’s health remains a priority for families, communities, and government, the de Jongh/Francis administration is committed to continuing to raise awareness on the important and unique healthcare needs of all women, from all backgrounds.
The most important steps women can take to improve their health include eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet; exercising regularly; avoiding unhealthy behaviors, like smoking; and paying attention to mental health. In addition, regular medical check-ups and preventive screenings are recommended.
Schneider Regional Medical Center has chosen May 11th to be the 5th Annual Women’s and Girl’s Health Mentorship Day. Ten students from public/private/parochial schools, church youth groups and youth organizations with an interest in the medical field will be mentored by the hospital’s leading women clinicians and health executives.
In addition, this week the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center, Community Engagement and Outreach Core, and the University of the Virgin Islands School of Nursing are promoting good heart health. The cause of death for one-quarter of American women is heart disease; lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet, can reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of heart disease. All women age 20 and older should also have their blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once every five years.
Governor de Jongh urges all Virgin Islanders to join him in observing Women’s Health Week and Women’s and Girls’ Health Mentorship Day by considering how each one of us can help increase awareness of issues that will improve the health and wellness of all women in the territory, and ultimately, for the territory in total.
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A
PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR
OF THE
UNITED STATES VIRGIN
ISLANDS
TO PROCLAIM WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK
IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN
ISLANDS |
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| WHEREAS, National Women's Health Week was being initiated in the dawn of the new millennium by a coalition of public and private organizations dedicated to raising awareness of women's health issues; and WHEREAS,
From that day forward National Women's Health Week has occurred in the spring with an annual celebration held the week following Mother's Day; and
WHEREAS, National Women's Health Week is a celebration of women
taking responsibility for their own health through
greater knowledge and understanding; and
WHEREAS, National Women's Health Week celebrates the efforts of national/local and community organizations working with partners and volunteers to improve awareness of key women's health issues; and
WHEREAS, the Schneider Regional Medical Center has chosen May
11th to be 5th Annual Women's & Girls Health Mentorship Day wherewith 10 young ladies from parochial/ private/public
schools, church youth groups & youth organizations that are interested in the medical field will be mentored by leading women clinicians & health executives at Schneider Regional Medical Center [in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands] to officially launch this nationally recognized Health Mentorship Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John P.
deJonqh, Jr., Governor of the
United States Virgin Is1ands, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 11th as "Women's & Girls Health Mentorship Day" and the week of May 8th -14th, 2011, as
"Women's Health Week" in the United States Virgin Islands. I urge all residents and community organizations to work together to promote and improve the health of women, and to increase awareness and understanding of women's health issues. Further I urge everyone to join in this observance and to participate in the activities planned for this week.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause
the Seal. of the Government of the Virgin Islands
of the United States to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands, this 4th day of May, A.D., 2011.
John P.
de Jongh, Jr.
Governor
Attest:
Gregory
R. Francis
Lieutenant Governor
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