Oklahoma Ranks 50th on Women's Health

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health:

Oklahoma has 1.8 million females. Seventy-four percent are non-Hispanic White, while American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women comprise 9 percent.

The state ranks at the bottom on most major causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

It does have a better record on death rates for colorectal cancer.

Its women fare poorly on most health risk factors, including eating 5+ fruits and vegetables a day, smoking, high blood pressure, leisure-time physical activity, and obesity.

Rates of obesity are higher among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN women than for non-Hispanic White women.

As with health risk factors, the state ranks near the bottom for all presented preventive care measures except colorectal screenings.

It ranks worst in the nation on routine check-ups and nearly as poorly for mammograms (#51 out of a possible 52).

Of non-senior women, only 77 percent have health insurance, which merits a rank of #47.

Hispanic women have by far the lowest rate of insurance coverage, at less than 42 percent.

Seriously, people. What are we going to do to improve this situation?

Dr. Terry Cline Speaks at Oklahoma Women's Coalition 2011 Advocacy Day

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Terry Cline, PhD, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health, spoke to participants at the Oklahoma Women's Coalition "Advocate 2011: Women and Girls Day in Oklahoma" about health in Oklahoma and the "Shape Your Future" initiative.

Shannon Miller Promotes Early Detection

"Make your health a priority," says Oklahoma's Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Miller who  - due to a  "germ cell malignancy" - recently had one ovary removed. The most decorated gymnast in US history, an attorney and a busy motivational speaker, Miller focuses on health and fitness for women. Check out her website - Shannon Miller Lifestyle and read an excellent Sports Illustrated article about Shannon entitled "Shannon Miller views own cancer as opportunity to help others." Remember ladies, don't skip that gynocological check up.