TOMS RIVER – Women’s Health Month is being celebrated around Ocean County to encourage women to put their well-being first and take care of their health.
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Oct. 18 proclaimed October as Women’s Health Month in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of oneself and living a healthy lifestyle.
“We need to emphasize how important it is for women to take charge of their health,” said Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines, liaison to the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. “Women get so caught up with our busy lives and taking care of our families and work that we often put our health on hold, when it should be one of our top priorities.”
The Women’s Commission annually works in partnership with hospitals in the county, the Ocean County Health Department and other agencies in promoting Women’s Health Month and the importance of annual checkups and screenings.
“We all tend to put off those health checkups and screenings which can really be life savers,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “From simply getting a flu shot to scheduling screenings and physicals, all of us can use reminders on the importance of making health a priority.”
As part of the month’s activities, the 26th Annual Women’s Health Night is scheduled to take place Oct. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Southern Ocean Medical Center, 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin. Women are encouraged to attend to chat with medical experts about common women’s health concerns. There also will be on the spot health screenings, and shopping with local community vendors. Door prizes, entry gifts, and light refreshments will also be available. For more information, call 1-800-362-8677 or visit SouthernOceanMedicalCenter.com.
To access more of Women’s Health Month programs, contact the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women at 732-506-5374 or visit the website at www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocdhs to access their calendar.