Women’s Health Calendar

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Office on Women’s Health

2009 ••

•

womenshealth.gov

800-994-9662

TDD: 888-220-5446
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  1

Table of Contents

About Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Know Your Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pay Attention: Symptoms of Serious Health Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Feel Great: Quit Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

How to Get a Second Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

How to Read Drug Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

How to Be Prepared for Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Understanding Avian and Pandemic Flu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Taking Charge of Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

General Screenings and Immunizations for Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations 

for Women With High Risk Factors in the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations 

for Women With High Individual Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

January 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

February 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

March 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

April 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

May 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

June 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

July 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

August 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

September 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

October 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

November 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

December 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

2010 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
2  www.womenshealth.gov

About Us

What is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the federal 

agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans. Its headquarters are based in Washington, DC. HHS is the publisher of the 2009 Women’s 

Health Calendar. 

What is the Office on Women’s Health?

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) was established in 1991 as a division 

of the Office of Public Health and Science within HHS. Our mission is to 

improve the health and well-being of all U.S. women and girls. OWH leads 

and coordinates the efforts of all the HHS agencies and offices involved in 

women’s health. We create and sponsor innovative programs that focus on 

the health of women and girls. We educate health professionals, such as 

physicians, dentists, researchers, therapists, and nurses. Our publications, 

web sites, and special events reach out to you, the public. We work to educate and motivate people to live healthier lives by giving them trustworthy, 

accurate health information. As part of our work, we produced this resource 

guide.

What are womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov?

Womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov are free services of the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services. Womenshealth.gov and 

girlshealth.gov provide reliable, accurate, commercial-free information 

on the health of women and girls. They cover more than 800 topics, on 

issues ranging from adolescent health to reproductive health to older 

women’s health.

You can access these resources in two ways: through a toll-free telephone 

call or through the Internet. We offer an information referral center with 
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  3

trained Information Specialists to answer your calls in either English or 

Spanish. Call 800-994-9662. For individuals who are hearing impaired, call 

TDD at 888-220-5446. Our two comprehensive web sites focusing on women’s 

and girls’ health are available online at www.womenshealth.gov and www.

girlshealth.gov. Whichever way you use our services, you’ll get:

•	 clear answers to frequently asked questions

•	 links to thousands of health publications

•	 statistics on women’s health

•	 online journals and dictionaries

•	 daily news on women’s health

•	 a calendar of events

•	 a National Breastfeeding Helpline with trained peer counselors

•	 health information in Spanish

How are womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov different from 

other web sites on women’s health? 

Womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov are sponsored by the federal government with your tax dollars. We don’t represent any special commercial 

interests. We don’t allow advertisements on our site. We don’t try to sell you 

products, magazines, or anything else. We screen all health information for 

accuracy before it ever appears on our web sites or in our publications. Our 

Information Specialists are trained to help you, whether it’s referring you to 

the right organization, mailing you free information, or even coaching new 

moms on how to breastfeed their infants.

Womenshealth.gov and girlshealth.gov exist to help you and your loved ones 

get the reliable and accurate health information you need to get, or stay, 

healthy.
4  www.womenshealth.gov

Know Your Body

FPO

Brain

Spinal Cord

Thyroid

Lung

Stomach

Pancreas

Large Intestine

Small Intestine

Bladder

Vagina

Women’s Body Systems

Cardiovascular and Circulatory

Digestive (gastrointestinal)

Endocrine

Nervous (neurologic) and Skeletal

Reproductive

Respiratory

Urinary (renal)

See the systems diagrams on pages 5–8

Trachea

Heart

Esophagus

Liver Kidney

Ovary

Appendix

Uterus

Cervix

Gallbladder

Rectum
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  5

Know Your Body

Cardiovascular and Circulatory Systems

Digestive (gastrointestinal) System

Jugular Vein

Superior Vena Cava (vein)

Lung

Carotid Artery

Aorta (artery)

Left Pulmonary Artery

Heart

Liver

Gallbladder

Large Intestine (colon)

Appendix

Esophagus (food pipe)

Stomach

Small Intestine

Rectum
6  www.womenshealth.gov

Know Your Body

Nervous (neurologic) and Skeletal Systems

Brain

Jaw

Neck

Spinal Cord

*Shoulder

*Elbow

*Wrist

Femoral Nerve

Sciatic Nerve

*Knee

*Ankle

Skull

Clavicle (collar bone)

Ribs

Humerus

Ulna

Radius

Pelvis (hip)*

Femur (thigh)

Patella (knee cap)

Fibula (shin)

Tibia (shin)

*Major joints where arthritis or joint disease can occur.

Fingers*

Endocrine System

Ovaries

Pituitary Gland

Thyroid Gland Parathyroid 

Gland 

(behind the 

thyriod gland)

Pancreas

Adrenal Gland Thymus Gland
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  7

Know Your Body

Respiratory System

Reproductive System

Ovary

Uterus (womb)

Breast

Fallopian Tube

Cervix

Vagina

Trachea

Right Lung

Nasal Cavity

Mouth

Left Lung

Ribs

Diaphragm
8  www.womenshealth.gov

Know Your Body

Urinary (renal) System

Ureter

Sphincter

Kidneys

Bladder

Urethra
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  9

Notes
10  www.womenshealth.gov

Pay Attention: 

Symptoms of Serious Health Conditions

The symptoms on pages 10–12 could be signs of serious health conditions 

and should be checked by a doctor or nurse. It is important to note that 

you might feel symptoms in one part of your body that could actually mean 

a problem in another part. Even if the symptoms don’t seem related, they 

could be. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, 

make an appointment to see your doctor. Listen to what your body is telling 

you, and be sure to describe every symptom in detail to your doctor.

Note: A chart of diagnostic tests that your provider might order are found 

later in this guide.

Signs of a heart attack

The most common sign of 

a heart attack is mild or 

strong pain or discomfort 

in the center of the chest.

It can last more than a few minutes, 

or it can go away and come back.

Other common signs of a heart attack include:

•	 pain or discomfort in one or both

arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

•	 shortness of breath (feeling like

you can’t get enough air) 

•	 nausea or vomiting

•	 feeling faint or woozy

•	 breaking out in a cold sweat

Warning: Some women may feel very 

tired, sometimes for days or weeks 

before a heart attack occurs. Women 

may also have heartburn, a cough, or 

heart flutters or lose their appetite.

Signs of a stroke

A stroke happens fast. The 

most common signs of a 

stroke are sudden:

•	 numbness or weakness

of the face, arm, or leg, especially 

on one side of the body

•	 trouble seeing in one or both eyes

•	 trouble walking, dizziness, or loss

of balance or coordination

•	 confusion or trouble speaking or

understanding

•	 severe headache with no known

cause

If you have any of these symptoms 

or see anyone with these symptoms, 

call 911 right away. Every minute 

counts!
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  11

Symptoms of reproductive 

health problems

•	 bleeding or spotting

between periods

•	 itching, burning, or

irritation (including 

bumps, blisters, or sores) of the 

vagina or genital area

•	 pain or discomfort during sex

•	 severe or painful bleeding with

periods

•	 moderate to severe pelvic or abdominal pain

•	 unusual (for you) vaginal discharge of any type or color or with 

strong odor

•	 pain or other problems while urinating or moving bowels

Symptoms of breast problems

•	 	hard lump or knot in

or near the breast or in 

your underarm 

•	 dimpling, puckering, or

ridges of the skin on the breast

•	 change in the size or shape of

your breast

•	 clear or bloody fluid that leaks out

of the nipple

•	 itchy or scaly sore or rash on the

nipple

•	 unusual swelling, warmth, or

redness 

Symptoms of lung problems

•	 coughing up blood or

mucus

•	 shortness of breath

•	 wheezing

•	 a cough that won’t go away

•	 uncomfortable or painful

breathing

•	 a feeling of tightness in the chest

Symptoms of stomach or 

digestive problems

•	 bleeding from the

rectum

•	 blood or mucus in the

stool (including diarrhea) or black or clay-colored 

stools

•	 change in bowel habits or not

being able to control bowels

•	 constipation, diarrhea, or both

•	 heartburn or acid reflux (feels like

burning in throat or mouth)

•	 stomach pain or discomfort, such

as bloating

•	 nausea and vomiting

•	 unexplained weight loss or weight

gain
12  www.womenshealth.gov

Symptoms of bladder problems 

•	 difficult or painful

urination

•	 frequent urination, intense urges to urinate, 

or loss of bladder control

•	 urine that is bloody, cloudy, dark,

or strong smelling

•	 long-term pain in the back or sides

Symptoms of skin problems

•	 changes in the skin,

such as changes in 

existing moles or new 

growths 

•	 moles that are no longer round or

have irregular borders

•	 moles that change colors or

change in size (usually get bigger) 

•	 frequent flushing (a sudden feeling of heat)

•	 jaundice (when the skin and

whites of the eyes turn yellow)

•	 painful, crusting, scaling, or oozing sores that don’t heal

•	 sensitivity to sun

Symptoms of muscle or joint 

problems

•	 muscle pains and body

aches that are persistent, or that come and 

go often

•	 numbness, tingling (pins and

needles sensation), or discomfort 

in hands, feet, or limbs

•	 pain, stiffness, swelling, or redness in or around joints

Symptoms of mental health 

problems

Note: These symptoms 

can have a physical cause 

and are usually treatable.

•	 anxiety and constant

worry

•	 depression: feeling empty, sad all

the time, or worthless

•	 extreme fatigue, even when rested

•	 extreme tension that can’t be

explained

•	 flashbacks and nightmares about

traumatic events

•	 no interest in getting out of bed

or doing regular activities, including eating or sex

•	 thoughts about suicide and death

•	 seeing or hearing things that

aren’t there (hallucinations)

•	 seeing things differently from

what they are (delusions)

•	 “baby blues” that haven’t gone

away two weeks after giving birth 

and seem to get worse over time

•	 thoughts about harming yourself

or your baby after giving birth

•	 desire to starve or vomit on purpose

•	 desire to binge on food excessively
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  13

20 minutes after quitting

•	 Your heart rate drops.

12 hours after 

quitting

•	 The carbon

monoxide (a 

gas that can be 

toxic) in your 

blood drops to 

normal.

2 weeks to 3 

months after 

quitting

•	 Your heart attack risk begins to drop.

•	 Your lungs are

working better.

1 to 9 months after quitting

•	 Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue,

and shortness of breath decrease.

•	 Your lungs start to function better,

lowering your risk of lung infections.

1 year after quitting

•	 Your risk of heart disease is

half that of a smoker’s.

5 years after quitting

•	 Your risk of having a

stroke is the same as 

someone who doesn’t 

smoke.

10 years after 

quitting

•	 Your risk of dying

of lung cancer 

is half that of a 

smoker’s.

•	 Your risk of cancer of the mouth, 

throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas 

also decreases.

15 years after quitting

•	 Your risk of heart disease is now the

same as someone who doesn’t smoke.

 

Feel Great: Quit Smoking

New information shows that smoking causes diseases in nearly every organ 

of the body. Smoking is linked to diseases such as leukemia, cataracts, pneumonia, and cancers of the cervix, lung, kidney, pancreas, and stomach. Lung 

cancer alone claims the lives of more women than any other cancer. Stop 

smoking to lower your chances of getting these diseases!
14  www.womenshealth.gov

HOW TO 

Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse

Waiting in your doctor’s office can make you feel nervous, impatient, or even 

scared. You might worry about what’s wrong with you. You might feel annoyed because you’re not getting other things done. Then when you see your 

doctor or nurse, the visit seems to be so short. You might have only a few 

minutes to explain your symptoms and concerns. Later that day, you might 

remember something you forgot to ask. You wonder if your question and its 

answer matter. Knowing how to talk to your doctor, nurse, or other members 

of your health care team will help you get the information you need.

Tips: What to do

•	 List your questions and concerns. Before your appointment, make a list 

of what you want to ask. When you’re in the waiting room, review your 

list and organize your thoughts. You can share the list with your doctor or 

nurse.

•	 Describe your symptoms. Say when these problems started. Say how they 

make you feel. If you know, say what sets them off or triggers them. Say 

what you’ve done to feel better.

•	 Give your doctor a list of your medications. Tell what prescription drugs 

and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other 

supplements you’re taking.

•	 Be honest about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug 

use, and sexual history. Not sharing information with your doctor or 

nurse can be harmful! 

•	 Describe any allergies to drugs, foods, pollen, or other things. Don’t 

forget to mention if you are being treated by other doctors, including 

mental health professionals.

•	 Talk about sensitive topics. Your doctor or nurse has probably heard it 

before! Don’t leave something out because you’re worried about taking up 

too much time. Be sure to talk about all of your concerns before you leave.

If you don’t understand the answers your doctor gives you, ask again.

•	 Ask questions about any tests and your test results. Get instructions 

on what you need to do to get ready for the test(s). Ask if there are any 

dangers or side effects. Ask how you can learn the test results. Ask how 

long it will take to get the results.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  15

•	 Ask questions about your 

condition or illness. When your 

illness is diagnosed, ask your 

doctor how you can learn more 

about it. What caused it? Is it 

permanent? What can you do to 

help yourself feel better? How 

can it be treated?

•	 Tell your doctor or nurse if 

you are pregnant or intend 

to become pregnant. Some 

medicines may not be suitable 

for you. Other medicines should 

be used with caution if you are 

pregnant or about to become 

pregnant.

•	 Ask your doctor about any treatments he or she recommends. Be sure 

to ask about all of your options for treatment. Ask how long the treatment 

will last. Ask if it has any side effects. Ask how much it will cost. Ask if it 

is covered by your health insurance.

•	 Ask your doctor about any medicines he or she prescribes for you.

Make sure you understand how to take your medicine. What should you 

do if you miss a dose? Are there any foods, drugs, or activities you should 

avoid when taking the medicine? Is there a generic brand of the drug you 

can use? You can also ask your pharmacist if a generic drug is available for 

your medication.

•	 Ask more questions if you don’t understand something. If you’re not 

clear about what your doctor or nurse is asking you to do or why, ask to 

have it explained again.

•	 Bring a family member or trusted friend with you. That person can take 

notes, offer moral support, and help you remember what was discussed.

You can have that person ask questions, too!

•	 Call before your visit to tell them if you have special needs. If you 

don’t speak or understand English well, the office may need to find an 

interpreter. If you have a disability, ask if they can accommodate you.
16  www.womenshealth.gov

HOW TO 

Get a Second Opinion

Even though doctors may get similar medical training, they can have their 

own opinions and thoughts about how to practice medicine. They can have 

different ideas about how to diagnose and treat conditions or diseases. Some 

doctors take a more conservative, or traditional, approach to treating their 

patients. Other doctors are more aggressive and use the newest tests and 

therapies. It seems like we learn about new advances in medicine almost 

every day.

Many doctors specialize in one area of medicine, such as cardiology or obstetrics or psychiatry. Not every doctor can be skilled in using all the latest 

technology. Getting a second opinion from a different doctor might give you 

a fresh perspective and new information. It could provide you with new options for treating your condition.Then you can make more informed choices.

If you get similar opinions from two doctors, you can also talk with a third 

doctor.

Tips: What to do

•	 Ask your doctor for a recommendation. Ask for the name of another 

doctor or specialist, so you can get a second opinion. Don’t worry about 

hurting your doctor’s feelings. Most doctors welcome a second opinion, 

especially when surgery or long-term treatment is involved.

•	 Ask someone you trust for a recommendation. If you don’t feel comfortable asking your doctor for a referral, then call another doctor you trust.

You can also call university teaching hospitals and medical societies in 

your area for the names of doctors. Some of this information is also available on the Internet.

•	 Check with your health insurance provider. Call your insurance company 

before you get a second opinion. Ask if they will pay for this office visit.

Many health insurance providers do. Ask if there are any special procedures 

you or your primary care doctor needs to follow.

•	 Ask to have medical records sent to the second doctor. Ask your primary 

care doctor to send your medical records to the new doctor. You need to 

give written permission to your current doctor to send any records or test 

results to a new doctor. You can also ask for a copy of your own medical 

records for your files. Your new doctor can then examine these records 

before your office visit.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  17

•	 Learn as much as you can. Ask your doctor for information you can read.

Go to a local library. Search the Internet for reliable government and 

voluntary health organizations, such as womenshealth.gov, the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Heart Association. Find 

a teaching hospital or university that has medical libraries open to the 

public. The information you find can be hard to understand, or just confusing. Make a list of your questions, and bring it with you when you see 

your new doctor.

•	 Do not rely on the Internet or a telephone conversation. When you get 

a second opinion, you need to be seen by a doctor. That doctor will perform a physical examination and perhaps other tests. The doctor will also 

thoroughly review your medical records, ask you questions, and address 

your concerns.
18  www.womenshealth.gov

HOW TO 

Read Drug Labels

Medicines, or drugs, come as either prescription or over the counter (OTC).

Prescription drugs are used under a doctor’s care. OTC drugs can be bought 

and used without a doctor’s prescription, and you buy them at a drugstore 

or grocery store. When using any kind of drug, it’s really important to read 

the drug label for instructions. Not following the instructions can hurt your 

health. Read the label each time you use a new bottle of a drug, just in case

there have been changes to it since the last time you used it. See the drug 

label below and on the next page to know what to look for. If you read the 

label and still have questions, call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help.

06/23/12

06/23/09

Prescription Drug Label

Pharmacy name

and address

Number used by

the drugstore to

identify this drug

for your refills

Person who gets

this drug

Number of refills

before certain

date

Name of drug and

strength of drug

Instructions about

how often and

when to take this

drug

Don’t use this drug past this date

Drugstore phone

number

Prescription fill

date

Doctor’s name
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  19

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine Label

Product type

Symptoms or 

diseases the drug 

treats

Therapeutic

substance in drug

When not to use

this drug, when to

stop taking it,

when to see a

doctor, and

possible side

effects

Read carefully: 

how much to take, 

how often to take

it, and when to

stop taking it

More information

on how to store

the drug Other things in the 

drug, such as 

colors or flavorings
20  www.womenshealth.gov

HOW TO 

Be Prepared for Emergencies

When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. To help protect 

loved ones, take simple steps now to prepare your family for sudden emergencies or other disasters.

Three basic steps for disaster or emergency preparedness

1.KNOW what natural or other disasters could occur in your area and how to 

prepare for them. Learn about local evacuation routes, so that you know 

how to leave an area quickly. The Federal Emergency Management Agency 

offers information on preparedness at www.fema.gov.

2. PLAN out on paper the steps you should take during an emergency and 

give family members a copy. Talk about potential disasters or emergencies and how to respond to each. Choose a meeting place, other than your 

home, for family members to gather in case you can’t go home. Make sure 

you choose an “emergency check-in” contact person and teach your children the phone number for this person.

3. PACK emergency supplies in your home to meet your needs for 3 days.

Always keep all your important documentation together, in one place, in 

case you have to “grab and go” during an evacuation.

Need to evacuate? Have a kit ready that includes:

•	 identification for yourself and your children, such as birth certificates and

social security cards

•	 important personal papers, such as health insurance identification cards,

immigration papers, and children’s school records

•	 funds in the form of cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, and checkbook

•	 keys to the house, car, and safety deposit box or post office box

•	 ways to communicate, including a calling card, cell phone and extra battery, and the emergency check-in number for family members to call

•	 prescription medications, including written prescription orders, and supplies such as contact lens cleaner and feminine hygiene products

Essential items for disaster preparedness

Relief workers will most likely be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Gather the following supplies in case you 

have to stay where you are.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  21

Water. Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person, stored in plastic containers. Each person needs 1 gallon of water each day.

Food. Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food such as canned 

meat, beans, vegetables, fruit and juices; peanut butter or other high-energy

food; and unsalted crackers. Keep a nonelectric can opener handy. If you

have pets, stock up on canned pet food.

Infant care. Store baby formula and water to prepare it if a child is not 

breastfed. If you need to evacuate quickly, bring towels or sheets to carry a 

baby instead of a bulky stroller.

Other supplies. Make sure you have large plastic bags that seal for waterproofing important papers, a battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra 

batteries, and a first aid kit.

Breastfeeding during an emergency

When an emergency occurs, breastfeeding saves lives.

•	 Breastfeeding protects babies from the risks of a contaminated water

supply.

•	 Breastfeeding helps protect against respiratory illnesses and diarrhea—

diseases that can be fatal in populations displaced by disaster.

The basics of breastfeeding during an emergency are much the same as they 

are in normal times. Continuing to breastfeed whenever the baby seems 

hungry maintains a mother’s milk supply and is calming to both mother and 

baby. Visit www.llli.org for information on how to breastfeed in an emergency, even if you have been giving your baby formula.

Food and water safety during an emergency

Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency. Water may not 

be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a hurricane or flood because it can become contaminated with bacteria, sewage, 

agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that can 

cause illness or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has 

information about keeping your food and water safe at www.bt.cdc.gov/ 

disasters/foodwater.

Staying safe from violence during an emergency

After disasters, women are at greater risk of sexual assault or other violence.

Visit www.womenshealth.gov/violence for safety tips.
22  www.womenshealth.gov

Understanding Avian and Pandemic Flu

Avian influenza (flu) is not the same as pandemic flu. A pandemic flu is a 

global outbreak of a flu. A pandemic can happen when a new virus appears 

that people have little or no immunity against and for which there is no 

vaccine. (Having immunity means you are resistant to, or protected against, 

a disease.) A new virus can spread quickly from person to person around the 

world, causing severe illness and even death. Although it is hard to know 

when the next flu pandemic will happen or how dangerous it will be, you can 

be informed and take steps to prepare your family. Avian flu has received a 

lot of attention in recent years, raising many questions about the dangers of 

a flu pandemic.

What is avian flu?

Avian or “bird” flu is caused by influenza viruses that naturally affect birds.

Wild birds carry these highly contagious viruses, but they generally do not 

become sick. Domesticated birds, though, are at great risk. Avian flu can 

cause serious illness and death for infected chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

Why are health officials concerned about avian flu for humans?

Although people are not usually at risk of getting avian flu viruses, a virus 

called H5N1 is one of the few strains that has crossed over to infect people.

The H5N1 virus is powerful, having caused the deaths of more than half of 

the people infected. Experts think most of these cases have been caused by 

contact with infected birds. To date, there has been limited spread of the 

virus from person to person. The concern is that H5N1 will change into a 

virus that can pass from person to person more easily and more quickly. An 

increasing number of human cases have been found in Asian, European, and 

African countries. Health officials are watching the situation closely to prepare for the possibility that the virus may spread to other parts of the world.

Will getting a seasonal flu shot prevent me from getting avian flu?

No. The flu shot can help protect you only from seasonal flu. No vaccine is 

available to protect against the H5N1 virus that has been found in people, 

but researchers are working on making one.

What are the symptoms of avian flu?

Symptoms can include regular flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore 

throat, and muscle aches. Other symptoms may include eye infections, pneumonia, and severe respiratory problems. There may be other symptoms that 

we do not yet know about.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  23

Are there treatments available for avian flu?

The H5N1 virus is resistant to two medicines used to treat the flu: amantadine (uh-MAN-tuh-deen) and rimantadine (rih-MAN-tuh-deen). Two other flu 

medicines called oseltamavir (o-suhl-TAM-uh-vihr) and zanamivir (zuh-NAMuh-vihr) may work to treat the flu caused by H5N1. More research is needed 

to test these medicines. Health researchers are also working on improving flu 

testing, to better detect which flu strain you have and where it came from.

This will help government officials track dangerous flu viruses and help keep 

the public informed.

What can I do to help keep my family healthy and diminish the 

risk of pandemic flu?

You and members of your family can take steps to help limit the spread of 

germs.

•	 Wash your hands with soap and warm water often.

•	 Use an alcohol-based hand cleanser if you don’t have soap handy.

•	 When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or

your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue), throw used tissue away, and 

wash your hands afterward.

•	 If you are sick, stay home.

•	 It is also important to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get regular physical activity, and get enough rest.

What should I do to help my family prepare for a flu pandemic?

Visit www.pandemicflu.gov to learn how to prepare your family. This web 

site provides preparation checklists for families and businesses, information 

for people who deal with poultry, and the latest information on how avian 

flu is affecting people around the world. If H5N1 does cause a pandemic flu, 

this web site will offer important safety information. You can also call the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (800-

232-4636) or 888-232-6348 (TDD) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.pandemicflu.gov 

800-CDC-INFO or 

888-232-6348 (TDD)
24  www.womenshealth.gov

Taking Charge of Your Health 

Your role in prevention

Getting regular checkups, preventive screening tests, and immunizations are 

among the most important things you can do for yourself. Use these charts 

to figure out when to see your doctor or nurse based on your health profile.

Then, become a partner with your doctor or nurse to choose when you need 

your screenings and immunizations. Share your family history, voice your 

concerns, and always ask questions about what you can do to prevent certain 

diseases. For instance, if your doctor or nurse asks you to get more physical activity, ask which types of activities are best for you. If you don’t know 

how to do a breast self-exam, ask how and practice until you feel at ease 

doing it. If you don’t know if you need certain screenings, ask your doctor or 

nurse.

Understanding risk factors

The charts on pages 26–29 list recommended screenings and immunizations 

for women at average risk for most diseases. How do you know if your risk is 

higher than average? Check the charts on pages 30–33 for the recommended 

screenings and immunizations for women with higher-than-average risk factors. Risk factors are things in your life that increase your chances of getting a condition or disease. They can include things such as family history, 

exposures to things in the environment, being a certain age or sex, being 

from a certain ethnic group, or already having a health condition. If you do 

have high risk factors, your doctor or nurse will most likely want you to be 

screened or immunized at a younger age or more often than what is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse to find out if you need to have 

certain health screenings and how often you will need them.

More tips for healthy living

Here are some other tips to help you live a healthy life.

Eat healthy

•	 Start your day with breakfast.

•	 Eat a variety of foods.

•	 Eat whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.

•	 Watch your portion sizes.

Stay active

•	 Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity

each week.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  25

•	 Try walking, biking, water aerobics, weight training, dancing, softball, and

yoga.

•	 Keep active to reduce your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, high blood

pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Lower stress

•	 Find your favorite ways to relax.

•	 Make time for yourself.

•	 Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

•	 Talk to friends about your stress.

•	 Get help from a professional therapist.

•	 Compromise—give in once in awhile to avoid stressful arguing.

•	 Write down your thoughts.

•	 Help others.

•	 Get a hobby.

•	 Set limits with yourself and others.

•	 Plan your time.

•	 Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways, such as with too much alcohol or

smoking.

Stay safe

•	 If you are a victim of sexual assault or violence and abuse in your home,

you are not alone—call for help. The following hotlines are available 24

hours a day:

National Domestic Violence Hotline 

800-799-SAFE (7233) 

TDD 800-787-3224

National Sexual Assault Hotline 

800-656-HOPE (4673)

•	 To learn more about these types of violence, as well as stalking, dating

violence, and more, visit www.womenshealth.gov/violence.

Get important tests and immunizations 

Screening tests and immunizations that are recommended for women at both 

average and high risk for certain diseases are listed on the following pages.
26  www.womenshealth.gov

General Screenings and Immunizations for Women

These charts are guidelines only. Your doctor will personalize the timing of 

each test and immunization to meet your health care needs.

This chart lists recommended screenings and immunizations for women at average risk for most diseases. Citations for these recommendations can be found 

online at www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/general/citations.cfm.

Women Ages 18–39

Screening tests When to get the test

General health: 

Full checkup, including weight and height

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Thyroid test (TSH) Start at age 35, then every 5 years

Heart health: 

Blood pressure test

At least every 2 years

Cholesterol test Start at age 20, discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Diabetes: 

Blood glucose test

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Reproductive health: 

Pap test and pelvic exam

Every 1–3 years if you have been sexually active 

or are older than 21

Chlamydia test Yearly until age 25 if sexually active. Older than 

age 25, get this test if you have new or multiple 

partners.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests Both partners should get tested for STIs, including 

HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.

Mental health screening Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Colorectal health: 

Rectal exam

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Eye and ear health: 

Complete eye exam

At least once between the ages 20 and 29 and at 

least twice between the ages 30 and 39, or any 

time you have a problem with your eye(s)

Hearing test Starting at age 18, then every 10 years

Skin health: 

Mole exam

Monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every 3

years, starting at age 20

Oral health: 

Dental exam

One to two times every year

Immunizations: 

Influenza vaccine

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine Every 10 years

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Up to age 26, discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Meningococcal vaccine Discuss with your doctor or nurse if attending 

college.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  27

Women Ages 40–49

Screening tests When to get the test

General health: 

Full checkup, including weight and height

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Thyroid test (TSH) Every 5 years

Heart health: 

Blood pressure test

At least every 2 years

Cholesterol test Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Bone health: 

Bone mineral density test

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Diabetes: 

Blood glucose test

Start at age 45, then every 3 years

Breast health: 

Mammogram (x-ray of breast)

Every 1–2 years. Discuss with your doctor or 

nurse.

Reproductive health: 

Pap test and pelvic exam

Every 1–3 years

Chlamydia test Get this test if you have new or multiple partners.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.

Mental health screening Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Colorectal health: 

Rectal exam

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Eye and ear health: 

Complete eye exam

Every 2–4 years

Hearing test Every 10 years

Skin health: 

Mole exam

Monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every year

Oral health: 

Dental exam

One to two times every year

Immunizations: 

Influenza vaccine

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine Every 10 years
28  www.womenshealth.gov

Women Ages 50–64

Screening tests When to get the test

General health: 

Full checkup, including weight and height

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Thyroid test (TSH) Every 5 years

Heart health: 

Blood pressure test

At least every 2 years

Cholesterol test Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Bone health: 

Bone mineral density test

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Diabetes: 

Blood glucose test

Every 3 years

Breast health: 

Mammogram (x-ray of breast)

Every 1–2 years. Discuss with your doctor or 

nurse.

Reproductive health: 

Pap test and pelvic exam

Every 1–3 years

Chlamydia test Get this test if you have new or multiple partners.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.

Mental health screening Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Colorectal health: 

Fecal occult blood test

Yearly

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (with fecal occult 

blood test is preferred)

Every 5 years (if not having a colonoscopy)

Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) Every 5–10 years (if not having a colonoscopy or 

sigmoidoscopy)

Colonoscopy Every 10 years

Rectal exam Every 5–10 years with each screening (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE)

Eye and ear health: 

Complete eye exam

Every 2–4 years

Hearing test Every 3 years

Skin health: 

Mole exam

Monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every year

Oral health: 

Dental exam

One to two times every year

Immunizations: 

Influenza vaccine

Yearly

Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine Every 10 years

Herpes zoster vaccine (to prevent 

shingles)

Starting at age 60, one time only. Ask your doctor 

if it is okay to get it.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  29

Women Ages 65 and older

Screening tests When to get the test

General health: 

Full checkup, including weight and height

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Thyroid test (TSH) Every 5 years

Heart health: 

Blood pressure test

At least every 2 years

Cholesterol test Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Bone health: 

Bone mineral density test

Get a bone mineral density test at least once. Talk 

to your doctor or nurse about repeat testing.

Diabetes: 

Blood glucose test

Every 3 years

Breast health: 

Mammogram (x-ray of breast)

Every 1–2 years. Discuss with your doctor or 

nurse.

Reproductive health: 

Pap test and pelvic exam

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Chlamydia test Get this test if you have new or multiple partners.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.

Mental health screening Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Colorectal health: 

Fecal occult blood test

Yearly

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (with fecal occult 

blood test is preferred)

Every 5 years (if not having a colonoscopy)

Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) Every 5–10 years (if not having a colonoscopy or 

sigmoidoscopy)

Colonoscopy Every 10 years

Rectal exam Every 5–10 years with each screening (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE)

Eye and ear health: 

Complete eye exam

Every 1–2 years

Hearing test Every 3 years

Skin health: 

Mole exam

Monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every year

Oral health: 

Dental exam

One to two times every year

Immunizations: 

Influenza vaccine

Yearly

Pneumococcal vaccine One time only

Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine Every 10 years

Herpes zoster vaccine (to prevent 

shingles)

Starting at age 60, one time only. Ask your doctor 

if it is okay to get it.
30  www.womenshealth.gov

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for 

Women With High Risk Factors in the Family

4 

if it 

applies

Does your family history include? Then ask your doctor or nurse if you 

need the following screenings, tests, 

exams, or vaccines more often or at a 

younger age:

High blood pressure Blood pressure test

High cholesterol Cholesterol test

Heart disease, premature heart disease, 

or heart attack

Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, 

exercise stress test

Diabetes Blood glucose test

Breast cancer Mammogram, ovarian cancer tests

Endometrial cancer Colon screening

Ovarian cancer Pelvic exam, ovarian cancer tests, colon 

screening, clinical breast exam

Osteoporosis, bone fracture in adulthood Bone mineral density test

Thyroid disease or thyroid cancer Thyroid test and/or genetic counseling

Gum (periodontal) disease Oral exam

Hearing problems, deafness Hearing test

Vision problems, eye disease, blindness Vision exam

Inflammatory bowel disease; colon

polyps; colon, ovarian, or endometrial

cancer

Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, rectal exam, fecal 

occult blood test, Pap test, pelvic exam, 

ovarian cancer tests

Cancer, heart disease, or any illness at 

an unusually young age (50 or younger)

Genetic counseling, possible early 

screening tests

Two relatives with the same kind of 

cancer

Genetic counseling, possible early 

screening tests

Birth defects or genetic disorder (you or 

your partner)

Genetic counseling, possible early 

screening tests. If you want to become 

pregnant, genetic counseling for you and 

your partner.

This chart lists screenings, tests, or exams you might need more often or earlier because of 

having high risk factors or things in your life that increase your chances of developing a condition or disease. Citations for these recommendations can be found online at www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/highrisk/citations.cfm.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  31

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for 

Women With High Individual Risk Factors

4 

if it 

applies

Are you? Then ask your doctor or nurse if you need 

the following screenings, tests, exams, or 

vaccines more often or at a younger age:

African American Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glucose test, vision exam, colonoscopy, genetic 

counseling for sickle cell anemia

Latina Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glucose test, colonoscopy

Alaska Native or Pacific Islander Blood glucose test, pneumococcal vaccine

American Indian Blood glucose test, pneumococcal vaccine

Ashkenazi Jewish descent Genetic counseling for Tay-Sachs disease, if 

you want to become pregnant

Ashkenazi Jewish descent with 

family history of breast or ovarian 

cancer

Genetic counseling for possible BRCA1/2 mutation

Asian American Blood glucose test

Age 65 or older Bone mineral density test, flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine

Between the ages of 60 and 64, 

weigh less than 154 lbs, and not 

taking estrogen

Bone mineral density test

College age MMR vaccine, varicella vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, meningococcal vaccine

Postmenopausal Bone mineral density test

Pregnant Blood pressure test, blood glucose test, urine 

test, HIV test, STI tests, MMR vaccine, hepatitis B antigen test

A nonpregnant woman of childbearing ageMMR vaccine, varicella vaccine

A smoker Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, bone mineral density test, oral exam, vision exam

Overweight Blood pressure test, blood glucose test, weight

Living in prison Tuberculosis (TB) test, HIV test, STI tests, 

hepatitis A, B vaccines

Living in long-term care TB test, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine

A health care worker TB test, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, MMR vaccine, varicella vaccine, HIV test, 

hepatitis test, hepatitis B vaccine if exposed 

to blood
32  www.womenshealth.gov

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for 

Women With High Individual Risk Factors

4 

if it 

applies

Do you have or have you had? Then ask your doctor or nurse if you 

need the following screenings, tests, 

exams, or vaccines more often or at a 

younger age:

High blood pressure Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glucose test

High cholesterol Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glocose test

Heart disease Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glucose test, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine

Diabetes Blood pressure test, cholesterol test, blood 

glucose test, vision exam, urine test

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during 

pregnancy)

Blood glucose test

A baby weighing more than 9 lbs Blood glucose test

Breast cancer Mammogram, ovarian cancer tests

Dense breast Digital mammogram, clinical breast exam

Cervical, uterine, endometrial, vaginal 

cancer

Pap test, pelvic exam, ovarian cancer 

tests, colon screening

Ovarian cancer Pelvic exam, ovarian cancer tests, mammogram, colon screening

Previous abnormal Pap tests Pap test, pelvic exam, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

Early menopause (natural or surgically induced); absent or infrequent

menstrual periods; advanced age; a

personal history of bone fracture in 

adulthood; lifelong low calcium intake;

lifelong inactive lifestyle or little 

physical activity; low body weight (less

than 154 lbs), or a history of an eating 

disorder such as anorexia nervosa

Bone mineral density test

An autoimmune disease (including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, 

multiple sclerosis, psoriasis)

Thyroid test, TB test, influenza shot, MMR 

vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, autoimmune screening test, bone mineral density 

test

This chart lists screenings, tests, or exams you might need more often or earlier because of 

having high risk factors or things in your life that increase your chances of developing a condition or disease. Citations for these recommendations can be found online at www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/highrisk/citations.cfm.
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  33

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for 

Women With High Individual Risk Factors

4 

if it 

applies

Do you have or have you had? Then ask your doctor or nurse if you need 

the following screenings, tests, exams, or 

vaccines more often or at a younger age:

Chronic lung disease Influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine

Chronic liver disease Hepatitis A and B vaccines

Thyroid disease Thyroid test, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal 

vaccine, bone mineral density test (if hyperthyroid)

Gum (periodontal) disease Oral exam

Colon polyps; inflammatory bowel

disease

Colonoscopy

Colon cancer Endometrial cancer screening, colon cancer 

screening tests

A developmental delay Vision exam, hearing test 

Eye injury or disease Vision exam

Ear injury or prolonged exposure

to loud noise

Hearing test

HIV/AIDS Oral exam, vision exam, Pap test, pelvic exam, 

TB test, thyroid test, STI tests, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, hepatitis screening, hepatitis A and B vaccines

A blood transfusion or solid organ 

transplant before 1992

Hepatitis C test

Received clotting factor concentrates made before 1987Hepatitis C test

A blood transfusion before 1985 HIV test

Multiple sex partners (or a partner 

who has or had multiple sex 

partners)

STI tests, HIV test, hepatitis B vaccine, Pap 

test, pelvic exam, human papillomavirus (HPV) 

vaccine

Alcoholism Pneumococcal vaccine, TB test, psychological 

screening, liver tests

Injection drug use (IDU) or addictionHepatitis A and B vaccines, hepatitis C test, TB 

test, STI tests, HIV test, psychological screening

A sexually transmitted infection 

(STI)

STI tests, HIV test, Pap test, pelvic exam, 

hepatitis B vaccine, HPV vaccine

Lived or worked with someone 

exposed to tuberculosis (TB)

TB test

A serious injury (cut or laceration) Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine

A baby recently (within the past 

few weeks or months)

Postpartum depression screening
34  www.womenshealth.gov

January 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

4 5 6 7

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

Martin Luther 

King Day
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  35

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

December 2008

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

8 9 10

15 16 17

22 23 24

29 30 31

New Year’s Day

Featured health observance: National Cervical Health Awareness Month

•	 A new vaccine called Gardasil can prevent

cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions, and genital warts caused by some 

types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Ask 

your doctor or nurse about Gardasil!

•	 Make sure to get a Pap test to screen for

cervical cancer every 1 to 3 years. Ask your 

doctor or nurse how often you need it.

•	 Ask your doctor or nurse if you should get

an HPV test.
36  www.womenshealth.gov

February 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3 4

8 9 10 11

15 16 17 18

22 23 24 25

Presidents’ Day

Ash Wednesday
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  37

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

March 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

12 13 14

19 20 21

26 27 28

Valentine’s Day

Featured health observance: American Heart Month

Know the signs of a heart attack. During a heart attack, women often have one or more of 

these symptoms:

•	 pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in

the center of the chest

•	 pain or discomfort in other areas of the

upper body, including the arms, back, 

neck, between the shoulders, or jaw

•	 shortness of breath (trouble breathing)

•	 breaking out in a cold sweat

•	 nausea or an upset stomach

•	 dizziness

•	 fatigue, sometimes for days or weeks
38  www.womenshealth.gov

March 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3 4

8 9 10 11

15 16 17 18

22 23 24 25

29 30 31

St. Patrick’s Day

Daylight Saving 

Time begins
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  39

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

April 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

12 13 14

19 20 21

26 27 28

Featured health observance: National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer of the colon or rectum is often called colorectal cancer. The colon and rectum are part 

of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system.

•	 Your risk of getting colorectal cancer may

increase if you aren’t physically active, especially if your diet is high in fat. Another 

great reason to get moving! 

•	 If you are 50 years of age or older, get a

colonoscopy every 10 years.

•	 Ask your doctor or nurse if you should get

screened for this cancer more often, at a 

younger age, or with a different test.

Spring begins
40  www.womenshealth.gov

April 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1

5 6 7 8

12 13 14 15

19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29

Passover begins 

Easter Sunday 

Palm Sunday

Tax Day

Earth Day
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  41

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

March 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

May 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 4

9 10 11

16 17 18

23 24 25

30

Featured health observance: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

It is important to know how to get help for you or someone you love.

•	 Find a safe environment, anywhere away

from your attacker. Then call 911 or the 

police.

•	 Talk with a counselor at the National

Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE 

(4673).
42  www.womenshealth.gov

May 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

3 4 5 6

10 11 12 13

17 18 19 20

24

31 25 26 27

Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day

Celebrate National Women’s Health Week (May 10–16). 
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  43

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

April 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

June 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7 8 9

14 15 16

21 22 23

28 29 30

Featured health observance: National Osteoporosis Awareness and 

Prevention Month

Osteoporosis makes your bones weak and more likely to break.

•	 If you are 65 years old or older, get a

bone density test.

•	 Get a bone density test before age 65 if

you are between the ages of 60 and 64, 

weigh less than 154 pounds, and don’t 

take estrogen. 

•	 Help keep your bones strong by eating

foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing physical activity, 

and quitting smoking.

Get a checkup!
44  www.womenshealth.gov

June 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29 30

Father’s Day/

Summer begins
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  45

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

May 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

July 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

4 5 6

11 12 13

18 19 20

25 26 27

Featured health observance: Home Safety Month

You can take some simple steps to create a safer home environment. The most common causes 

of accidents in the home are falls, fires and burns, and poisonings.

•	 Post the National Capital Poison Center

number next to every phone in your home.

You can call them at 800-222-1222.

•	 Make a first aid kit. Store it where family

members can get to it.

•	 Make sure everyone in your home knows

to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if their clothes

catch fire.

•	 Prepare a basic disaster supplies kit that

is easy to carry in case you have to leave 

your home.
46  www.womenshealth.gov

July 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1

5 6 7 8

12 13 14 15

19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  47

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

June 2009

S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

August 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 4

9 10 11

16 17 18

23 24 25

30 31

Featured health observance: UV (Ultraviolet) Safety Month

Independence Day

•	 Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 

4pm, when the sun’s rays are the most 

damaging.

•	 Be sure to use a sunscreen that is at

least SPF 15 and that blocks both UVA 

and UVB rays (broad-spectrum).

•	 Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

from harmful UV rays.
48  www.womenshealth.gov

August 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

2 3 4 5

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19

23

30

24

31 25 26
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  49

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

July 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

September 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6 7 8

13 14 15

20 21 22

27 28 29

Featured health observance: World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7)

Ramadan begins

•	 Are you a breastfeeding mom with questions? Call the breastfeeding helpline at 

800-994-9662 or TDD 888-220-5446.

•	 Are you looking for more help with

breastfeeding? Consider calling a lactation 

consultant. They are specialized health 

care professionals dedicated to helping 

you with all aspects of breastfeeding 

your baby. To find a certified lactation 

consultant in your area, visit www.ilca.

org/falc.html.
50  www.womenshealth.gov

September 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30

Labor Day

Autumn begins

Yom Kippur 
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  51

S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

August 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

October 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17 18 19

24 25 26

Featured health observance: National Cholesterol Education Month

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Your body makes all the 

cholesterol it needs. Too much cholesterol in the blood, or high blood cholesterol, can raise 

your risk of heart disease.

•	 All women age 20 and older should have

their cholesterol checked at least once 

every 5 years.

•	 If family members have high cholesterol

(above 200), ask your doctor or nurse if 

you should get your cholesterol checked 

at a younger age or more often.

•	 If your cholesterol is high, find out what

lifestyle changes you can make to lower 

your risk of heart disease.

Patriot Day

Rosh Hashana 
52  www.womenshealth.gov

October 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

4 5 6 7

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

Columbus Day
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  53

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

September 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

November 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

8 9 10

15 16 17

22 23 24

29 30 31

Featured health observance: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

•	 If you are being abused, or have been in

the past, get help.

•	 Call a crisis hotline or the National

Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-

SAFE (7233) or TDD 800-787-3224. This 

hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 

days a year, in English, Spanish, and other 

languages.

Halloween
54  www.womenshealth.gov

November 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3 4

8 9 10 11

15 16 17 18

22 23 24 25

29 30

Daylight Saving 

Time ends

Veterans Day
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  55

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

October 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

December 2009

Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

12 13 14

19 20 21

26 27 28

Featured health observance: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

You can help lower your risk of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

•	 If you smoke, quit today.

•	 If you are a non-smoker, learn how to

protect yourself and your family from 

secondhand smoke.

•	 Test your home for radon, a cancercausing gas that can get into the air you 

breathe. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste 

it!

•	 If you are exposed to dust and fumes

where you work, ask your employer how 

you can be protected.

Thanksgiving 

Day
56  www.womenshealth.gov

December 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30

Featured health observance: World AIDS Day (December 1)

The best way to protect your body is to know the “ABCs” of sexually transmitted infections

(STIs). If you choose not to follow A, B, or C, you could get an STI, including HIV, the 

virus that causes AIDS.

World AIDS Day

Winter begins
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  57

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

November 2009

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

January 2010

Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17 18 19

24 25 26

31

Hanukkah begins 

A= Abstinence. Not having sex of any kind (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only 

100% effective way to avoid getting STIs.

B= Be faithful. Being in a sexual relationship with only one partner who is free of 

an STI and who is also faithful to you limits 

the chance of infections. 

C= Condoms. If you don’t follow A or B, use a latex condom. Latex condoms have been 

proven to reduce the risk of HIV and other 

STIs, if used correctly and consistently every 

time you have sex.

Christmas Kwanzaa

New Year’s Eve
58  www.womenshealth.gov

2010 Calendar

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

January 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28

February 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

March 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

April 2010

S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

May 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

June 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

July 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

August 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

September 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

October 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

November 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

December 2010
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  59

girlshealth.gov
60  www .womenshealth .gov

In Bookstores Now!

Check your local bookstore to pick up your copy of The Healthy Woman: A 

Complete Guide for All Ages . You can also order it online at http://bookstore .

gpo.gov/collections/healthy-woman.jsp. Presented by the Office on Women’s

Health, this book is full of valuable health information and helpful resources .
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446  61

Notes
62  www.womenshealth.gov

Notes
A Project of the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

800-994-9662

Years TDD: 888-220-5446

Cele b r a t i n g