2008

calendar

Women’s

Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662 • TDD: 1-888-220-5446
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 1

Table of Contents

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

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

Pay Attention: Symptoms of Serious Health Conditions................. 8

Feel Great: Quit Smoking............................................................... 11

How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse............................................. 12

How to Get a Second Opinion ....................................................... 14

How to Read Drug Labels .............................................................. 16

How to Be Prepared for Emergencies............................................. 18

Understanding Avian and Pandemic Flu......................................... 20

Taking Charge of Your Health ........................................................ 22

General Screenings and Immunizations for Women....................... 24

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations 

for Women with High-Risk Factors................................................ 28

January 2008.................................................................................... 32

February 2008.................................................................................. 34

March 2008 ..................................................................................... 36

April 2008 ....................................................................................... 38

May 2008 ........................................................................................ 40

June 2008......................................................................................... 42

July 2008.......................................................................................... 44

August 2008 .................................................................................... 46

September 2008............................................................................... 48

October 2008................................................................................... 50

November 2008 ............................................................................... 52

December 2008 ............................................................................... 54

2009 Calendar................................................................................. 56
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 2008 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.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 3

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 trained 

Information Specialists to answer your calls in either English or Spanish. Call 

1-800-994-9662. For individuals who are hearing impaired, call TDD at 1-888-

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.

www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
4 www.womenshealth.gov

Know Your Body

Brain

Esophagus

Spinal Cord

Lung

Stomach

Large Intestine

Small Intestine

Bladder

Vagina

Liver

Kidney

Ovary

Uterus

Cervix

Heart

Trachea

Women’s Body Systems

Dashed line indicates 

that organ is behind 

other main organs.

Appendix

Pancreas

Thyroid

Cardiovascular and Circulatory—heart, 

lungs, arteries, veins

Digestive (gastrointestinal)—esophagus, 

liver, stomach, pancreas, large intestine (colon), 

small intestine, appendix, rectum, anus

Endocrine—thyroid, ovaries, pancreas

Nervous (neurological) and Skeletal—

brain, nerves, spinal cord, bones, joints

Reproductive—ovaries, fallopian tubes, 

uterus, cervix, vagina, breasts

Respiratory—lungs, nose, trachea (windpipe)

Urinary—urinary tract, bladder, kidneys
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 5

Know Your Body

Cardiovascular and Circulatory System

Digestive System

Carotid Artery

Aorta (artery)

Left Pulmonary 

Artery

Heart

Jugular Vein

Superior Vena 

Cava (vein)

Lung

Liver

Gallbladder

Pancreas

Large Intestine 

(colon)

Appendix

Esophagus 

(food pipe)

Stomach

Small Intestine

Rectum

Anus
6 www.womenshealth.gov

Know Your Body

Reproductive System

Respiratory System

Breast

Fallopian Tube

Cervix

Vagina

Ovary

Uterus (womb)

Esophagus

Trachea

Right Lung

Nasal Cavity

Mouth

Left Lung

Ribs

Diaphragm
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 7

Know Your Body

Skeletal and Nervous System

Urinary System

Brain

Ureter

Sphincter

Kidneys

Bladder

Urethra

Jaw

Neck

Spinal Cord

*Shoulder

*Elbow

*Wrist

Femoral Nerve

Sciatic Nerve

*Knee

*Ankle

Skull

Clavicle (collar bone)

Rib

Humerus

Ulna

Radius

Pelvis (hip)*

Femur (thigh)

Patella (knee cap)

Fibula (shin)

Tibia (shin)

*Major joints where arthritis or joint disease can occur.
8 www.womenshealth.gov

Pay Attention: Symptoms of 

Serious Health Conditions

This chapter shows some symptoms that could be signs of serious health 

conditions, which 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 provider. 

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

in this guide.

Signs of a heart attack

Some symptoms of a heart 

attack can happen a month 

or so before the heart attack. Before a heart attack, 

women may have had one or more of 

these symptoms:

•	 unusual tiredness

•	 trouble sleeping

•	 problems breathing

•	 indigestion

•	 anxiety

During a heart attack, women may 

have one or more of these symptoms:

•	 pain or discomfort in the center of

the chest

•	 pain or discomfort in other areas of

the upper body, including the arms, 

back, neck, jaw, or stomach

•	 other symptoms, such as shortness

of breath, breaking out in a cold 

sweat, nausea, or light-headedness

If you have any of these symptoms, 

go to an emergency room right away 

or call 911.

Signs of a stroke

Signs of a stroke happen 

suddenly and are different from signs of a heart 

attack:

•	 sudden or developing problems

with speaking or understanding

•	 sudden or developing problems

with sight

•	 sudden or developing problems

with balance, coordination, walking, 

and dizziness

•	 sudden numbness or weakness in

the face, arms, or legs

•	 sudden severe headache with no

known cause

If you have any of these symptoms, 

go to an emergency room right away 

or call 911.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 9

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 pain

•	 unusual (for you) vaginal discharge

of any type or color or with strong 

odor

Symptoms of breast problems

•	 nipple discharge

•	 unusual breast

tenderness or pain

•	 breast or nipple skin

changes: ridges, dimpling, pitting, 

swelling, redness, or scaling

•	 lump or thickening in or near breast

or in underarm area, or tenderness

Symptoms of lung problems

•	 coughing up blood

•	 persistent cough that

gets worse over time

•	 repeated bouts of

bronchitis or 

pneumonia

•	 shortness of breath

•	 wheezing

Symptoms of stomach or 

digestive problems

•	 bleeding from the

rectum

•	 blood or mucus in the

stool (including diarrhea) or black 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)

•	 pain or feeling of fullness in stomach

•	 unusual abdominal swelling, bloating, or general discomfort

•	 vomiting blood

Symptoms of bladder problems 

•	 difficult or painful

urination

•	 frequent urination or

loss of bladder control

•	 blood in urine

•	 feeling the urge to urinate when

bladder is empty

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)
10 www.womenshealth.gov

•	 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 emotional 

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

Symptoms of headache 

problems

•	 headaches between the

eyes

•	 headaches that come on

suddenly

•	 headaches that last longer than a

couple of days

•	 seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines

and temporary vision loss before a 

headache starts

•	 spreading pain in face that starts in

one eye

•	 severe pain on one or both sides of

head with upset stomach, nausea, or 

vision problems

Symptoms of eating or weight 

problems

•	 extreme thirst or hunger

•	 losing weight without

trying

•	 desire to binge on food

excessively

•	 desire to vomit on purpose

•	 desire to starve (not eat at all)
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 11

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!

15 years after quitting

•	 Your risk of heart disease is now the

same as someone who doesn’t smoke.

10 years after quitting

•	 Your risk of dying from lung

cancer is half that of a smoker’s.

•	 Your risk of cancer of the mouth,

throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, 

and pancreas also decreases.

5 years after 

quitting

•	 Your risk of having a stroke is the 

same as someone who doesn’t 

smoke.

1 year after 

quitting

•	 Your risk of heart

disease is half that 

of a smoker’s. 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.

2 weeks to 3 months 

after quitting

•	 You have better circulation.

•	 Your lungs are working

better.

2 days after

quitting

•	 You can taste and

smell things better.

24 hours after 

quitting

•	 Your chance of

having a heart attack goes down.

8 hours after quitting

•	 The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be

toxic) in your blood drops to normal.

20 minutes after quitting

•	 Your blood pressure drops.

•	 The temperature in your hands and

feet rises.
12 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 matters. 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.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 13

•	 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. 

•	 Ask questions about your condition or illness. If you are diagnosed with a 

condition, 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. 
14 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 need to follow.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 15

•	 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.

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

to a local library. Search the Internet. 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. 
16 www.womenshealth.gov

HOW TO

Read Drug Labels

Medicines, or drugs, come as either prescription or over the counter. Prescription drugs are used 

under a doctor’s care. Over-the-counter drugs can be 

bought and used without a doctor’s prescription, and you 

buy them at a drug store 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 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.

Prescription Drug Label

Pharmacy name

and address

Drug store phone

number

Today’s date

Doctor’s name

Number used by

the drug store to

identify this drug

for your refills

Person who gets

this drug

Number of refills

Name of drug and

strength of drug

Instructions

about how often

and when to take

Don’t use this drug past this date
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 17

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 to take it, and 

how long to take it

More information

on how to store

the drug Other things in the 

drug, such as 

colors or flavorings
18 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 three days. 

Always keep all of your important documents 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 you 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 supplies listed on the next page in case 

you have to stay where you are. 
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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 non-electric 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.lalecheleague.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.cdc.gov. 

Staying Safe from Violence During an Emergency

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

Visit www.womenshealth.gov for safety tips.
20 www.womenshealth.gov

Understanding Avian and

Pandemic Flu

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

Q: What is avian influenza (flu)?

A: 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

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

Q: Why are health officials concerned about avian flu for humans?

A: 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 very 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 very 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 very closely to prepare for the possibility that the virus may spread to other parts of the world. 

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

A: No.The flu shot can only help protect you 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.

Q: What are the symptoms of avian flu?

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

throat, and muscle aches. Other symptoms may include eye infections, pneumo-
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 21

nia, and severe respiratory problems. There may be other symptoms that we do 

not yet know about.

Q: Are there treatments available for avian flu?

A: The H5N1 virus is resistant to two medicines used to treat the flu: amantadine and rimantadine.Two other flu medicines called oseltamavir and zanamivir

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.

Q: What can I do to help keep my family healthy?

A: 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, exercise regularly, and get enough rest. 

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

A: 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 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-

4636) or 1-888-232-6348 (TDD) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.pandemicflu.gov

1-800-CDC-INFO or 

1-888-232-6348 (TDD)
22 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 exercise more, ask which types of 

exercises 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 first chart in this section lists 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 second set of charts 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 control.

Stay active

•	 Get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 23

•	 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 

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

TDD 1-800-787-3224

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

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

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

Get the important screening tests you need 

Screening tests and immunizations that are recommended for women at both 

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

General Screenings and Immunizations for Women

These charts are guidelines only for women at average risk for most diseases. 

Your doctor will personalize the timing of each test and immunization to 

meet your health care needs. Citations for these recommendations can be found 

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

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 & 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 disease (STD) 

tests

Both partners should get tested for STDs, 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:

Eye exam

If you have any visual problems or at least one exam 

from ages 20–29 and at least two exams from ages 

30–39.

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

Meningococcal vaccine Discuss with your doctor or nurse if attending college.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 25

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 & pelvic exam

Every 1–3 years

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

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) 

tests

Both partners should get tested for STDs, 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:

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
26 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 & pelvic exam

Every 1–3 years

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

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) 

tests

Both partners should get tested for STDs, 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:

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
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 27

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 & pelvic exam

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

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

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) 

tests

Both partners should get tested for STDs, 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:

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

These charts list recommended screenings and immunizations for women at average risk for most diseases.
28 www.womenshealth.gov

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for Women 

with High-Risk Factors

✔ 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, DCBE, 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 on-line at 

www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/highrisk/.
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 29

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for Women 

with High-Risk Factors

✔ 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 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, STD tests, MMR vaccine, hepatitis B antigen test 

A non-pregnant 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; STD 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 
30 www.womenshealth.gov

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for Women 

with High-Risk Factors

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. 

✔ 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 (fewer 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
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 31

Recommended Screenings, Tests, and Immunizations for Women 

with High-Risk Factors

✔ 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, 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; STD tests; influenza vaccine; pneumococcal vaccine; hepatitis screening; hepatitis A, B vaccines

A blood transfusion or solid organ 

transplant before 1992

Hepatitis C test

Received clotting factor concentrates 

made before 1987

Hepatitis C test

A blood transfusion before 1985 HIV test

Multiple sex partners (or a partner 

who has or had multiple sex partners)

STD 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 addiction Hepatitis A, B vaccines; hepatitis C test; TB test; 

STD tests; HIV test; psychological screening

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) STD 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 last few 

weeks or months)

Postpartum depression screening
32 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30

January 2008

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther 

King Jr. Day
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S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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December 2007

S M T W T F S

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February 2008

Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17 18 19

24 25 26

31

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 if you should get screened for this cancer more often.
34 womenshealth.gov

Featured health observance: Heart Month

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

of these symptoms:

•	 pain, discomfort, or pressure in the center of the chest

34 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

3 4 5 6

10 11 12 13

17 18 19 20

24 25 26 27

February 2008

President’s Day

Ash Wednesday
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S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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January 2008

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March 2008

•	 pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck,

jaw, or stomach

•	 shortness of breath (trouble breathing)

•	 breaking out in a cold sweat

•	 nausea or an upset stomach

•	 dizziness

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7 8 9

14 15 16

21 22 23

28 29

Valentine’s Day

Groundhog Day
36 womenshealth.gov

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. 

36 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

2 3 4 5

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19

23

30

24

31 25 26

March 2008

St. Patrick’s Day

 Easter

Daylight Savings 

Time begins 

National Women and 

Girls HIV/AIDS 

Awareness Day

 Palm Sunday
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S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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17 18 19 20 21 22 23

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February 2008

S M T W T F S

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20 21 22 23 24 25 26

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April 2008

•	 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 or at a

younger age.

Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6 7 8

13 14 15

20 21 22

27 28 29

Spring begins
38 www.womenshealth.gov womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30

April 2008

Passover begins
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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

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March 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 29 30 31

May 2008

Featured health observance: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

•	 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 1-800-656-HOPE

(4673).

Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17 18 19

24 25 26
40 womenshealth.gov

Featured health observance: National Osteoporosis Awareness and 

Prevention Month

Osteoporosis means that your bones get weak and brittle. Then you’re more likely to 

break a bone. 

40 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

4 5 6 7

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

May 2008

Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day

Celebrate National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17). 
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 41

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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April 2008

S M T W T F S

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

June 2008

•	 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

fewer than 154 pounds, and don’t take estrogen. 

•	 Quit smoking today! Smoking raises your risk of getting osteoporosis by damaging

bones and lowering the amount of estrogen in the body, a hormone that slows the 

loss of bone. 

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

8 9 10

15 16 17

22 23 24

29 30 31

Get a checkup!
42 womenshealth.gov

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.

42 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3 4

8 9 10 11

15 16 17 18

22 23 24 25

29 30

June 2008

Father’s Day
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S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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May 2008

S M T W T F S

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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 2008

•	 Post the National Poison Control Hotline phone number next to every phone in your

home. You can call them at 1-800-222-1222.

•	 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 evacuate

your home.

Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

12 13 14

19 20 21

26 27 28

Summer begins
44 womenshealth.gov

July 2008

www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30
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S M T W T F S

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29 30

June 2008

S M T W T F S

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3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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17 18 19 20 21 22 23

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31

August 2008

Featured health observance: UV (ultraviolet) Safety Month

•	 UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be sure to use a sunscreen that is at

least SPF 15 and that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. 

•	 Sunglasses protect your eyes from too much exposure to UV rays, an invisible form of

radiation that can damage your eyes.

Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17 18 19

24 25 26

31

Independence Day
46 www.womenshealth.gov womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

3 4 5 6

10 11 12 13

17 18 19 20

24

31 25 26 27

August 2008

Women’s

Equality Day
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S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

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July 2008

S M T W T F S

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14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

September 2008

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

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

1-800-994-9662 or TDD 1-888-220-5446.

•	 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 http://gotwww.net/ilca.

Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

7 8 9

14 15 16

21 22 23

28 29 30
48 womenshealth.gov

September 2008

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 be serious.

48 www.womenshealth.gov

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29 30

Labor Day

Autumn begins

Ramadan begins

Rosh Hashanah
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August 2008

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•	 Everyone age 20 and older should have their blood cholesterol measured 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, learn what you can change in your lifestyle to lower your

risk.

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Patriot Day
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October 2008

Columbus Day

National

Mammography

Day
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November 2008

Featured health observance: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

•	 If you are abused, or have a loved one who is abused, get help.

•	 Call a crisis hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE

(7233) or TDD 1-800-787-3224. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a 

year, in English, Spanish, and other languages.

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Yom Kippur
52 womenshealth.gov

November 2008

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.

52 www.womenshealth.gov

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Veteran’s Day

Daylight Savings 

Time ends
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•	 If you are a non-smoker, learn how to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke.

•	 Test your home for radon, a cancer-causing 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. 

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54 www.womenshealth.gov

Featured health observance: World AIDS Day (December 1)

The best way to protect your body is to know the “ABCs” of STDs.If you choose not to

follow A, B, or C, you could get a sexually transmitted disease (STD), including HIV, 

the virus that causes AIDS.

54

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Winter begins

New Year’s Eve

Hanukkah begins
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A= Abstinence. Not having sex of any kind (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only 100% effective way to avoid getting STDs. 

B= Be faithful. Being in a sexual relationship with only one partner who is free of an STD and who is also faithful to you limits the chance of infections. 

C= Condoms.If you fail to follow “A” or “B,” use a latex condom. Latex condomshave been proven to reduce the risk of HIV infection and infection by many STDs, 

if used correctly and consistently every time you have sex.

Christmas Kwanzaa
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January 2009

2009 Calendar

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It’s hard enough getting your kids to talk to you.

What do you say to them once they do?

Turn to girlshealth.gov for information that will help you talk to the young 

women in your life about bullying, drugs, alcohol and smoking, stress, 

relationships, and more.

Our Parents and Caregivers page has tools that can help make the 

important issues easy to talk about. Visit www.girlshealth.gov/parents.

The mission of girlshealth.gov is to promote healthy, positive behaviors in 

girls between the ages of 10 and 16. We have the most up-to-date, noncommercial, and reliable girls’ health information around.

A project of the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services’

Office on Women’s Health

Sign up

for our newsletter at 

girlshealth.gov/parents. 

Order a free Teen Survival 

Guide by calling

1-800-994-9662!

Girlshealth.gov
58 www.womenshealth.gov

Coming Soon!

Check your local bookstore in the fall of 2008 to pick up your copy of 

The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for all Ages. This book, which is presented 

by the Office on Women’s Health, is full of valuable health information and 

resources that matter most to women. 
1-800-994-9662 | TDD: 1-888-220-5446 59

Notes
60 www.womenshealth.gov

Notes
womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662 • TDD: 1-888-220-5446

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

Human Services, Office on Women’s Health