Gurnee, Lindenhurst, Waukegan, IL, 6/24/08--Sixteen of Lake County’s most influential women have joined with Vista Health System to launch a major, new women’s health initiative—Healthy Woman—for women living in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The mission of Healthy Woman is to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed healthcare and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones; and to improve their emotional, physical and fiscal well-being.
Vista Health System Chief Executive Officer Barbara J. Martin today announced the names of the select women who comprise the Healthy Woman Advisory Council. They include:
Colleen Cramlet |
Senior Vice President and Regional Retail Sales Manager at First Midwest Bank |
Myra Gaytan-Morales |
Director of University Center of Lake County at Waukegan, and Member of the Latino Coalition |
Deborah Goldberg |
Attorney at Law, Waukegan |
Patricia Jones |
Waukegan Township Supervisor and College of Lake County Board of Trustees |
Susan Lahr |
Mayor of Lindenhurst |
Connie Meadie |
Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce |
Eleanor Murkey |
Dean of College of Lake County’s Lakeshore Campus; Board Member, Vista Board of Trustees |
JoAnn Osmond |
State Representative, 61st Legislative District |
Beth Ragsdale |
Vice President at First Midwest Bank; Board Member, Vista Board of Trustees |
Geetha Reddy, MD |
Cardiologist |
Ennedy Rivera |
Attorney at Law and Member of the Latino Coalition |
Mary Ross-Cunningham |
Lake County Board Commissioner, District 9 |
Kathy Ryg |
State Representative, 59th Legislative District |
Suzi Schmidt |
Lake County Board Chair, District 3 |
Suzanne Simpson |
Warren Township Supervisor |
Deborah Smart, MD |
Board Member, Vista Board of Trustees
President, Smart Healthcare Consulting |
“The women who make up this council are leaders in our community in a variety of ways,” said Martin. “Through their civic, volunteer and community involvement, these diverse women are ambassadors for other women through their leadership roles, proactive community interest, and progressive thinking. These women are providing us with exceptional guidance to ensure that the issues and concerns of the women in our service area are addressed properly. “
Set to officially kick-off on Thursday, August 7th at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee with a free Women’s Health Expo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner and presentation by one of Chicago’s best known women—Connie Payton—Healthy Woman’s goal is to engage women in dialogue about effective healthcare and life-management choices for themselves and their families. It is the only organization of its kind in Lake County. Price for the sit-down dinner and presentation is $15. The Women’s Health Expo prior to the event is free.
“Connie Payton has spent a lifetime promoting community awareness and family issues,” Jennifer Baker, Healthy Woman Coordinator for Vista Health System, explained. “As a speaker, Connie brings a unique understanding of life as a busy woman, wife and mother. She exemplifies the ideals and vision of this new program.”
Following the August 7th Kickoff, Healthy Woman will feature a monthly series of free seminars, health fairs, educational programs, and interactive events focusing on women at various locations throughout Lake County.
According to Dr. Deborah Smart, a Healthy Woman Advisory Council member, “There is an abundance of new research that shows that a woman’s body is not simply a smaller version of a man’s. This research is increasingly important both in recognizing and treating women’s illnesses and diseases.”
“As a female physician, I feel passionate about the impact this program will have on women’s lives,” Dr. Smart, added. “Just look at the area of heart disease alone, and you see many significant differences between men and women.
According to the American Heart Association, every year since 1984 more American women than men have died of cardiovascular disease. Recent surveys show that most women do not know that it is one of the top killers of women. “Plus, according to Dr. Smart, “a recent survey conducted in Memphis, Tennessee, revealed that 80 percent of women surveyed were at risk for their first heart attack, but only 29 percent of them realized it.”
“We want the women of Lake County to understand these differences and be able to make informed decisions about their healthcare, as well as that of their families,” Dr. Smart added.
For more information about Healthy Woman, the free Women’s Health Expo, or to purchase tickets to the dinner presentation, please visit our website at www.vistahealth.com or call 847.360.4042.
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For media inquiries, interviews with either Barbara Martin or Dr. Smart, or pictures of the Advisory Council members, please contact Valerie Culver at 847.360.4354 (office) or 312.203.6008 (cell). |
