Sept. 13, 2000
In a recent survey, Utah ranked in the top 10 states in the area of women's health.
But the news isn't all good.
Every state mentioned in the survey received a failing grade.
In today's Family Now report, News Specialist Carole Mikita explains.
Utah ranked 8th best in the nation for protecting women's health.
But we still received a poor mark overall.
Experts who focus on women's health in the state say the ranking is fair because there is still much to be done.
A report card by the three national women's groups failed every state - including Utah - in the area of women's health.
Hawaii ranked first, followed by Vermont.
Utah placed eighth.
Mississippi and Louisiana came in last.
Our state did receive a satisfactory ranking in two of the 32 rankings - low rates for smoking and drinking.
That's some good news for the state.
But local doctors say that means we may be falling further behind in other areas.
Leigh Neumayer/M.D. U of U Hospital: "OUR SMOKING AND DRINKING RATES ARE MUCH LOWER. IN FACT ACROSS THE COUNTRY THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF WOMEN IS HEART DISEASE, AND THE NUMBER ONE CANCER KILLER OF WOMEN IS LUNG CANCER. WHEREAS IN UTAH, THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF WOMEN IS BREAST CANCER."
The report card indicates we still have more to work on.
We failed in the number of women without health insurance.
Those who have no leisure-time physical activity.
The number of women who are overweight.
And the low number of women who eat five fruits and vegetables each day.
And experts say prevention is too often ignored.
Leigh Neumayer: WE, FOR INSTANCE, STILL ONLY SCREEN THREE QUARTERS OF WOMEN WITH MAMMOGRAPHY AND 85 TO 90 PERCENT OF BREAST CANCERS CAN BE PICKED UP WITH SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY. AND THERE'S 25 PERCENT OF THE WOMEN IN THE STATE WHO HAVEN'T HAD A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM."
If you need help, a group of local female doctors has created a website.
It talks about what tests women need at what age and how to better communicate with your doctors.
It is located at www.med.utah.edu/womenhealth/.
