January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. During difficult financial times women and families must make tough choices about what is essential and what they can afford. Often preventive health care, for all family members, is put off for more immediate needs.
Many women forgo annual exams such as pap smears and breast exams that can detect and prevent serious health issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that the incidence of sexually transmitted infections is on a sharp increase in the United States, especially among teens.
It is important to remember that there are health providers, such as Planned Parenthood, which offer reproductive health care on a sliding fee basis to accommodate the ability to pay. Planned Parenthood provides a wide range of comprehensive health and education services that are confidential and readily available to area residents.
Make 2009 a healthier year for you and your family!
Jean Kelley
Tinton Falls