Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation staff are planning events to help educate women about the importance of good health. During National Women’s Health Week, May 8-14, the Cherokee Nation health clinics and Hastings Indian Medical Center will host events to encourage women to take a proactive and preventive approach to their health.

"The awareness activities we have planned this week give us an opportunity to honor women and encourage them to value their health," said Kym Cravatt, director of Cherokee Nation cancer programs.

An important health screen for women is a pap examination, and Hastings Indian Medical Center is making it easy for women get that examination. A pap screens for cervical cancer and other gynecological disorders. Women should have a pap examination performed every year.

"We will be hosting a pap-a-thon on Tuesday, May 10, and will be giving exams every 20 minutes for patients between the ages of 18 and 60," said Terry Thomas, Cherokee Nation cancer case manger.

Doctors at Hastings Indian Medical Center will perform exams from 5 p.m. until 7:40 p.m. and hospital staff will provide childcare in the pediatric waiting room.

"There will also be a health fair offering patients information materials from outside vendors from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m," Thomas said.

The Cherokee Nation Cancer Program will have informational booths set up all week at the W.W. Keeler tribal complex, AMO Salina Community Clinic, Bartlesville Health Clinic, Vinita Health Clinic and Nowata Primary Care Clinic.

"We are encouraging all females to educate themselves about cancer screening, heart disease, diabetes and other general health issues," Cravatt said.

For a pap exam appointment or more information on the events at Hastings Indian Medical Center, call Terry Thomas at (918) 207-3703.

For more information on Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs, please call 918-458-4491 or visit Cherokee Health online.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org