News

Penn. women can learn about health risks through kiosks

February 25, 2009

HARRISBURG , Penn. — Visitors to the Lancaster County Assistance Office can learn how women can take control of their health using a bilingual, touch-activated Women's Wellness Guide kiosk that was unveiled today by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women in partnership with the Department of Public Welfare.

According to a news release, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is providing 12 kiosks, free of charge, to targeted locations across Pennsylvania. The kiosks will be located in grocery stores, county assistance offices, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offices, health care clinics and prison waiting rooms.

Anyone can visit the assistance office to use the kiosk to learn about heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, depression, asthma, diet and exercise, weight management, smoking, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and insurance options. Information is accessible in English or Spanish, and the machine can also provide audio for individuals with visual impairments or literacy issues.

"Women have a tendency to care for everyone else but themselves, and their own health ends up low on the priority list," said Leslie Stiles, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. "Providing ready access to potentially life-saving medical information and educating women, especially those in overburdened communities, about prevention and early detection of diseases is an essential component for a productive life."

Since 1964, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women has worked to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential.

"Educating women to become proactive in taking control of their lives begins with educating them to take control of their health," said Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman. "It is our hope that these new kiosks will provide women with critical health care information while giving them the tools they need that can help to improve their lives and break the cycle of dependency."