So what is Speaking of Women's Health? And why are women of diverse ethnic backgrounds across America responding in ever-growing numbers? Perhaps it is our motto: Be strong--be healthy--be in charge.
Or perhaps the best answer to those questions may be found in a quote from the Snowmass Institute: 'Speaking of Women's Health has so aptly demonstrated it is really all about women speaking to other women, understanding each other, actively learning about issues and the psychology of women.'
Since the time that quote about us was made, we have moved beyond just 45 conferences across the United States. Speaking of Women's Health is very much a grassroots movement, reaching women in-store, bringing Speaking of Women's Health to life every day.
We are thrilled to have a place in-store at Wal-Mart, where we have free brochures on more than 20 topics. We continue to work with Wal-Mart and our other sponsors to find better ways to deliver the information and solutions that wom en are looking for.
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We also have a quarterly newsletter; a new, free 144-page book every year; and an extensive and comprehensive web site.
Our mission is 'to educate women to make informed decisions about health, well-being and personal safety for themselves and their families.'
Our programs are a comprehensive approach, not focusing on any one particular health issue, but rather addressing the multiple aspects of women and their families: physical health, nutrition, fitness, self-esteem, mental wellness, personal safety and relationships.
We respect, collaborate and work closely with organizations that have a single focus. Our goal, however, is to provide a broad scope on the lifestyles of women and the many roles they play. Speaking of Women's Health also takes a comprehensive approach to diversify in terms of age, ethnicity and financial background.
Seven years ago women of color asked us for programs that specifically addressed the unique health and wellness needs that African-American women and their families faced. So, in addition to our conferences and extended outreaches for the general population, Speaking of Women's Health launched Universal Sisters, celebrating health and soul.
Soon afterward, women in Hispanic communities asked Speaking of Women's Health to provide them with information specific to their needs, and Hablando de la Salud de la Mujer was born. We are proud to be agents of change for all women.
We recognize that there is news every day in the media regarding the latest and greatest in diet, exercise and treatments. Utilizing our insights and working with our health care professionals, we are proud to simplify, synthesize and suggest options for everyday solutions. Together, we demystify health information and provide women with fair, balanced, simple, straightforward insights.
We are a resource for women and their families who want to be proactive and stay healthy, as well as get healthy when issues arise. We acknowledge everyday challenges and provide women with a solution base, giving them options.
We also believe that what my grandmother told me many years ago is just as true today: 'Nothing motivates like success.'
How do we know this is true? Since launching our Take a Pledge for Better Health program, more than 4.7 million women have taken their simple pledges by signing banners in Wal-Mart stores, at our conferences and on speakingofwomenshealth.com. Our Take a Pledge program encourages women to make one small change to improve their overall health and well-being.
We believe that one small win can make a difference, and that multiple wins can add up to big successes. Research shows -and we know through the anecdotal evidence of letters and e-mails--that women's health improves when we teach them how to make simple changes.
We have heartwarming stories from women whose lives have been saved by a Speaking of Women's Health free brochure picked up in a Wal-Mart store.
Besides having a team of health care and lifestyle professionals, we are proud to partner with local hospitals and health systems that are dedicated to women's health. Among the many partner hospitals that have demonstrated that commitment are Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern Memorial and Sharp Healthcare.
Entering our 13th year, Speaking of Women's Health has been able to deliver a positive human ROI over a substantial period of time.
Every year Speaking of Women's Health writes and produces a new 144-page book filled with wellness information, fun tips, healthful recipes and beautiful color photographs. In fact, each year we print and give away 4.8 million copies at our in-store events at Wal-Mart and through our conferences and other events.
Meanwhile, on www.speakingofwomenshealth.com we offer health and well-being articles, videos and illustrations. We provide health issue-specific insights and tips from nationally recognized experts. We have the latest information on hundreds of health topics, including weight loss, pregnancy and diabetes.
Speaking of Women's Health currently distributes 5.6 million free copies of our newsletter annually. The quarterly newsletters are mailed to our database and distributed to Wal-Mart associates nationwide. Over the years a total of 28.8 million newsletters have been distributed to Wal-Mart associates alone.
In addition, our weekday 'Lifetime's Speaking of Women's Health' television show on Lifetime's Real Women Network reaches 15 million subscribers.
We feel that we have only begun to reach the huge numbers of women and their families who will one day benefit from the mission of Speaking of Women's Health, Universal Sisters and Hablando de la Salud de la Mujer, as well as Speaking to Men About Health--but that's a whole other article!
In short, we are thrilled to be of service and making such a huge positive difference in the lives of our fellow Americans.
Dianne Dunkelman is founder and chief executive officer of Speaking of Women's Health.
