CINCINNATI -- Started in 1995 as a one-day women's health event, Speaking of Women's Health has evolved into a national foundation that provides critical information on wellness for women across the country.
The organization now holds some 50 conferences and events a year, including a pair of multicultural health initiatives-Universal Sisters and Hablando de la Salud de la Mujer.
For the past several years the group has been working closely with Wal-Mart to bring health information to the discounter's shoppers through a series of events at its stores.
In 2004 Speaking of Women's Health launched its 'Take a Pledge' program at one of these Wal-Mart events. Since that time more than 4.7 million women have vowed to improve their health by making one small change in their daily lives.
Earlier this year the retailer and Speaking of Women's Health had its annual community event in all 2,435 of WalMart's Supercenters.
The five-hour free event provided customers with health screenings and information on small steps they can take to get a dramatic improvement in their overall health and well-being.
Wal-Mart executives say the chain is in an ideal position to reach women.
'Millions of women enter our stores every day, and we are committed to providing them with the products, services and information they need to live better, healthier lives,' pharmacy divisional merchandise manager Sandy Kinsey says. 'Our work with Speaking of Women's Health underscores this commitment.'
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