Women's Health Conference Seeks to Address Health Disparities

Colorado Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien to Give Keynote Address

Studies have shown that women may not be getting the healthcare they need. The Second Annual Women's Health Conference at National Jewish Health seeks to raise physician and health provider awareness about aspects of disease that may uniquely affect women, and to teach them ways to improve patient care by incorporating this new knowledge into their practices.

The half-day conference will take place from 8am to 12:30pm on Saturday, October 3, at the Molly Blank Conference Center on the campus of National Jewish Health in Denver. Colorado Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien will give the keynote address to participants.

"Women face unique healthcare issues. It is one of the many reasons why our administration is committed to expanding healthcare coverage to as many people as possible. We specifically targeted pregnant women and children to expand the Children's Health Plan coverage for 50,000 more people," said Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien.

A 2007 literature review commissioned by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, evaluated sex and gender differences that exist in the current healthcare system. The authors concluded that women have fewer resources (time, money, insurance coverage) and "face unique access barriers to the healthcare system" compared with men. Women do seek preventive care more than men do, and a greater percentage of women than men get routine medical care, probably because of the need for reproductive medical services. Yet, according to this report, "women appear to receive worse quality care than men do, and this appears to be especially true for acute conditions," indicating a need for new approaches to quality medical care.

"As studies have shown women face unique challenges that health practitioners need to be aware of," said Conference Chair Esther Langmack, MD. "This half-day conference will not only raise awareness but also teach ways to improve patient care."

The conference will focus on selected topics in women's health, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, and sleep disorders, all of which are very common problems in primary care practice. In addition, coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Denver Race for the Cure, the topic of comprehensive care for survivors of breast cancer will be addressed. Lastly, because family and social relationships impact overall health in both men and women, attendees will learn how to improve health outcomes by addressing family factors in medical illness.

Attendees can also earn CME/CE credit. National Jewish Health is accredited by the ACCME to provide CME credit hours for physicians.

For more information or to register for the conference visit: http://www.nationaljewish.org/education/pro-ed/events/womens-health.aspx