The Changing Face of Women's Health

The Changing Face of Women's Health exhibit, currently at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington, DC, presents a sampling of many critical health issues facing women today. Traditionally, "women's health" meant reproductive health; today it encompasses the entire body. The Changing Face of Women's Health touches on issues universally experienced by women at every stage of life. The exhibit will run through August 31 and is well worth the visit for all women, especially young girls.

The first of its kind in the country, the exhibit was developed by the Women's Health Project, an initiative of the National Health Sciences Consortium (NHSC). Their goal was to make science and research related to women accessible and engaging for the public.

"For the first time, women have a science-based exhibit that is their own," said Dr. Wanda Jones, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's Health), and an advisor for the project. "It is one from which they will leave armed with enough scientific information to help them make informed health-care decisions. Historically, women's health issues have been ignored, discounted, or considered 'all in their heads,' and, of course, them that this project was developed."

This exhibit sheds much light on the current state of women's health, with topics that apply to young and old. Not only is there statistical insight, but actual stories from women who've survived breast cancer, made conscientious lifestyle changes following a medical scare or debated whether or not to undergo a procedure, take a controversial drug or submit to early detection screenings. The exhibit will present the facts and let you come face to face with real-life women who have stories of their own.

The interactive exhibit is organized into four central theme areas; risk, control, detection, and prevention.

RISK

In the Risk area, visitors will learn more about heart health and the history of women's health research. One heart attack survivor shares her story. Hands on exhibits let you explore blood pressure visually. Heart disease kills more women each year than men.

CONTROL

Visit the Control area to learn more about the impact of body image on women's health along with sexual health issues. Here we learn that the dimensions of the perception of the "ideal" woman have changed greatly over the years. Marilyn Monroe was a size 14 and the proportions of Barbie are not physically possible for any woman.
In the area where puberty, sexual transmitted infections and sexual experiences are discussed, visitors will find a bright pink stop sign warning parents of the area's content. It is very easy for parents to direct young children away from this area if they are not prepared to present it to them.

DETECTION

Over a lifetime of regular checkups, detection becomes routine - looking for trouble with the expectation of not finding it. Today, new and better technologies mean earlier detection and more time to take positive action if problems are found. In the Detection area, four women share their own stories about breast health and their experiences with mammograms.

PREVENTION

For the first time in history, studies of women are changing the way science and medicine think about preventing disease and reducing risk. The more we understand the better we can make smart choices and live the healthiest lives possible.
The Calcium I.Q. interactive part of the exhibit helps you evaluate if you are getting enough calcium in your diet. In HRT: Which Way Are You Leaning? participants can weigh the pros and cons of taking replacement therapy. The Midlife Changes interactive exhibit helps visitors to discover the effects of Menopause on eight places of the female body. In the Prevention area you learn more about bone health and hear women discuss menopause.

In addition to these four areas there is an organized Resource Center. Visitors can learn more about women's health topics. Materials include books, videos, and access to the Women's Health exhibit web site (www.whealth.org) and other health-related sites on the Internet. Health brochures from a variety of organizations are also available.

Diseases That Affect Women

The Changing Face of Women's Health exhibit presents some very compelling medical facts that will have all women sit up and take notice.

HEART DISEASE

A woman is twice as likely to die after having a heart attack as a man, but 35 percent of all heart attacks in women go unnoticed and unreported. On average, it takes a decade longer for heart disease to show up in women than it does in men. Heart disease kills more women each year than men, and in all its forms it kills more women than all forms of cancer and stroke combined.

CANCER

Although overall, men or more likely than women to develop skin cancer, women under the age of 40 comprise the fastest growing group of skin cancer patients. The prevalence of melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - has doubled since 1973 from six cases per 100,000 to 12 per 100,000. Along with skin cancer, one out of eight women may develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis affects males as well as females. For women, it's the choices of girls in their teenage years that will best prevent them from becoming one of the 50 percent of women over 50 who will have an osteoporosis related bone fracture.

If you would like visit The Changing Face of Women's Health exhibit with your family or plan a field trip for a group of children, visit their web site at http://www.natmedmuse.afip.org/about/directions.html for complete directions including driving directions from different areas.

National Museum of Health and Medicine
6900 Georgia Avenue and Elder St., NW, Building 54
Washington D.C. 20307-5001

Accessibility:
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is wheelchair and stroller accessible. American Sign Language interpreters are available with advance request.
Parking:
Free. Pick up a pass, required weekdays only, at the Museum information desk. Bus parking is available.
Public Transportation:
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is a short cab or bus ride from the Silver Spring or Takoma Park stops on Metrorail's Red Line. From Silver Spring Metro, take Bus 70 or 71, S2 or S4. From Takoma Park Metro take Bus 52 or 54, or K2.