What is WISEWOMAN?

WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) is a  program designed to help women reduce their risk for heart disease and improve their overall health.

Does WISEWOMAN work?

Yes. Small changes in diet can produce big results.

"I've been trying to lower my blood sugar for years," says Jacqueline Noyes, 60, of Sutton, Vermont.  It wasn't until she began nutrition counseling with Ladies First, a WISEWOMAN program, that she was really able to do it.  She's done so well, she got a letter from her doctor congratulating her.  She explains, "If it hadn't been for my nutritionist, I wouldn't have lowered my blood sugar."  Jacqueline's doctor told her about the Ladies First program.  She found it easier than she thought to make some key diet changes, like eating more oatmeal, wheat bread, 1% milk, fruit, and beans.  "They fill me up, so I don't have to eat as much anymore," she says.  She recommends the program to anyone.  "You make little changes here and there," she says.  And Jacqueline is proof that those little changes make a big difference.

Reprinted with permission
Vermont Department of Health

WISEWOMAN helps women reduce their risk for heart disease.

• Since 2000, WISEWOMAN has reached more than 50,000 women.
   
• The WISEWOMAN program has helped thousands of women learn they have high blood pressure and high cholesterol and more than 700 new cases of high blood sugar (diabetes).
   
• On average, WISEWOMAN participants have maintained their weight for 1 year.
   
• WISEWOMAN also has helped participants reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels among women and has helped women quit smoking.

Why should I join the WISEWOMAN program?

• Heart disease is a major health problem for women.
   
• In 2003, heart disease claimed the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined, according to the American Heart Association.
   
• More women than men will die within 1 year after a heart attack.
   
• Heart disease and stroke are really big problems among minority women.
   
• More women than men die of stroke each year.
   
• WISEWOMAN offers services to prevent heart disease and other major health problems, including diabetes and weight gain.

What services does WISEWOMAN provide?

WISEWOMAN offers free or low-cost health screenings, such as

• Blood pressure testing
• Cholesterol testing
• Sugar testing for pre-diabetes/diabetes

WISEWOMAN also provides services to help women improve their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, such as

• Stop-smoking programs
• Nutrition education
• Physical activity information
• Doctor referrals
• Stress reduction classes

What makes WISEWOMAN special?

Many WISEWOMAN programs screen for conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.  Also, most programs include other services such as counseling or classes to show women what they can do to prevent disease and improve their overall health.

WISEWOMAN services teach women how to eat healthy and encourage them to be more physically active.  Eating nutritious foods and being physically active are two ways to help prevent heart disease.

Who can join the WISEWOMAN program?

If you can answer yes to all of the following questions, you are eligible for WISEWOMAN.

• Are you a woman at least 40 years old and not older than 64 years?
   
• Are you already participating in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)?
   
• Are you either uninsured or underinsured? (Uninsured, you do not have health insurance; Underinsured, you have health insurance, but not enough to cover your needs.)
   
• Are you eligible for Medicare, but are unable to pay the premium to enroll in Medicare, Part B?

How can I join the WISEWOMAN program?

Once you are enrolled in the NBCCEDP, ask a staff member about joining the WISEWOMAN program.  Keep in mind that although NBCCEDP is available in all states, WISEWOMAN is not.  Only the states listed in this brochure have WISEWOMAN programs.

CDC WISEWOMAN Programs
 

Can I still join WISEWOMAN if it is not available in my state?

Unfortunately, no.  You cannot join WISEWOMAN if it is not offered in your state.

CDC WISEWOMAN Program

Vision:  A world where any woman can access preventive health services and gain the wisdom to improve her health.

Mission:  Provide low-income, underinsured, or uninsured 40- to 64-year-old women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to improve diet, physical activity, and other life habits to prevent, delay, or control heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Contact Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WISEWOMAN Program
Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop K–77
Atlanta, GA  30341
(770) 488–2424
http://www.cdc.gov/wisewoman/