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ESCANABA -- Women do a lot to make sure their families get proper nutrition and exercise.  And this sometimes leaves them pushing their own health needs aside.

“Women have a tendency to put themselves last and their families first,” explains Wise Woman Coordinator, Shanna Hammond.  “And it's really important for women to realize that they need to put themselves first--take care of their health so that they can be there for their family."

The Public Health Clinic for Delta and Menominee Counties has a program that encourages female fitness.  It's called the Wise Woman Program, and members can receive free cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure screenings.    

“I think it's very important that women really think about their heart health,” Hammond said, “and that they really take these steps to lead a heart healthy lifestyle."

Peggy McVay has been a Wise Woman member for four years.

“Oh, I exercise at work also,” said McVay, “and at home.  I do a lot of walking at home, eating right.  I eat more fruits and vegetables.  That I learned.  Oh, I’ve lost weight through these classes. They’ve helped me to eat right."

There are currently 400 women signed up in Delta and Menominee Counties.

Nutrition is also an important topic, and the program teaches members how to eat healthier.

The next upcoming project is a healthy cooking class.

There are a few guidelines to becoming a member of the Wise Woman Program:  you have to be a woman between 40 and 64 years old, and you must be underinsured or completely uninsured.  But once you register, you'll have full access to the quarterly educational programs.