June 3, 2005

MGH honors community women as role models of good health

Massachusetts chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Robert DeLeo was on hand May 25 to congratulate seven community residents who were honored by the MGH as role models of good health at the fifth annual "Celebrating Women: Leading a Vibrant, Healthy Life" women's health fair. More than 400 area women gathered for the event presented by MGH Community Health Associates at the Steriti Memorial Rink in the North End.

The benefits of the Mediterranean Diet were highlighted at this year's event, as guests sampled food recommended for this healthy way of eating and learned to incorporate the diet's principles into their daily eating habits. Participants also gathered information and engaged in discussions about a variety of women's health issues, including heart disease, menopause, diabetes, nutrition, depression, smoking cessation and cancer. Health care providers from the MGH and its community health centers were on hand to answer questions. Blood pressure screenings, massage and reiki therapy sessions also were available.

From left, DeLeo, award winners Belle Liberman and Dorothy Spinazzola, Slavin, Anne Richmond of MGH Community Health Associates and Clapprood.\

Former state representative and broadcast personality Marjorie Clapprood presented the Celebrating Women Award to women from the Back Bay, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, the North End, Revere and Winthrop. The women, chosen by their community health centers, were honored as role models of good health and were introduced by young women in the community who found inspiration in the lives of the honored women.

Peter L. Slavin, MD, MGH president, introduced DeLeo, who said, "When I think about the MGH, I think about the community health centers that allow all members of the community to benefit from the world-class health care that the MGH has to offer."