Women's health issues will be the focus of a health fair this Thursday at Boonville-Warrick County Library. Experts in areas of nutrition, physical activity, breast and cervical cancers, smoking and more will be available throughout the event to assist women of all ages.

Sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Health's Office of Women's Health, Susan G. Komen/St. Mary's Breast Center, Boonville-Warrick County Library and the Warrick County Health Department, Healthier You will offer mammograms, bone density testing and colorectal and blood pressure screenings. Scheduling and vouchers will also be available for pap smears through Tri-Cap Family Planning services.

Women are invited to drop in between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn more about health issues that affect them. Free babysitting is available and door prizes will be awarded. The event is made possible through a $2,000 grant awarded from the Indiana State Department of Health.

The Warrick County Health Department coordinated the fair to raise awareness for women's health issues and to offer services and information to women who might not otherwise have access, according to Sharon James, RN.

Participating agencies include the American Heart Association, Smoke Free Communities, St. Mary's Warrick Hospital, American Cancer Society, Southwestern Indiana Mental Health, Tri-Cap, Purdue Extension, Deaconess Home Health/Infusion and the Indiana State Department of Health.

Seminars will be held on pulmonary function, and clinical breast exams and education on self-exams will be offered. In addition to the exhibits and information that will be accessible, James said two notable speakers will offer presentations at the health fair.

Natoma Riley, an Evansville native and author of popular low-fat cookbooks, will speak at 10 a.m. on weight loss and healthy living.

Following her own diet plan, Riley lost 110 pounds in 14 months "while still being able to maintain my style of eating," she says in her books.

At 1 p.m., Brenda Hagedorn will offer a humor presentation. Hagedorn is Consumer Family Science Extension Educator for the Spencer and Perry County Purdue Extension Office. Her specialty is in human development.

Women of all ages are encouraged to attend Healthier You. Those interested in breast cancer screenings/mammograms should call 877-580-3883 or 485-5725 for an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted as time permits. No appointments are necessary for any of the other services offered at the health fair.

The Boonville-Warrick County Library is located at 611 W. Main Street in Boonville, across the street from McDonald's. For more information, please call 897-6105.

It's up to women to make their health a priority because it's not a high priority with insurance companies, said James. "Insurance companies just don't want to cover preventative care (for women)."