thrive! A Publication of the Healthiest State in the Nation Campaign

Think you're good at word games, crossword puzzles, and quizzes? Well try your luck at answering these health-related questions (created just for thrive! by two state health experts)—"Jeopardy style"—with the answer first, THEN the question!

Who makes health care decisions for your family? Find out who is most likely to make those decisions and why it's important to know.

They spend the most time seeking health care services. Get the attention of this group, motivate them, and they can make the difference in the health of families, communities, states, and the nation!
Who are women?

If they are not engaged in their health, it can lead to increased HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and substance abuse.
Who are men?

They are the most affected by obesity, but have the opportunity to make a significant positive difference in future generations' health. Globally there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, men and women. This increases their risk for chronic disease. Increased consumption of high-energy, nutrient-poor foods with high sugar levels has added to this problem.
Who are women?

Seven out of 10 Americans have not visited the doctor in the last five years. They are less likely to be screened for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancers.
Who are men?

Time is the single value that advertising agencies tap into to influence the choices of this group to buy fast, convenient food.
Who are women?

They should be the target of health promotion, because they decide what kind of food is bought and prepared for their families and when to go to the doctor or dentist for check-ups.
Who are women?

Bottom Line: If we are not reaching women in our health promotion efforts, we are missing the mark. They are the decision makers of most health matters. And if we are not including men, we are making a mistake. We are losing those loved ones earlier in life.

Nancy L. Fisher, MD has been with the Health Care Authority since 2003. Her background includes running a solo practice as a clinical geneticist, and an attending physician appointment at Harborview Medical Center's Pediatrics Clinic. Dr. Fisher received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Registered Nurse degree from Wayne State University. She then went on to get her Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, and her Masters of Public Health and Certificate in Ethics from the University of Washington.

Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH, State Health Officer for the Washington State Department of Health, advises the Governor and the Department of Health Secretary on issues ranging from emergency response to outbreaks (such as pandemic flu) to preventing childhood illness. A clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and a MCH faculty member of the School of Public Health, Maxine is also the recipient of many awards and honors for her work in maternal and child health, including the American Medical Association's 2002 Dr. Nathan Davis Award and the 2003 Heroes in Health Care Lifetime Achievement Award through the Washington Health Foundation.