Did you know?????......

•   that women make up more than half the world's population?
•  Seventy percent of women would rather have chocolate than sex (Poll taken in a 1995 women’s magazine)
•  The two highest IQ’s ever recorded (on a standard test) both belong to women
•  It is illegal to be a prostitute in Siena, Italy, if your name is Mary
•  In parts of Malaya, the women keep harems of men
•  Approximately three million women in the USA sport tattoos

Just a few fun facts I came across today from various sources on the world wide web. The fourth one just made me laugh because really who thought of that?! Having identical twin girls where most people can't tell them apart; I guess I'm thankful I don't live in Siena, Italy or their names would be Mary 1 and Mary 2 I suppose. For the record, after a little more research I found out this fun fact wasn't true. Oh well, still funny.

On a serious note, I was actually perusing the web researching a more serious topic and learned a few not so fun but definitely important facts. And since knowledge is power I want to share with all the amazing women I come in contact with each day because I celebrate you!

Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent some of the most common types of cancer in women.

According to the CDC website, the 10 most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States in 2007 (the most recent year for which statistics are available) included cancers of the breast, lung, colon and rectum, uterus, and thyroid; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; melanomas of the skin; and cancers of the ovary, kidney, and pancreas.

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, before it can be felt, and is easier to treat.

Women need to be aware of the need for and sign up for annual mammograms and HPV testing; according to statistics, 70% of all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus.

I read a quote from EverydayHealth.com editor which was so true...even for myself I admit. “Women are the family health managers, and yet they often neglect their own health,”

So I challenge all of you to put yourself first and keep up with your annual "woman" exams...someone you know is depending on it!

Best wishes! - Kelly