MENOMINEE — Public Health of Menominee County received a $400 grant from the Women’s Giving Circle Endowment Fund held at the M&M Area Community Foundation.

The Women’s Giving Circle Endowment Fund is designated for projects and programs that address issues directly impacting women and girls throughout Marinette and Menominee Counties. These funds will support its WISEWOMAN program.

The focus of the WISEWOMAN Program is to help participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening and an opportunity to discuss their health status with a health professional. This screening consists of checking cholesterol and Alco levels along with a blood pressure check.

Participants also receive medical referrals based on the results of their screening. With the financial support of the M & M Area Community Foundation Grant, Public Health of Menominee County is able to provide additional educational materials and blood pressure monitors to women.

“High blood pressure can lead to serious problems, including heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. If a participant is screened and has high blood pressure, we now can provide them with a home monitor, encourage the incorporation of lifestyle changes and follow up with them to check on their numbers. We also have the ability to provide tangible information on cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases,” said Mary Claire Massi-Lee of the WISEWOMAN program.

To be eligible for the WISEWOMAN program, you must be a woman between the ages of 40 and 64, meeting the income guidelines. Clinics are held on a regular basis. To learn more, visit www.phdm.org or contact Mary Claire Massi-Lee at Public Health.