Date: September 23, 2002	Contact: Wilma Wooten
	tel: (619) 515-6519

TAKE A LOVED ONE TO THE DOCTOR DAY IS SEPT. 24
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency urges residents to participate

Recognizing that San Diego county residents owe it to themselves to get regular medical care,
the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency encourages residents to participate in
"Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day" Sept. 24.

The nationwide campaign urges Americans to make an appointment to take a loved one to the doctor and to get a check-up themselves. The reason: It's easier and less costly to prevent an illness than to treat it.

"We want to get county residents thinking about preventive care," says Ron Roberts, chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. "People can take steps to protect their health with good exercise and eating habits. But it is equally critical to get regular check-ups from your physician. A disease or other health condition can be detected during a routine physical examination."

HHSA currently offers programs to get county residents to improve eating and exercise habits, most notably "Get Up San Diego!" launched last year.

For those without health insurance, "Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day" is an excellent opportunity to find out more about how to sign up for low-cost insurance. There are many alternatives available to those with low or no incomes, including the state Healthy Families initiative.

For more information, please call Public Assistance Information at 1-866-262-9881.