WAL-MART LAUNCHES WOMEN'S HEALTH PROGRAM

MARK HAMSTRA

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart here recently unveiled a plan to offer women's health screenings and educational sessions at all 2,748 stores nationwide.

The discount chain is partnering with The Speaking of Women's Health Foundation, a Cincinnati-based group that stages conferences and other events around the country and raises funds for women's health programs.

Nationally coordinated educational sessions, including health screenings and product demonstrations, will be held every three months at all U.S. Wal-Marts. Pharmacists, vendors of health and beauty care products, and others will lead the sessions.

Beauty care product sampling also could be a part of the "edu-tainment" sessions, said Wendy Sept, spokeswoman, SWHF.

"Something Speaking of Women's Health has learned is that women like to feel good, and part of what makes them feel good is looking good," she said.

Wal-Mart also will display a variety of health and wellness brochures in all of its stores on an ongoing basis. Topics include diabetes, osteoporosis, skin health, heart health, menopause and stress management.