SPRINGFIELD—This morning, State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) joined a group of physicians from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to encourage young women to begin good health practices and to focus on breast cancer prevention at an early age.

A group of about 220 sophomore girls gathered in Maine East High School’s auditorium this morning to hear three physicians discuss the importance of being aware that breast cancer can affect women of almost any age, and that following good health practices when young can help prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases later in life. Doctors Heidi Memmel, Sally Friedwald, and Linda Vassmer highlighted the importance of good nutrition, self-breast exams and mammograms. They also answered questions about cancer risk factors and the HPV vaccine.

"When caught early, breast cancer is a highly treatable disease. Making sure women of all ages know about the importance of good breast health is important," Kotowski said. "I hope hearing from doctors who working with women’s health issues on a regular basis will inspire these teenagers to make good health choices in their lives."

Kotowski helped organize this morning’s event. More than a year ago, he contacted Advocate Lutheran General Hospital with the goal of doing more to advance women’s breast health. The idea of having health experts speak to teenage women evolved from that opening dialogue.

"Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is providing a great service to the community by focusing on early and better health practices to prevent diseases," Kotowski said. "I look forward to working with them in the future to educate our community and save lives."

Kotowski has long been an advocate for women’s health. In 2008, he passed a law requiring insurance companies to cover comprehensive breast ultrasounds whenever a woman’s doctor deems it necessary. He also has worked with several charities to raise money for breast cancer awareness and treatment. This year, Kotowski passed a law allowing insurance companies to offer incentives for participation in health behavior wellness programs.