· Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States today.

· Breast cancer is 95 percent curable when detected in the early stages.

· Diabetes is a major killer on its own and also a major risk factor for stroke and heart attack.

Those statistics are important to Santa Clarita Valley women who don't have access to routine health examinations because they have no health insurance or their insurance doesn't cover such services.

Those women can receive a free health screening at the seventh annual Healthy Woman's Day Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Boys and Girls Club in Canyon Country.

The event is sponsored by Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, in conjunction with the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center.

The screening will include a breast examination, screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and a heart-risk assessment. A free mammogram is available on site if warranted, and women who need follow-up care will be directed to services that are affordable.

The Samuel Dixon Center estimates that as many as 25 percent of local women do not have health care insurance to cover routine check-ups, and many let their own health go while caring for their families.

Healthy Woman's Day is directed to all women who lack health care coverage, not just low income families. A number of women who are self-employed or working part-time do not receive regular check-ups because they have no medical insurance or only major medical, which does not cover routine screenings.

Women interested in participating can call 661-257-2339, ext. 302 or 303, for appointments. Walk-in screenings are available on Oct. 25, but walk-in patients may encounter delays while patients with appointments are served.

The local Zonta Club created Healthy Women's Day as part of its mission statement to improve the status of women worldwide. Zonta International is involved in a number of women's health issues around the world.

Healthy Woman's Day co-chairs Amira Mendias and Christine Sexton are hoping to serve up to 200 local women at this year's event.