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A must-do for your health this month

Over the last five decades, the rate of women dying from cervical cancer has plunged 74 percent, thanks in large part to the Pap smear, a screening that can detect the disease (caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus) in its earliest stages. Yet nearly one in six women hasn't gotten the test in the past three years. (Experts recommend yearly Paps if you're under 30 or haven't had three consecutive normal ones in three years.) If you've been remiss, take note: On January 11,2008 the National Cervical Cancer Coalition is offering free Pap smears at doctors' offices and health clinics for those who haven't received one since 2005. Find a location near you at nccc-online.org.