” …Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children and parents and forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. …”
National Women’s Health Week empowers women across the country to get healthy by taking action. The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services‘ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, like:
* Engaging in physical activity most days of the week;
* Eating a nutritious diet;
* Visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings; and
* Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
It is important to celebrate National Women’s Health Week to remind women that taking care of themselves is essential to living longer, healthier and happier lives. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children and parents and forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. During National Women’s Health Week it is important to educate our wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and girlfriends about the steps they can take to improve their health and prevent disease. After all, when women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone will benefit. The 9th Annual National Women’s Health Week began on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008 and will be celebrated until May 17, 2008.
National Women’s Check-Up Day is a nationwide effort, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, to:
* Encourage women to visit health care professionals to receive or schedule a check-up; and
* Promote regular check-ups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases, and other conditions.
As part of National Women’s Check-Up Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality, provides a health checklist entitled, “Women: Stay Healthy At Any Age, Your Health Checklist.” Top health experts from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggest that when you go for your next checkup, you should use the health checklist and talk to your doctor or nurse about how you can stay healthy regardless of age.
The WOMAN Challenge, a free eight week challenge encouraging women and girls (ages 9 and older) to walk 10,000 steps a day or get 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Team participation is highly encouraged, so create a team with your friends, family or coworkers. The WOMAN Challenge is a great way to get the exercise you need while having fun and staying motivated. It begins on Mother’s Day, May 11, and ends on July 5, 2008.
Libby's H*O*P*E* 