Steps Women Can Take for Better Health

National Women’s Health Week is an annual observance that was started by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health over 18 years ago. This week, it’s important to focus on ways to not only promote good health, but also to empower women to take charge of their health! There are plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate this week from creating challenges for yourself and those around you, to monitoring your daily health with steps, food, and water intake, as well as sharing your experiences on social media.

SCHEDULE A CHECKUP

Going to the doctor can feel like a chore, but if there’s something bothering you or if you need an annual checkup, now is the best time to go! Appointments may fill up quickly, so it’s important to schedule ahead of time if possible. If it’s been a while since you’ve had preventive screenings specific to women, this is a great week to get them done! Share your story on social media and encourage other women to get checked!

EXERCISE

Perhaps the hardest thing to do is stay moving when all you want to do is relax after a long day of work or school. It’s important for overall health to stay active, though. This could be as simple as taking a walk on your lunch break, walking the dog after dinner, or going to a yoga class a few times a week. However you stay active, keep it up!

EAT HEALTHY

We all know sugars and sodas aren’t ideal when it comes to staying healthy, so swapping out sugary sodas for water is a good place to start. Forego the order of French fries in place of a fruit bowl or small salad. Still want a good burger? Try a lettuce-wrapped burger instead of one with the bun! Everyone is at a different stage in their health goals, so if you’re already on track, give yourself a reward!

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Our mental health rarely gets the attention it deserves, and it’s one of the most important factors for overall health. Use this week to start paying more attention to mental heath by making sure to get enough sleep, find healthy ways to reduce stress, and limit daily stress as much as possible. Focus on what’s important and keep yourself on track!

Source: https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw/about