National Women’s Health Week

This year, National Women’s Health Week runs from May 8 through May 14, 2022, and, in honor of women everywhere, we think now is a wonderful time to shine a spotlight on smart lifestyle changes that experts say can help us all live better lives. It’s exciting to know that small steps can lead to big results!

To improve your physical and mental health, you can:

• Use sunscreen and follow these other sun-safe tips to reduce your risk of skin cancer by 98%.
• Get regular cancer screenings. Here are links to expert recommendations and free cancer screenings.
• Get regular exercise. Medical professionals recommend two and a half hours a week for most adults. More information is available from the American Cancer Society.
• Include healthy food choices in your diet. Get lots of greens and whole grains and watch your salt and sugar intake.
• Get plenty of rest. The CDC recommends at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Here are 6 proven tips for a more restful sleep.
• Quit Smoking. Smoking harms virtually all cells in the body. Here are some helpful free tools to double your chance of quitting for good.

Studies show these steps can help you reduce your risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

As former first lady Michelle Obama writes, “The truth is, being a healthy woman isn’t about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline—and we can’t afford to think that way. Instead, we need to start focusing on what matters—on how we feel, and how we feel about ourselves…So, here’s the bottom line for us women: No more excuses. Today, we’re more empowered than ever before to take control of our lives and our health. Whether it’s pushing ourselves a little harder at the gym, calling our doctors to make sure we’re up to date on our screenings, or reminding our girlfriends that they can access these preventive health care services without a co-pay—we can all truly make a difference, not just for ourselves, but for our mothers and daughters, our grandmothers and granddaughters, and all the women in our lives who we love.”

The Office on Women’s Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services has more great health and wellness ideas for women from 20-100. Here you will find age-based suggestions for healthier living,  a quiz to assess your own personal health score, and specific ways you can focus on and improve your health and well-being.

If you’d like to get involved within your community, you can promote National Women’s Health Week on your social media accounts by using the #NWHW hashtag. If you would like to organize an awareness event, click the link for some great tips to get started.

National Women’s Health Week is the perfect time to focus on you and get the care you need to prevent disease. Regular check-ups and screenings are key to detect health issues early, when treatment is more effective and a cure is possible. And, always, your doctor is your best source of information regarding your personal care. We recommend you make an appointment to talk with your doctor to learn more about what screenings and lifestyle changes are best for you.