Ladies, do you often put the needs of others first? I do. And I know many of my friends, family, and co-workers do, too. We are important, too! Be your own best friend and make your health a priority. It’s that time of the year when women are reminded to take care of themselves.  The Federal Office on Women’s Health launched National Women’s Health Week as an effort to encourage women to take care of themselves and make their health a priority.  While this is important year-round, sometimes it is easier said than done with the busy lifestyles so many of us lead. I love the May reminders each year as sometimes those New Year’s resolutions are long gone by the time spring rolls around yet there is still plenty of time to make positive changes for a healthy 2022. Staying active, eating well, getting adequate rest, reducing our stress and tending to our mental health, and visiting healthcare providers for needed preventive screenings and medical care are all part of getting and staying healthy.   If you are falling behind in any of these areas, it is not too late to start. Little changes can have a big impact!

 

National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day each year and runs for a week. The 2022 year’s observance runs May 8 – 15th with this year marking the 21st annual event.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two out of every three caregivers in the United States are women, which means they may be providing daily or regular support to children, adults, or people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Women in the role of caregiver have a greater risk for poor physical and mental health and preventive care becomes critical.  Not sure what screenings are right for you? Take a look at the Office on Women’s Health website that shows decade by decade and talk with your healthcare provider. Also, there’s a great tool that helps you get started with a click of a button.

 

While the May flowers are blooming and summer is right around the corner, take the opportunity now to assess where you are with your health goals and commit to making a few changes if needed before the year gets away from us. As women, we are often counted on by so many in our lives and we deserve good health not only for others but for ourselves as well.

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Celebrating Women’s Health Week. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/nwhw/index.html

Office on Women’s Health. Healthy Living by Age. https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-living-age