Did you know that this year marks the 20th annual National Women’s Health Week? The week, which kicks off each year on Mother’s Day, will be celebrated from May 12 through May 18.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health leads National Women’s Health Week. Together with other organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they support and help promote messaging around women’s health. The goal is to encourage all women to be as healthy as possible and promote steps that will help build good, lifelong habits.
Tips for better health
Use these five tips to be as healthy possible all throughout your life:
- Go to a well-woman check-up every year. This is a great way to keep track of your health and help prevent and treat health problems. Be sure to talk to your provider about tests you might need, such as screenings for blood pressure and diabetes.
- Reduce your stress. Stress is common and affects lots of people. But serious stress may lead to more serious problems that can affect your health. Talk to your provider about ways to manage your stress and about resources in your community that may be able to help.
- Do something active every day. The CDC recommends that adults get 2½ hours a week of moderate-intensity activity (like fast walking). This is about 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week. Two of these days should include strength training.
- Eat healthy foods. Eat foods from the five food groups at every meal. Choose whole-grain bread and pasta, fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, and choose lean meats, like chicken, fish and pork.
- Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs. These are harmful to your health and can cause serious health problems.
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, whether it’s soon or sometime in the future, start making healthy choices now! Having a healthy baby starts before you get pregnant. Check out our blog post “A quick guide to preconception health” for more tips.
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