Celebrate women’s health this week. May 10 – 16, 2015 is National Women’s Health Week (NWHW), an entire week dedicated to empower women to make their health a priority. NWHW is an observance led by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and offers women events, and education to understand the steps they can take to improve themselves and lead healthy lives. NWHW kicked off on Mother’s Day, May 10th and is a great way to celebrate the special women in each and every one of our lives.
NWHW teaches women everywhere that physical and mental health is important. Often women are the backbones of the family and bear the weight of the world with such grace and humility. Don’t you want to tell the women in your life how much they all mean to you? It isn’t just a one day thing - women’s health begins with a lifestyle change.
Where to begin?
When we are healthy and happy we are operating at 100%. It may seem overwhelming, and you may not know where to start, but we’re here to help. Here are a few tips on just how you can kick start a lifetime of happiness and a legacy that will last forever.
Regular checkups – We can’t stress the importance of taking preventative measures to make sure you stay healthy. Visit your doctor or nurse once a year or more and get screened for cancer and other diseases.
Stay active – Exercise regularly to stay in good health. For those of us who are just starting a workout routine, start slow. This isn’t a marathon, and any way you choose to stay active is your choice. Walking, running and even playing recreational sports can keep your mind and body at ease and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Eat healthy – We know that cheeseburgers and fast food may be quick alternatives to save some time for many women who are on the go, but in the long run the effects of these meals can be detrimental to your health. Visit websites like www.skinnytaste.com for recipes that are quick, easy and made with fresh ingredients that will leave you feeling light and full of energy. Remember, you are what you eat – so why not eat something that makes you feel wonderful?
Mental health is important – Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Keep this in mind when planning your week and make sure you are getting enough sleep. Stress is another thing that taxes us mentally, so make sure that you are handling stress accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors – Stay away from things that are bad for your physical and mental health. This includes smoking, texting while driving or not following proper safety procedures.
Age can play a part in having you take additional steps to ensure you are living a healthy and happy life. With the power of the internet at our fingertips, get to Googling and find out just what a woman in your age bracket is doing to stay healthy and modify these suggestions to come up with something that fits into your lifestyle.
Looking to spread the word on NWHW? Share what you’ve learned on social media by using the #NWHW hashtag and share anything new, tips that work for you, or just share words of encouragement for other women.