During National Women’s Health Week, millions of women take steps to make their personal health a priority. The focus is on the importance of implementing simple preventive and positive healthy habits into everyday life.
Women are leading busier lives than ever before and have a tendency to let themselves slip low on their list of priorities. The two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle is 'lack of time' and 'health not being a priority'. Women's Health Week is the time for women to put themselves first, for just one week, and start making positive changes that can last a lifetime.
Steps to Take for Better Health
1. Visit a doctor or nurse for a well-woman visit, recommended screenings, and preventative care. Regular check-ups are important. Preventive care can keep disease away or detect problems early, when treatment is more effective.
2. Eat healthy. With warmer weather coming, more fruits and vegetables will be in-season. Use this an opportunity to make your meals half fruits and vegetables as recommended by ChooseMyPlate.gov. Also, avoid drinking too much alcohol. Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions and can lead to the development of chronic diseases. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, which is up to 1 drink a day for women.
3. Practice safe behaviors, such as quitting smoking, making sure to always wear your seat belt, and refraining from texting and driving.
4. Pay attention to your mental health. This includes getting enough sleep and managing stress. Our Counseling Centers offer group and individual counseling to help women meet life’s challenges.
5. Be physically active. Women of all ages and abilities benefit from getting active. Everybody has their preferred style of exercise so take this week to explore your options!
These steps are the foundation for a lifetime of good health. By practicing them this week, they can become daily habits and help you be as healthy as possible.
Sources:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/dietary-guidelines
https://www.cdc.gov/features/nwhw/index.html