National Women’s Health Week is a nationwide observance that takes place every year, from May 13th to May 19th. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses this week to promote women’s health and well-being and make it a priority.

This one-week campaign is meant to motivate women take the necessary steps towards improving their health. There is no better time than National Women’s Health Week to get the appropriate medical care that you need. To know more about National Women’s Health Week, and what you can do, check out the following tips:

Make sure to have health screenings and preventive healthcare:

Women are advised to protect their health by receiving all the necessary care towards preventing diseases/illnesses, disabilities, and injuries. For this, going for regular checkups is a must. It’s also important that women understand that preventive care can keep diseases at bay or at least will help diagnose certain conditions early.. During this year’s Women Health Week, every woman should take an oath that they will talk to their respective healthcare providers to discuss the health screenings and examinations that are needed and when to take them.

Have the right amount of physical activity:

During National Women’s Health Week, women should think about having consistent physical activity sessions and how they should maintain it. You shouldn’t forget that physical activities are very important when it comes to maintaining health and promoting well-being. Consistent exercise does not only have a few health benefits, it also can help reduce several health risks, including cardiovascular diseases. Below are some tips on getting a sufficient amount of physical activities in adult women:

• A minimum of 2.5 hours of aerobic physical activity. At least ten minutes of activity at a time.
• A minimum of 2 days/week for strengthening activities that involve all major muscles.
• Strength and balance training are necessary to prevent falls.

Eat healthy:

Nutrition is a critical part of healthy living. Everyone, including women, is encouraged to learn the fundamentals of a healthy diet and move toward a healthy lifestyle during this year’s Women Health Week. Below are some tips towards it:

• A healthy diet should contain:
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Fat-free or low-fat milk
  • Dairy products
  • Lean Meat
  • Low-salt
  • Low saturated and trans fats
  • Low added sugars
• 400 mcg of folic acid is recommended every day.
• Excessive alcohol consumption should be stopped.

Promoting Mental Health:

To be healthy, means keeping both the body and mind healthy. According to several studies, it has been found that sound mental health will improve a person’s overall health. Women should start improving their mental health by getting a sufficient amount of sleep. Adult women would require at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Stress is another important factor that can affect a woman’s mental health. Whenever stress strikes, women should find ways to cope with it, whether it be keeping a journal to write down their thoughts or talking it out with a therapist.

Participating in National Women’s Health Week:

Using these tips, you are well on your way in promoting good health and well-being. Here is a list of ideas to really take part in celebrating with the rest of the country:

Online Methods:

• Becoming a part of the Women’s Health Week “Thunderclap”
• Participating in the Health Week “quizzes”
• Spreading the word of support via social media
• Using the hashtag: #NationalWomensHealthWeek

Celebration in the Offices:

• Organizing walks with co-workers
• Conducting a healthy potluck
• Starting a friendly health competition with fellow staff
• Inviting a fitness instructor to teach some moves
• Sharing the activities on social media with a hashtag

Things to do in the Free Time:

• Cooking something healthy
• Giving some relaxation for oneself
• Sipping on water
• Cutting down on soda and sugary drinks
• Going for a walk with loved ones
• Joining a fitness class
• Sharing the activities on social media with a hashtag

Tips for Employers and Public Health Professionals:

• Conducting a health fair
• Conducting a health screening program
• Organizing a healthy cooking session
• Organizing a fitness session
• Sharing the activities on social media with a hashtag

For more ideas and promotional tools, visit the Social Media and Promotional Tools page of the NWHW website.