National Women’s Health Week National Women’s Health Week
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Join the movement and celebrate women’s health. National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day each year. It’s a reminder to women to take care of themselves, and to make health a priority.
Join the movement and Celebrate Women’s Health
National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) begins on Mother’s Day each year. It’s a reminder to women to take care of themselves, and to make health a priority. Improving women’s health is not limited to the doctor’s office or hospital. Improving women’s health starts at home with individuals and families taking steps to live safer, healthier lives.

The theme for National Women’s Health Week is "It’s Your Time." This year, make a pact with yourself to live a healthier life and take time for you.

Indulge in healthy eating.
With the wealth of information available, you might find it difficult to sort through what’s right for you about nutrition and food choices. Don’t make it difficult. Start with simple things like less salt, smaller portions, and adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

•Nutrition basics
•Fruits and vegetables
•Portion control
•Salt
Treat yourself to a lifestyle that includes physical activity.
Adults should get 2½ hours of moderate physical activity each week. Seems too overwhelming? Try breaking it up into smaller chunks of time during the day, and spreading it throughout the week. Start with a brisk 10 minute walk, or start a garden, dance or swim a few laps in the pool. Give it a try!

•Physical activity for everyone
•Water: Meeting your daily fluid needs
Pamper your mind and body. Take time for you! Reduce stress.
Manage stress at home, work, and school by taking steps to identify what may be stressing you and how to reduce or cope with it.

•Coping with stress
•Manage stress (healthfinder.gov)
Include regular medical and dental check-ups on your to-do-list.
As you schedule the family’s check-up and doctor visits, make sure to schedule your appointments. Health exams and tests can help find potential conditions before they start, or before they become problems, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Take charge of your health, schedule your appointments today!

•Check-Ups are important
•Women: Stay healthy at any age (AHRQ)
•Oral health
Don’t let your disability keep you from a healthy lifestyle.
About 27 million women in the U.S. have disabilities – and the number is growing. Women with disabilities may need specialty care to address individual needs. In addition, you need the same general health care as women without disabilities. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be healthy.

•Physical activity and arthritis
•Women with disabilities
•Activity tips for specific disabilities or conditions (NCPAD)
Enjoy 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Not only does it feel great to get a good night’s sleep, it can also reduce the chance of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

•Sleep and sleep disorders
•Insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic
Pregnant? Text4baby gives you and your baby a great start together.
Text4baby is a free service that provides pregnant women and new moms with free text messages each week on having a healthy pregnancy and caring for a new baby. The messages are timed to your due date or the baby’s date of birth.

•Text4baby for pregnant women and new moms
•Text4baby
Take health on the go.
With a busy schedule, you may be less likely to make good health choices. Plan ahead, prepare healthy snacks that are low in fat, calories, sugar and sodium. Find alternative ways to fit in physical activity.

•Nutrition for everyone
•Physical activity for a healthy weight
•Most Americans should consume less sodium
Helping Women Who Want to Quit Smoking.
An estimated 18% of women in the United States smoke cigarettes. But surveys indicate that at least three out of four of them want to quit. This May, let moms who smoke know that they’ve taken great care of their families and that now you want them to do something important for themselves: quit smoking.

Let them know that you are supportive. Smoking cessation treatment and social support derived from family and friends improve cessation rates. Send a supportive e-card that encourages them to quit. Let them know about resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and Smokefree Women that can help them quit for good.

Be safe, everyday.
Wash your hands to stop the spread of germs. Wear seat belts at all times, and make sure to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

•Wash your hands.
•Intimate partner violence can lead to serious injury
•Seat Belts: Every person, every seat, every trip
•Prevent skin cancer