Your health is a lifelong journey. This National Women’s Health Week, learn what you can do to take the next step on your personal journey to better health.
Led by the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), National Women’s Health Week encourages women and girls to pay close attention to their physical and mental health and take steps to improve it. To be your healthiest self, you can:
· Talk to your healthcare provider
Pay attention to your overall health and schedule an in-person or telehealth visit with your health provider:
§ if you have concerns about COVID-19;
§ if you are sick or something doesn’t feel normal
§ if stress is getting in the way of your daily activities; or,
§ if you have a health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, develop or maintain a plan to keep it under control.
· Get and stay active regularly, in your home or outside your home.
· Eat heart-healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks.
· Take care of your mental health
§ Stay connected with family and friends.
§ Loneliness and social isolation can increase your risks of heart disease, depression and weaken your immune system.
· Find healthy ways to manage stress.
· Practice good sleep habits to improve your mental and physical health, and boost your immune system:
§ Follow a routine for going to sleep – be consistent going to bed and getting up – even on weekends.
§ Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
· Monitor alcohol intake and avoid illicit drugs, including drugs that are not prescribed to you.
§ Try to quit smokingand vaping.
§ Smoking weakens your lungs and puts you at a much higher risk of having serious complications.
· Slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 while protecting yourself. To get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and things you can do to healthy and safe, visit:
- CDC.gov/coronavirus
- Coronavirus.gov
- USA.gov/coronavirus
- When to Seek Emergency Care By: Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health
- When to Seek Emergency Care(link is external) (video) By: Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health
We know that when it comes to taking steps for better health, it’s not always easy.Every woman has her own approach and is on her own unique, personal health journey. Take time this National Women’s Health Week to pause and reflect on your health. Ask yourself where you are on your health journey and where you want to go. Whether you’re focused on getting regular physical activity, eating healthier, or managing your stress, or staying healthy during COVID-19, OWH has tips and resources to help you along the way!
For ideas and tips to help you improve your health in a way that works for you, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw. Start working toward your health goals — and share your progress with us using #NWHW and #FindYourHealth
Photo by Retha Ferguson from Pexels
