As primary caregivers and nurturers women often overlook their health and well being at the expense of both. The Women's Heart Foundation states that each year women account for over 230,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease. According to the American Cancer Society there were more than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2010. The Mayo Clinic has found that 1 out of every 8 women will develop major depression some time in their life.
To bring more awareness to women’s mental and physical health the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services put together National Women’s Health Week 12 years ago. This year the week falls between May 8th (Mother’s Day) and May 14th, and the theme is “It’s Your Time. National Women’s Checkup Day will be on May 9th.
The website, Women’s Health.gov, lists a few health recommendations women can incorporate into their lives which can help prevent disease and mental illness. The recommendations include:
- Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive
- Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
- Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress
In addition to the above suggestions, the website has a health pledge women can make and print out, as well as a place to submit a proclamation of health.
Over the course of the week each state will have a variety of events centered on women’s health and wellness. Here are a few of the events being held in the Baltimore area:
Free Week at Curves
Parkville
Oral Cancer Screenings and Education
Baltimore City Health Department
Free Health Screenings at Curves
White Marsh
Health Information Session
Wayland Baptist Church
All events are free and open to the public.
For more details on National Women’s Health Week events in the Baltimore area click here.
Take care and Until Next Time,
Stay Health
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