National women’s health week begins on May 10th

May 10, 8:33 PMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Seattle Women's Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

 

The 10th annual National Women’s Health Week begins on May 10th, 2009 and continues through May 16th. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) coordinates this weeklong event that occurs in several cities around the country. The primary objective of this week is to raise awareness and remind women about the importance of making health a top priority in their lives. 

Sunday morning, nearly 1,000 people gathered in Seattle to support the Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s Walk to Empower. This walk is held annually to help raise money for breast cancer. There were approximately 50,000 people that took part in this event that occurred in 16 cities across the United States. Breast Cancer Network of Strength also offers a 24/7 toll-free breast cancer support hotline, called YourShoes, that has trained counselors to help answer questions and offer support. 

Monday, May 11th, is National Women’s Check-up Day. This day was created 7 years ago to encourage women to schedule appointments with their doctor for annual exams and to discuss with their physicians any health related issues they may be experiencing. Regular doctor visits and annual health screenings are essential for maintaining good health.

Many businesses, organizations, and government agencies will be participating in local events in support of women’s health week. One of the events in the Seattle area is called “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: Staying Healthy and Living Well”. It will be held on May 13th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Jackson Federal Building. Some of the highlighted areas will be on nutrition, health insurance, injury prevention and general wellness. If you do not live in the Seattle area, please go to www.womenshealth.gov to see the list of events happening in your city.

In honor of National Women’s Health Week, take a moment and remind your female friends and family members how important it is for them to have annual check-ups, exercise regularly, eat a healthy balanced diet, and get plenty of rest.