National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a weeklong health observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). The week May 8-14, 2022 serves as a reminder for women and girls, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, to make their health a priority and take care of themselves. It is extremely important for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 years and older, to take care of your health now.

What Steps Can I Take For Better Health?

Maintain a healthy weight

• Healthy weight is different for everyone but it’s important to know what a healthy weight is for you. Talk to your health provider about what a healthy weight is for you.

• Set realistic goals. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your health goals and ways to achieve them.

Get and stay active

• Spend time outdoors in the sunshine and be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.

• Incorporate exercises that build and strengthen your muscles. This is important if you experienced reduced movement or physical activity or if you were hospitalized during the pandemic. All of these may contribute to muscle loss.

• You can get great ideas to get active and create a weekly activity planner through Move Your Way.

• If you are pregnant, there are ways that you can exercise safely but it is important to talk to your doctor before starting or changing your physical activity.

• There is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to physical activity. Find a routine to fit your needs based on your age, stage of life, and abilities.

Eat well-balanced meals and snacks

• Heart-healthy eating involves choosing certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, while limiting others, such as saturated and trans fats and added sugars.

• It’s important to ensure you are getting enough vitamins in your diet, like vitamin D. Good dietary sources of Vitamin D include fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals; oily fish such as salmon, rainbow trout, canned tuna, and sardines; and eggs. Calcium is an important nutrient for your bone health across the lifespan.

Take care of your mental health

• Stay connected with family and friends.

• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.

• Make time to unwind and focus on activities you enjoy.

• Pay attention to changes in your mood

• If you or anyone you know is experiencing changes in thinking, mood, behavior, and/or thoughts of self-harm, reach out for help:

• The Behavioral Health Services Crisis line is available 24/7 by calling 307-688-5555.

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence

• National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 confidential service that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence. The hotline can be reached:

• By phone: 1-800-799-7233(SAFE)

• By text: Text LOVEIS to 22522

• Online chat: https://www.thehotline.org and select “Chat Now”

• Highly trained, experienced advocates offer support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. The website provides information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, and local resources.

Find healthy ways to manage stress

• Taking care of yourself and getting the help you need are important. Taking care includes maintaining healthy behaviors, managing stress, and seeking extra support, especially during COVID-19.

Practice good sleep habits

• Good sleep can 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.

Look out for your lungs

• Quit smoking and vaping.

• Smoking weakens your lungs and puts you at a much higher risk of having serious health complications, especially if you have COVID-19.

How can I take these steps?

It's not always easy to take steps for better health but we have tools and resources that can help you create a plan that works for you. A great way to get started is to reflect on your health goals, and the things that can help you be your healthiest you, especially during the pandemic. Here are just a few examples:

• Learn more about the COVID Vaccine and how to schedule your appointment.

• Make sure you are fully protected against COVID by getting the required number of shots for your vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two vaccine doses. After you receive your first shot, don’t delay scheduling your second shot. Getting your vaccines on the recommended schedule is the best protection against COVID-19. Learn more about planning and getting your second shot.

• Get tips for a healthy pregnancy if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

• Use our online tool to get personalized steps to help you create your plan for better health.

• Create a plan for staying healthy and safe if you plan to travel.

How can I participate in National Women's Health Week?

The Office on Women's Health invites you to:

• Continue to take steps to protect yourself from COVID by social distancing, wearing masks, and getting your COVID vaccine. Join the HHS COVID Community Corps to help encourage your family, friends and other people you know to get their vaccine and take the same steps to protect themselves.

• Share what actions you are taking for good health such as getting active and managing stress.

• Use our NWHW promotional tools and share on social media. Use #NWHW in any social media messages you share.

• Organize virtual events or activities in your community.

• Use the Office On Women’s Health online tool for customized tips to improve your healthy eating and physical activity habits.

• Share the tool with your friends and family to help them take the next step on their journeys to better health.

Our Family Clinic in Hulett provides continuing and comprehensive health care for individuals and families. Family Medicine, or Primary Care providers serve all people of all ages. Our team helps patients establish a medical home to monitor your health and manage chronic illnesses and conditions. In addition to full primary care services, we also provide women’s health services.

Located in the new Red Bluffs Medical Center in Hulett, The Family Clinic serves Hulett and the surrounding communities. When you need to see a specialist, we can help you quickly coordinate a referral within Campbell County Medical Group’s system of clinics. Learn more or contact us to book an appointment here.

Source: Office On Women’s Health