A nation-wide initiative devoted to empowering women to take control of their health starts today.  May 10-16 marks the 10th Annual National Women's Health Week, a health observance created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health (OWH).  This year's theme is "Its Your Time."  The goal is to educate women about simple steps you can take to improve your health both physically and mentally.

OWH Recommended Steps to Better Health

• Engage in 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, or a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
• Consume a nutrient-dense diet.
• Get regular physical exams and health screenings by a qualified health care professional.
• Avoid harmful behaviors such as smoking, not wearing a helmet while bike riding, and/or not fastening your seat belt while in the car.
• Promote your mental health by managing your stress and getting sufficient sleep.

     You can start taking these steps today, with thousands of other women throughout the country, by enrolling in the OWH sponsored program, Woman Challenge.  The Woman Challenge is an 8 week long online exercise program that takes place May 10-July 4, 2009.

How Can You Participate in the Woman Challenge?

• Register online at www.womenshealth.gov/women/for the Woman Activity Tracker.
• Take the Woman Challenge Pledge.
• Set your weekly goals.
• Record your physical activity.
• Receive a virtual Woman Challenge Trophy each week you meet your exercise goal.  If you meet your goal each of the 8 weeks, you receive a Certificate of Completion.

     Another initiative sponsored by the OWH that you can participate in is National Women's Check-up Day which will be held Monday, May 11.  On this day, you are encouraged to make a commitment to start receiving regular physical exams and health screenings by a qualified health care professional.  Why?  Your health care professional can determine if you are at risk for or have certain health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, sexually transmitted infections, mental health issues, and/or other health problems.  During your visit you can discuss with him or her the preventative measures and treatment options available to you for better health.

How do You Participate in National Women's Check-up Day?

• Go to www.womenshealth.gov and use their Interactive Health Screening Tool to learn more about health screens and vaccines available to you.
• Contact your health care professional to schedule an appointment for a physical exam and to discuss your current health.

     Happy Mother's Day to all of you that are moms and Happy National Women's Health Week to all women.  Remember, "Its Your Time."  Take control of your life and make it happy and healthy for a better you.

Resource:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The National Women's Health Information Center - The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information www.womenshealth.gov/.