Mother’s Day Is The Kickoff To National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women to make their health a priority. This year, it is particularly important for women to make health a priority due to COVID-19. Women are taking on one of the greatest challenges during this time as work- demands, childcare and other household duties are being integrated into work-at-home schedules.

 

It is my most sincere hope that all women and girls will take care of themselves and make their health a priority during this particularly unprecedented time. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Taking on greater responsibilities means more stress on your system, which can make you even more vulnerable to health risks. As you take care of others, be sure to take care of yourself too.

 

This pandemic may offer you an opportunity to integrate a daily gentle workout routine, such as a walking, home stretch and exercise programs to loosen the muscles and joints from all those online meetings, as well as more health-conscious eating habits. It’s important to keep tabs on your mental and emotional health too. The unknowns of COVID-19 can be exhausting. If you’re working from home, make sure you get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Whatever small steps you can take to enhance your health during this time could become lifelong health-enhancing habits. We are each responsible for taking care of our health to the best of our abilities. Despite the extra challenges many women are now facing, it is important to stay upbeat and positive and find the good in every situation.

 

For more information about National Women’s Health Week and inspiration to make your health your greatest priority, visit https://www.cdc.gov/features/nwhw/. In light of the pandemic, I suggest extending the health week into a health month or longer! Please stay healthy, stay safe, and keep strong in body and mind.