National Women’s Health Week
The Health and Wellness Center wants you all to know that science is always evolving, but some things never change. Last week was National Women’s Health Week, May 8-14. If you get back to basics and follow these simple steps, adapting them to your age and abilities, and you’ll be on your way to staying healthy:
- Pay attention to what you eat. Simplify healthy eating with a few general rules: The healthiest foods don’t come in wrappers, so focus on foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Put variety and lots of colors on your plate. Choose whole fruit over juice, skip the sugary sodas, and save sweets for occasions. Another basic: Try to eat at a table — not in front of a TV — at regular meal times with the people you love.
- Move it! Kick the sedentary lifestyle that sets the stage for weight gain and major health problems. It’s okay if you don’t go to a gym. Think of ways to get moving that work with your lifestyle. Increase your steps by walking from your workplace to appointments, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking farther away from the store entrance. Team up with a neighbor or friend to walk, run, or bike several days a week.
Rev up your endorphins with a dance class. Whatever you do, make sure you get 30 minutes of physical activity most days. - Offload some stress. How you feel has a big impact on your health. While modest levels of stress are a part of everyday life, long-term stress can raise your risk of depression and anxiety, obesity, heart disease, and many other health problems. Research suggests women are more likely to feel the physical effects of stress than men; hence, we need to manage it in positive ways. One simple way? Get a good night’s sleep — seven to eight hours, whenever you can.
- Enlist your health care provider. Visit your doctor or nurse for a well-woman visit, and bring a checklist of questions to discuss (Hint: you can find a great start to your checklist here). Talk about your family history, and ask about any preventive screenings you may need. Don’t be shy about putting some of your tougher issues on the list. It’s the perfect chance to talk about your medications, family planning, how to quit smoking, and ways to reach or maintain a healthy weight. And definitely tell your doctor or nurse if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression.
- Make smart decisions. Making intelligent decisions tells the world that you’re a woman in charge. Put on your seatbelt and put down your phone when driving. Wear your helmet every time you get on a bike. Practice safe sex. Stop smoking — or better yet, don’t start. Even seemingly small decisions can make a big impact on your health.
Now that you know the basics, pledge to take steps for a healthier you during National Women’s Health Week and share the pledge and other social media tools with your friends and family. It’s never too early or too late to take control of your health.
Related Posts
Saint Leo celebrates faculty and staff success at Community Day →
HR to begin tuition remission dependent verification process starting this fall →
View photos from Prodigy® Cultural Arts program showcase →
