Women play important roles in each of our lives. They are teachers, mothers, doctors, writers, administrators, organizers, helpers, caregivers and so much more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “two out of every three caregivers in the United States are women, meaning they provide daily or regular support to children, adults or people with chronic illnesses or disabilities.” Unfortunately, however, women who are caregivers are also at greater risk of having poor physical and mental health.
This week, we’re recognizing National Women’s Health Week, an observance focused on encouraging women to prioritize their health. Whether women are busy with work or school, or the COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult, women—especially caregivers—need to put their health first.
Women have unique health issues, and health issues they share with men can affect women differently. The conditions below only affect or primarily affect women:
- Issues related to women’s overall health and wellness, including disproportionate violence against women, bone health and menopause
- Gynecological health and disorders, such as menstrual irregularities, urinary tract health and vaginitis
- Pregnancy issues, including prenatal care, pregnancy loss and breastfeeding
- Disorders and conditions such as Turner syndrome, Rett syndrome and ovarian cancer
Because women have a lot to think about when it comes to their bodies, it is very important to take the necessary steps to care for themselves and their health. But where should they begin?
- Talk with health care providers: Women can talk with their doctors to figure out what exams or screenings they need and how often to get them. Also, it is always a good idea to stay on track with annual checkups, even when feeling well.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet: Slipping into unhealthy eating habits, such as overeating or eating foods that are high in fat and sugar, can be easy to do. While something sweet or a small salty splurge is a nice treat every now and then, more regularly opting for plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats supports overall good health. A healthy diet also includes drinking plenty of water!
- Physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women, and provides energy. The CDC offers examples for establishing a routine to get enough physical activity during the week to reap the many physical and mental health benefits.
- Keep your mind healthy: Positive mental health is also beneficial for physical health. Taking time out of the day to meditate, stretch or unwind can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. Being social is also important. Women can take advantage of the support they have around them, whether checking in with friends, family or local support groups.
- Practice healthy behaviors: Engaging in healthy behaviors such as those described above is important, but so is avoiding unhealthy habits. Smoking takes the lives of more than 200,000 American women every year; drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can lead to disease, injury and other health issues; and women are at a higher risk for sleep problems than men. Women get mind, body and mood boosts when they avoid tobacco, drink in moderation or not at all and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, the first day of National Women’s Health Week, women should take steps to give their health the attention and care it deserves—and then practice those healthy habits all year long!
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