Honoring Women's Health

By Angela Marshall, MD

Women have a tendency to place the needs of others before their own. While this is an admirable quality, women who do this may put their own health at risk, especially if they neglect getting regular care and checkups with their health care provider.

Using the theme “It's Your Time,” National Women's Health Week, May 12-18, encourages women to focus on their own health and well-being. Research has shown that when women take care of their own health, the health of their families tends to improve as well.

So, it's time to take care of a very special person in your life you.

You need to nurture yourself with healthy food, make time for regular physical activity that you enjoy, get quality sleep, engage in stress-reducing activities and plan sufficient time to simply relax. Choose one or two things to focus on first. Then, as you have success in those areas, move on to your next victory.

It is important to include your health care provider as a partner in your wellness improvement efforts. Speak with them about your goals and let them help you develop a strategy that is best for you. And be sure to follow up with any scheduled visits and needed examinations.

Remember, the better you take care of yourself, the more you'll be able to be there for those other important people in your life.

For more information on improving your health, visitwww.cdc.gov/women.