National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week starts on Sunday, May 8th, 2022 and ends on Saturday, May 14th. This week is dedicated to women and the importance of caring for their mental and physical health. Too often, women put their health needs on hold to care for others, but this can lead to serious health problems. By taking action today, women can achieve the best health possible.

Let’s look closer at the messages the Office on Women’s Health is sharing with everyone during this crucial week.

Why Women Often Neglect Their Health

Women tend to spend their lives taking care of others, whether it be their children, spouse or aging parents. While their caregiving services are certainly needed, they can also take a toll on a woman’s physical and mental health. According to a new study from GCI Health, HealthyWomen and Redbook magazine, half of women admitted to neglecting their health.

The reasons for this include:

• Women often put others’ needs before them. For example, they will schedule appointments for their children but not themselves.

• Women are often juggling many different roles, such as working full-time and being a mother and wife.

• Women have different warning signs compared to men, and the early signs can easily be missed. For example, the signs of heart attack in women are different than they are for men.

How Women Can Achieve Better Health

In honor of National Women’s Health Week, here are some of the ways that women can achieve optimal health.

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19. Women should make it a priority to get vaccinated for COVID-19, as well as stay up to date with a booster shot.

• Schedule annual physicals and other appointments. Women should visit their healthcare provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. These appointments screen for medical issues and future medical problems.

• Maintain a healthy weight. One of the best things women can do is maintain a healthy weight with balanced eating and exercise. Being at a healthy weight can lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Practice good self-care. It’s also important for women to focus on their mental health so they can prevent burnout. Good self-care involves staying connected to friends and family, making time to unwind and reaching out for help when needed.

• Manage stress levels. To prevent stress levels from creeping up, women should de-stress regularly by scheduling time for meditation, journaling or reading.

VNA Health has many ways that we support women of all ages. We are New Jersey’s largest and most trusted provider, and we ensure that everyone has access to high quality, personalized care. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how they can help improve your mental and physical well-being.