From Today’s Caregiver
National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a week-long health observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). The week May 10-16, 2020 serves as a reminder for women and girls, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, to make their health a priority and take care of themselves.
It is extremely important for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 years and older, to take care of your health now.
What steps can I take for better health?
The Office on Women’s Health encourages women and girls to:
- Take care of your body and mind:
- Talk to your healthcare provider:
- if you have concerns about COVID-19;
- if you are sick;
- if stress is getting in the way of your daily activities; or,
- if you have a health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, to develop or maintain a plan to keep it under control.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get and stay active regularly in your home(link is external) or outside your home.
- Eat heart-healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks.
- Take care of your mental health
- Stay connected with family and friends.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Practice good sleep habits to improve your mental and physical health, and boost your immune system:
- Follow a routine for going to sleep – be consistent going to bed and getting up – even on weekends.
- Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Monitor alcohol intake and avoid illicit drugs, including drugs that are not prescribed to you.
- Look out for your lungs
- Try to quit smoking and vaping.
- Smoking weakens your lungs and puts you at a much higher risk of having serious complications.
- Slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 while protecting yourself. To get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:
- CDC.gov/coronavirus
- Coronavirus.gov
- USA.gov/coronavirus
- When to Seek Emergency Care By: Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health
- When to Seek Emergency Care(link is external) (video) By: Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health
- Five Things You Need to Know About Donating Blood During the COVID-19 Outbreak(link is external) (video) By: Eric Hargan, Deputy Secretary of HHS
- US Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19(link is external) video playlist (YouTube)
How can I take these steps?
It’s not always easy to take steps for better health, and every woman has her own approach. The key is to find what works for you. A great way to do that is to reflect on your health goals, what motivates you, and what’s holding you back from being your healthiest you. Use our online tool to uncover personalized tips to help you take the next step on your health journey. Get started today!
How can I participate in National Women’s Health Week?
The Office on Women’s Health invites you to:
- Share what steps you’re taking for good health at every age. Use our social media and promotional tools. Use #NWHW and #FindYourHealth in any social media messages you share.
- Organize events or activities in your community.
- Use our online tool for customized tips to improve your healthy eating and physical activity habits.
- Share the tool with your friends and family to help them take the next step on their personal health journeys.
Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
