National Women's Health Week is an awareness week that encourages women of all ages to become conscious about their health. In 1983, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decided to identify important women's health issues. A committee was established under the leadership of the Public Health Service, and this committee started working on all issues related to women's health. In 2000, HHS launched the National Women's Health Week to help women become aware of their health.
1. Visiting Health Professionals And Health Screening
Visiting your doctor every year is an important way to stay healthy. Well-woman visits include complete check-ups rather than treatment. These visits are of great importance in that they include early medical tests and scans that contribute to treating diseases.
There are different methods used in the diagnosis of diseases, including serious diseases such as cancer. Physical examinations check for general health issues, such as looking at any unusual symptoms. Laboratory tests use samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body to detect anomalies. Medical imaging procedures create pictures of the areas inside the body. Genetic tests are laboratory tests in which cells or tissue are analyzed to investigate changes in genes or chromosomes.
2. Prevention from Diseases
We have realized how important it is to avoid disease due to the COVID-19 virus. Now that we understand the importance of preventive care, we can gain awareness about diseases due to National Women's Health Week.
Cardiovascular (Heart) Diseases
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the USA. It affects 42.1 million women over the age of 20 in the U.S. and is the number one cause of death in women. According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2007 update, 1 out of 30 deaths in women can be attributed to breast cancer, while almost 1 in 3 women died from cardiovascular disease. It is theorized by specialists that particular issues found only in women, such as menopause, PCOS, and lactation can also trigger cardiovascular disease.
Breast Cancer
According to available data, 12.8% of women born in the United States will get breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk of developing cancer is an age-dependent factor. The risk of breast cancer is 1 in 208 people at the age of 30, 1 in 65 people at the age of 40, 1 in 42 people at the age of 50, 1 in 28 people at the age of 60, and 1 in 25 at the age of 70. These data clearly show how important screening tests are for women.
Stroke
Stroke affects more women than men, and the death rate for stroke is higher in women. There are several factors that may explain this discrepancy, including pregnancy, hypertension during pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills. It is very important that you practice good self-care. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat the right foods, be physically active, and don’t smoke.
Obesity
Obesity is a well-known metabolic disorder and is one of the most important causes of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. In general, obesity is an indication that you are not at a healthy weight. Finding your Body Mass Index (BMI) is an easy way to find out if you are at a healthy weight.
Remember that obesity can cause metabolic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer) and try to reach your ideal weight. If you are in the normal weight range, continue your physical activity, and balance your meals to maintain your weight. If your weight is below the ideal weight, contact your dietician for healthy weight gain advice.
3. Exercise
Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Every woman should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day for her health. Physical activity or exercise will help you feel better and be healthier. It protects you from diseases such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and mental problems. It also protects you from severe pain during the menstrual period of exercise.
You should also pay attention to your diet for weight loss, which is the best-known benefit of exercise. Exercise alone may not work if you do not reduce calories. You must be realistic in your weight loss process. Achievable goals such as losing 1-2 pounds per week and gradually increasing the intensity of exercise will motivate you.
4. Mental Health
Good mental health is essential for women. More than 20% of women in the United States have experienced depression or anxiety. Many mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect more women than men
The preventive daily routines mentioned above, such as losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising, are also very beneficial for your mental health. In addition, you need to add sufficient and restful sleep to these routines. Changing hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how well a woman sleeps. Restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea are other factors that can cause sleep deprivation. Creating certain routines before your sleep, keeping the place where you sleep dark, not drinking caffeinated beverages in the afternoon, and stopping food consumption at least three hours before sleeping are some suggestions that will help you get the rest you need.
Related: Meditation For a Good Night Sleep
Mental health is not just anxiety, stress, or bipolar disorder. Problems such as body image disorder, eating disorders, alcoholism, insomnia, and trauma due to sexual assault are all sub-topics of women's mental health.
You may be wondering what is considered to be "normal" mental health. For example, when does sadness become depression? At what point is "attention" called obsession? When does "control" really become a problem? A mental health professional can help you understand the tipping points. Treatment is available, and many women who have sought help have been able to recover.
5. Importance of National Women's Health Week
National Women's Health Week is a very important week for helping raise awareness about the most common diseases for women and the importance of preventive care. Be sure to visit your doctor, and do not forget your scans. Keep in mind the prevalence of metabolic disorders in our country and do not neglect exercise, good sleep, and healthy nutrition. Do yourself the favor you deserve! Health is possible at any age. If you agree with the importance of this week, use the hashtags #NWHW and #FindYourHealth on your social media posts!
