Take Action to Improve Your Health During National Women's Health Week

Do you find it difficult to fit the gym into your daily routine or carve out time to schedule yearly medical appointments? This month, Frederick Regional Health System proudly supports National Women’s Health Week. This weeklong initiative focusing on empowering women to take the proper steps to achieve a healthier lifestyle kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 13 and concludes on May 19. Whether you’re already feeling great, or know you should make some lifestyle changes, National Women’s Health Week aims to provide all women with the tools to live a healthy lifestyle.

Join us on social media for National Women’s Health Week by using the hashtag, #NWHW, save the date for our Women’s Health Expo on Saturday, May 19, and support the National Women’s Health Week Thunderclap.

Steps Toward a Healthier Life at Any Age

Have you ever told yourself, “I have plenty of time in life to start running,” or “I’m too old to start taking a yoga class!” Whatever change you want to make, it’s never too early or too late in life to reap the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle and making healthy changes focused on you.

Women in Their 20s & 30s

Making healthy behaviors a habit during your 20s and 30s will lead to a higher chance that you continue these habits throughout your life. Some daily healthy behaviors to begin now include getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least seven to eight hours of sleep, avoid smoking or get help quitting if you do, and take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid.

Make sure you talk to your doctor at least once a year about your diet, weight, and activity level, whether you’re planning to have children, and be sure to share your family health history, especially related to cancer. Also, ask if you need any routine testing, medicines, or vaccines related to blood pressure, STDs, Pap test, flu, or cholesterol.

Women in Their 40s & 50s

On a daily basis, get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least seven to eight hours of sleep, avoid smoking or get help to quit, and if you’re in your 40s and are premenopausal, take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid.

At least once a year, talk to your doctor about your weight and diet, tobacco use, violence in your life, and family health history for cancer risks. If you’re in your 40s, talk to your doctor about premenopausal symptoms and if you’re planning on having children. If you’re in your 50s, make sure to talk about any menopause symptoms you’re experiencing.

Women in Their 60s & 70s

Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day and talk to your doctor about any limiting chronic conditions. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep, avoid smoking or get help quitting, and limit alcohol consumption to one drink or less each day.

Consult your doctor on what health check-ups Medicare covers, who will make health care decisions for you if you’re unable to, mental health concerns, weight and diet, any violence in your life, and tobacco use.

Women in Their 80s & 90s

If you have health conditions that limit your mobility, consult your doctor on how to stay active. On a daily basis, ensure that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep, limit alcohol use to one drink or less, avoid smoking or get help quitting, and strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Talk to your doctor at least once a year about who will make health care decisions for you if you’re unable to make them and if you’re experiencing depression or other mental health concerns.

Take the Steps to Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

There is never a bad time to start working toward living a healthy and active life. Get started this year during National Women’s Health Week and take control of your health and wellbeing. For questions and more information regarding women’s health, please contact our Women’s Health Navigator at 240-215-1447 or email preggio@fmh.org.