Elevating Women’s Health
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | May 9th, 2021
In my office there is a card that is pinned on my bulletin board. It was a homemade card from my middle child when she was around 10 years old and it reads as follows:
She is love, wisdom, and beauty.
The kindest person I know.
Her care is important to me.
Her happiness is important to me.
She has given me health and smiles.
She had taught me to open my mind to new things.
She is my Mom. I love you.
This card reminds me of the immense responsibilities we have as Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, and as Women in nurturing young people in our lives. That is probably why Mother’s Day marks the beginning of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). This week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and build positive health habits for life. I firmly believe that in order to take care of the people we love, we must first take care of ourselves. The theme this year for NWHW is ‘Ending the Epidemic and Elevating Women’s Health’. Our young people need us.
The Office on Women’s Health offers the following steps to take for better health:
- Continue to protect yourself from COVID 19 by wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth, keeping your distance, washing your hands often and getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
- Maintain a healthy weight – this is different for everyone. Talk to your health care provider to find out what is your healthy weight.
- Get and stay active – Every opportunity to move, take it.
- Eat well-balanced meals and snacks – check out last week’s blog.
- Take care of your mental health – stay connected with family and friends. If you or anyone you know is experiencing changes in thinking, mood, behavior, and/or thoughts of self-harm, reach out for help – 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is free and confidential and available 24/7, 365-days a year.
- Seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence – National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 confidential service that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence. The hotline can be reached:
- By phone: 1-800 – 799-7233 (SAFE)
- By text: Text LOVEIS to 22522
- Find healthy ways to manage stress – Remember you cannot help others unless you help yourself. I manage stress with prayer and meditation.
- Practice good sleep habits – 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 – quit smoking and vaping – to help quit, you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Thanks for the realistic tips. For me the reminders tokeep moving,moving, to eat healthy snacks and to invest in restorative sleep each day, hit the mark for me.
me.
I appreciate your commitment to women’s health.
Thank you for sharing. We are all in this together and need to encourage each other. Keep moving!