GAZELLE MAGAZINE MAY 2018 | Page 87

WELLNESS & WELL-BEING National Women’s Health Week Starts on Mother’s Day T his year, May 13 to 19 is the weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. Each year, it is observed from the second Sunday of May (Mother’s Day) until the following Saturday, with the goal of empowering women to make their health a priority. The week also serves as a time to encourage women to take steps to improve their health. Steps for better health • Visit a doctor for a checkup and recommended preventive screenings. • Get active. • Eat healthy. • Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. • Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet. How can I participate in National Women’s Health Week? The Office on Women’s Health invites women across the country to: • Spread the word through social media using the #NWHW hashtag. • Take the National Women’s Health Week quiz  to learn about your health style. • Organize activities like: a lunchtime walk with your coworkers, encourage everyone to stand at your next meeting, host a healthy potluck or lunchtime salad bar, start a friendly competition with coworkers, track your steps, water intake or other healthy activities. • Turn on your favorite music and dance. • Sip on water instead of soda and sugary drinks. • Learn what steps you should take for good health based on your age. Visit womenshealth.gov/nwhw SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 85