National Women’s Health & Fitness Day
“Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is organized by the Health Information Resource Center and falls on the last Wednesday of September. This day, taking place on September 25th, is the largest national annual health promotion event for women of all ages. Along with participating in locally organized events, National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a chance to direct the focus on women’s overall health— mind and body.
With women making up 50.5 percent of the U.S. population, and 34 percent of all practicing physicians, it’s imperative we talk openly and frequently about women’s health. It’s common for women to put the needs of their family and friends above their own, and not take the time to care for themselves the way they would someone else.
This Women’s Health and Fitness Day, Cabot Emergency Hospital urges you to reflect on your health and encourage the mothers, sisters, and daughters in your life to do the same.
Physical Health
When was the last time you visited your Gynecologist or got a physical? Getting regular medical checkups increases your chances of discovering health issues early, saving you time, money, and peace of mind in the long run.
According to Mount Sinai Medical Center’s recommendations, is it time to call your doctor?
- Women 30 years old and younger who are healthy are recommended to get a checkup every two to three years. For younger women, it’s important to ask your doctor about certain vaccines and cervical cancer screening.
- Women ages 30-40 should be getting annual physicals. Common female health risks show no symptoms and can only be detected early by a doctor. Once a woman reaches 40 years old, they should get a mammogram every one to two years.
- Women 50 years and older should be meticulous about their annual physicals and checkups, as they run the highest risk for health issues. At this age, both men and women should discuss colonoscopies, pneumococcal vaccines, and influenza vaccines with their doctor.
The most common serious health issues among women are heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, breast cancer, and obesity. Other health concerns to be mindful of as you age include osteoporosis, vision loss, hearing loss, cognitive impairment, arthritis, and balance issues.
Mental Health
Physical health is only one part of the equation when it comes to women’s health and wellness. Mental health is another equally important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being.
Mental health conditions have been stigmatized in the past, but we should make a collective effort to normalize and speak candidly about it. More than 1 in 5 women in the United States reported experiencing a mental health condition last year.
Many mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder affect more women than men, and they do so in different ways. Depression in women is also more common post-pregnancy or pre-menopause due to the major fluctuation in hormones.
Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and being proactive about your mental health can improve the overall quality of your life immensely. If you feel like your mental health is a concern, contact a doctor today to discuss possible treatment options.
If a woman in your life is experiencing mental health warning signs, use National Women’s Health and Fitness Day as an opportunity to show support and gently start the conversation about getting help.
Cabot Emergency Hospital encourages all women to honor their physical and mental health by frequently getting checkups, and taking the appropriate measures needed for their well-being. As for all your medical emergency needs, our facility is coming soon, and we look forward to caring for the Cabot community.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Cabot Emergency Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. Coming soon, Cabot Emergency Hospital will provide the superior emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.