Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day, and the start of National Women’s Health Week. National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18) encourages women of every age to make their health a priority and take simple steps to live a safer and healthier life. Celebrate your health with these tips.
Eat healthy.
Whether you’re enjoying breakfast in bed or going out for a special meal in a restaurant, remember to eat healthy. Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Also, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Sleep well.
You need your beauty rest—and for more reasons than beauty. Insufficient sleep is connected to a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. How we feel and perform during the day is related to how much sleep we got the night before. How much is enough? Adults need 7-9 hours, according to these sleep guidelines for different age groups.
Move more.
Shake things up with physical activity—whether brisk walking, running, dancing, biking, swimming, gardening, or something else that will help you get the recommended minimum 2½ hours of moderate physical activity each week. You should also do muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.
Share history.
Connecting socially is sometimes a part of Mother’s Day activities. A family get-together is a chance for you to reconnect, have fun, and share memories. Take the opportunity to learn and pass on your family health history, which is a written or graphic record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family. Family members share genes, behaviors, lifestyles, and environments that together may influence their health and their risk of chronic disease. Knowledge is power.
Enjoy outdoors.
Are you passionate about the outdoors? Gardening, enjoying the sun, and walking can be great ways to enjoy the outdoors, get physical activity, and beautify the community. Learn ways to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors and stay healthy and safe.