On May 10, Mother's Day was celebrated. And we acknowledged our Mother's and grandmothers and sisters and aunts and friends and so many others who have raised children. If you are a mother yourself, you know first hand how selfless a mother is, how she always puts the family, the children, the housework, her employer.....etc, before herself. Before meeting her own needs. So not only was May 10 an opportunity to be appreciated and I hope that you were treated like The Queen, but this week is a special week. It is National Women's Health Week.

National Women's Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. With the theme "It's Your Time," the nationwide initiative encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. During National Women's Health Week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Important steps include:

• Getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
• Eating a nutritious diet.
• Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

It is important to celebrate National Women's Health Week to remind women that taking care of themselves is essential to living longer, healthier, and happier lives. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children, and parents and forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. During National Women's Health Week it is important to educate our wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends about the steps they can take to improve their health and prevent disease. After all, when women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone can benefit.

National Women's Check Up Day is Monday May 11. I am reminded that I have to schedule my mammogram which was due in April. I keep putting it off, just way too busy.  But today is the day - I just got it scheduled. So don't forget to schedule your physical exams and check ups and take care of yourself. For more information on National Women's Health Week, visit the official website womenshealth.gov

Have a great day! Beth