National Women's Health Week

The 13th annual National Women's Health Week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, kicked off on Mother's Day, and will be celebrated May 13 through May 19, 2012. The theme for National Women's Health Week 2012 is "It's Your Time." This weeklong health observance empowers women across the country to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Here are some tips that the Office of Women's Health recommends that all women should consider:

• Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Get active.
• Eat healthy.
• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

Women and Strokes (American Heart Association)

Here are some additional websites worth checking out:

Medline Plus - Women's Health

American Heart Association - Go Red For Women

Mayo Clinic - Women's Health

Medical Library Association - Top Websites for Women



If you'd rather check out some books to help you to take control of your health, then take a look at these titles:

Our Bodies, Ourselves by The Boston Women's Health Book Collective

The Mommy Docs' Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth by Yvonne Bohn

Good Housekeeping: Drop 5 Lbs.: The Small Changes, Big Results Diet by Heather K. Jones

Dr. Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health by Nieca Goldberg

Body-for-Life for Women: A Woman's Plan For Physical and Mental Transformation by Pamela Peeke.

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book by Susan M. Love

Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective


So, make sure you (or a special woman in your life) start taking control of your health. It's important for you and your loved ones.

-- Post by Tracy