The observance was established by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, which reminds women – particularly those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 and older – to stay focused on your health needs.

When was your last annual physical, well woman exam, or any doctor appointment? If you can’t recall, the answer is probably that it was too long ago.

Women have unique health issues such as pregnancy and menopause. Some of the health issues that men and women have in common affect women differently. Examples include osteoarthritis and urinary tract problems, both of which tend to affect women more.

Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity is also critical. Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women. With many people following social distancing guidelines, being physically active may seem hard, but it’s definitely not impossible.

National Women’s Health Week also encourages women to consider the factors that influence their mental health, such as managing stress in order to ward off anxiety and depression. Research shows that positive mental health is associated with improved overall health and wellbeing. It may be tough during the pandemic to maintain healthy behaviors and manage stress, but there are manageable steps you can take to get the support you need to cope with stress.

Regular health check-ups are important to ensure your day-to-day health. Talk to your Kelsey-Seybold doctor:

• to find out what screenings you need and when;
• to explore the covered preventive services for women and other preventive care benefits;
• if anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning;
• to ask if telemedicine is an available option.

Always write down any questions or issues you may have and bring them to your appointment.

Don’t delay! Call your Kelsey-Seybold doctor today to schedule an appointment! And learn more about how to check on your own health during Women’s Health Week here: https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/nwhw/index.html.