May 12, 2003 Yet despite these successes, too many women across the country still suffer and die from serious illnesses that could be avoided if they took simple, proactive steps to monitor and improve their health. That's an important fact that we at the Department of Health and Human Services want to highlight during National Women's Health Week, which runs from May 11 to May 17.
As this observance begins, we are encouraging women to schedule an appointment with their doctor or other health care provider for a check-up. A simple yearly physical can help identify risk factors for many diseases and detect some diseases early enough to make successful treatment more likely.
When going in for a physical, women should ask about the appropriate screenings for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. The health care professional can offer advice on which screenings are appropriate, depending on a woman's age, medical history and lifestyle. If a cause for concern is found, health care providers can offer advice on how to reduce risks and identify the most appropriate treatment options.
But just going in to "see the doctor" won't guarantee better health. There are simply things women can do every day to reduce their risk of many of the most threatening health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Heart disease, which is linked to both obesity and smoking, is the number one killer of American women. Don't smoke, and if you do, take steps to quit now by talking to your doctor about the many effective strategies and medicines that can help. See your doctor regularly, and be sure to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Also, be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes at least five days of the week.
The goal of National Women's Health Week is to encourage women to lead healthier lifestyles. Getting regular check-ups, eating right and getting enough exercise can add years to your life. We encourage all women to take these simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.
