September 30th is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day!!! This day is to remind women that it is important to make their health a priority. Women are so busy taking care of others that most of the time they forget about making time for themselves and their needs are set on the back burner. With everyone at home during the pandemic, women are busier than before and should be planning some time for themselves for their health and fitness.
What is Women’s Health?
Women’s Health refers to health issues specific to human female anatomy. These are often related to structures like female genitalia, breasts, or conditions caused by hormones specific to, or most notable in women. The World Health Organization defines Women’s Health as a state of complete, physical, mental, social wellbeing and not merely and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
What is fitness?
Fitness can be physical or mental fitness. Physical fitness is the body’s ability to work together efficiently to perform activities of daily living, sports, etc. Mental fitness plays a primary role in everything we do. It means taking care of your brain and emotional health.
How can you take care of your health and fitness?
Did you know that two of every three caregivers are women, which means that women are at a higher risk for poor physical and mental health? Women always put themselves last when taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing which should change. Carve out some time for yourself while taking care of your loved ones. Remember “Taking Care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too”.
Get an annual checkup. This includes but is not limited to a pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam, check your hormone levels, mammogram, blood glucose level, cholesterol check, etc. Remember early detection can help save lives.
During pregnancy and postpartum talk to your healthcare provider if something does not feel right. Every year 700 women die due to pregnancy and postpartum related complications out of which two-thirds deaths can be prevented.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you feel that you are suffering from anxiety or depression, any physical or emotional changes, incontinence, pain, etc.
It is especially important to be physically and mentally fit. There are simple ways you can achieve this. Go for a walk, run or hike, join a dance class, do some yoga, swimming, Pilates or sports ( any physical activity that you like)take a nap, ask for help, take breaks, take up a hobby, stop overloading your mind and last but not the least love and accept yourself. Remember, “You are awesome”.
