National Women’s Health & Fitness Day Puts Ladies First

When one thinks of the term femininity the words health and fitness generally aren’t the first words that come to mind, but the Health Information Resource Center is looking to change that. 

Tomorrow the U.S. will recognize National Women’s Health & Fitness Day.  In its 12th year, National Women’s Health & Fitness Day stresses the significance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women. The day has been typically observed on the last Wednesday of September and will be included in National Women’s Health & Fitness Week, a new initiative to be held annually during the last week of the month.

National Women’s Health & Fitness Day, a public/private good health partnership, began courtesy of the Health Information Resource Center, a 21-year-old national clearinghouse for professionals who work in the consumer health markets. Corporations and other organizations that chose to participate in the day are encouraged throughout the year to register at http://www.fitnessday.com/.  

The purpose of awareness days is to bring issues, medical or otherwise, to the forefront. It may not be New Year’s, but National Women’s Health & Fitness Day is a good day to make some resolutions about your health and fitness goals. A few decisions you can make to improve your overall health and wellness are:

·       Schedule your yearly physical – It is imperative to have a yearly physical and blood work completed. This should also include a visit to your gynecologist and appointment for a mammogram if you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.

·       Catch up on your sleep – The lack of sleep can have an adverse effect on your health increasing your risk of diabetes and weight gain as well as decreasing your overall productivity. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep for adults.

·       Snack wisely – It’s recommended that we eat three small meals and two snacks daily.   We all know that you can’t eat just one Lay’s potato chip, but instead of breaking out the chips, try to choose healthier snacks. Sliced apples, almonds, baby carrots, sliced celery, and peanuts are all healthy alternatives for chips and dip. However, there is one snack that has no substitute – chocolate.  Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, prevents hardening of the arteries, helps to control blood sugar, and is loaded with antioxidants.

·       Drink more water – According to The Institute of Medicine, adults should consume an average of 10 glasses per day.

·       Get active – Whether it is jogging around your local park, joining a Zumba class, or becoming a member of a gym, it is paramount to incorporate an exercise regimen into your weekly routine. 

The more you incorporate a healthier routine into your daily life the more you will improve your quality of life and decrease your chances of long-term illness. The Kenkou Group recommends you take part in the principles of National Women’s Health & Fitness Day on September 25 and everyday afterward.

Sources:  Sleep Foundation, Mayo Clinic

The Kenkou Group 2013