Benjamin Urges 'Simple Steps' to Improve Women's Health
Healthy eating, regular physical activity, ceasing unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, and "paying attention to mental health" on the U.S. surgeon general's list during National Women's Health Week.
Health fairs, wellness talks, breakfasts, screenings, walks, seminars, and other health-promoting events of every kind are on the long list of National Women's Health Week events taking place around the country through Saturday. U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., MBA, urged America's women to take part and said the week, with the theme "It's Your Time," is about empowering women to make their health a top priority and also encouraging them to take small, manageable steps to reduce their risk of many diseases.
"The most important steps women can take to improve their health include eating a well balanced, nutritious diet; getting regular physical activity; avoiding unhealthy behaviors, like smoking; and paying attention to mental health," said Benjamin, former associate dean for Rural Health at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile and immediate past chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States. "In addition," she said in a statement posted at the start of the week, "women should get regular checkups and preventive screenings. May 10 is National Women's Checkup Day, and I urge all women to make an appointment with their health care professional."
"During National Women's Health Week it is important to tell our wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends to make the time to improve their health, prevent disease, and live longer, healthier, and happier lives. After all, when women take even simple steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone benefits," Benjamin added.