The 9th annual National Women’s Health Week will kick off on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008 and will be celebrated until May 17, 2008. National Women’s Check-Up Day will be Monday, May 12, 2008.
During this week and every week, Guilford County Health Department encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease.  We encourage all women to:

• Engaging in some form of physical activity 3-5 days of the week;
• Making healthy food choices including a variety of fruits and vegetables;
• Maintain a relationship with a primary care provider and  receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings;
• Avoid unhealthy and risky behaviors such as smoking, promiscuous sexual activity, heavy drinking, and not wearing a seatbelt.

I recently conducted a Women’s Health seminar for a local university, the following testimonial by Ms. ECR really made my day: “Last week as the weather was warming, I started going through my closet to prepare my spring wardrobe.  To my surprise, since last year, I’ve gained a few pounds!  I was very unhappy with this discovery.  I immediately pledged to start paying more attention to my daily diet, and return to my regular exercise routine.  Fortunately, there is an established exercise class at my church, and many of my friends attend it regularly.  Whenever I go, I feel great, but somehow over the winter, I fell off the wagon. I immediately renewed my membership, and have already attended for the past two weeks.  The classes have been the highlight of my day since I resumed the workouts.  I’m so glad I had the willpower to get back in the swing!”

We invite you to visit our free Women’s Health Fair on Thursday May 15 from 9am-1pm at the DSS/ Public Health building located at 1203 Maple Street, Greensboro. Educational exhibits on topics including exercise, parenting, obesity, dental care, and breast cancer will be featured.  Health professionals will be on hand to answer basic health questions. Each of us should be committed to focusing on our personal health status for our own well-being, and for the sake of those we love!Š