National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is here; it runs from Sunday, May 12th to Saturday, May 18th in 2024. This is a week to honor women and girls around the nation. In addition, this week offers great reminders of how important it is to take care of our own health as women. Women are the sex that is always running around taking care of those around them, but always forgetting to nurture themselves. This year’s theme for National Women's Health Week is “Know Your Bones”. The theme was designed to bring awareness and encourage women to care for their bone health so that they can prevent or manage osteoporosis. A woman who has built strong bones early on in life and continues doing so throughout, may be able to prevent osteoporosis from showing up later in life. Being conscious about the simple things now can make a difference in the long run.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures. It is a widespread issue, particularly among older adults. Osteoporosis is often undetectable until a bone fracture occurs, earning it the nickname "the silent disease."
Symptoms of osteoporosis:
· Hip Fracture (Broken hip)
· Broken Wrist
· Hunched Posture or Spine Malformation (Kyphosis)
· Height Loss
· Severe Back Pain
· Fractured Spinal Bones
The Solution:
While there is currently no cure for osteoporosis, there are medications available to help manage its symptoms. In addition to medication, holistic approaches can also be effective in addressing the condition.
7 Tips to Better Women's Health
Limit Alcohol
o Alcohol is a psychoactive toxin that significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, as well as breast and bowel cancer. It also leads to loss of control, heightened aggression, and a greater likelihood of injuries, accidents, or even crashes.
o Abstaining from alcohol can improve sleep quality, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day ahead.
Increase Healthy Sleep Habits
o Obtaining enough sleep is crucial for overall well-being. It impacts various aspects of our health, from stress levels to immune function and heart health, among others. Striving for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night can significantly contribute to feeling and performing at your best throughout the day.
o Keep your sleeping environment cool, dark, and quiet so that you can obtain the best possible sleep without disruption.
o Getting to bed at the same hour most nights is beneficial to your sleep cycle.
Manage Stress
o Stress is going to occur, but how it is handled makes all the difference in your world. You see chronic stress (constant) affects all the body’s systems and can cause an array of diseases. Repeated acute stress and chronic stress may cause inflammation throughout the circulatory system which can cause a heart attack.
o TAB Please – One way we have all of our clients manage stress at Nurture What Matters {NWM} is to Take a break from….. What or who is it that you need to take a break from? Is it screaming, being stressed out, burned out, social media, work, a loved one, etc.? When was the last time you did something that you enjoyed doing? If you are unable when you last engaged in such activity. The time to do so is now. Note that your happiness in life does matter. You are on earth to experience a good time.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
o How would you say you are operating? Are you functioning well, or do you feel like you are all over the place? Unplug and just live in the moment, doing nothing for at least 15 to 30 minutes each day. Wake up early if you need to find time and plus this action will help to start your day on a vibrant note.
o Keep a journal to release your thoughts and feelings.
o Get to sleep at a decent, yet regular time each night; it really does help.
o Mental Health Action Day is perfect time to check in with yourself and make sure you are doing okay. While you are at it, if anyone pop's in your head, give them a call or send them a pleasant text; communication can be healing and hearing someone's voice can mean all the difference during difficult times.
Eat Healthier
o The easiest way to eat clean and healthier foods are to plan your meals. (check out our website and download a recipe book. Our meal offerings are delicious, nutritious, and in most instances easy to make.) If you are ready to give them a try visit us here.
o Purchase whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
o Cook at home, where you are in control of all the seasonings, herbs, and portions that go on your plate.
o Always remember to hydrate with water, fruits or tea often.
Get Moving
o Consistent movement helps to improve and maintain healthy joints, strong bones, physical strength, and good circulation It also helps to remove toxins from the body.
o Walking a few steps to the water cooler, the car after sitting 10 to 15 hours a day is not beneficial to one’s health. It is one of the reasons why disease list continues to grow. Today make a conscious decision to get up and move more because the longevity of your life depends on it. Walk up the steps when safe to do so instead of taking the elevator. Park further when going shopping to get in those steps. It will also help with having less dings on your vehicle.
o Commit to an exercise or walking program no less than 3x a week for 15 to 30 minutes if you can. (check with your physician before starting)
Annual Exams
o It's important to prioritize our health by getting regular check-ups to understand where we stand. Before visiting the doctor, it's a good idea to write down all the questions you may have, so you can make the most of your visit. Regardless of your payment method, the doctor's office is there to serve you and do no harm. Although the medical system may have its flaws, we can do our part as patients to ensure we receive the care we need. Our time is valuable, and we should do our due diligence to find an office that suits our needs and get all our concerns and questions answered.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, National Women's Health Week is an annual observance that takes place the United States that highlights the importance women's. This is a perfect time to remind women how crucial it is to prioritize women's health across all ages, and I believe that it's great to highlight this important issue every year. The theme for 2024 is, "Know Your Bones," this is particularly important as bone health is often overlooked, especially in women. It's also important to know where you stand regarding your overall well-being and what makes you feel good or not so great. Taking care of ourselves should be a top priority, and we should always be cognizant of the things we do that can either improve or harm our health in the long run and the people and environments that can have these impacts too. Making conscious choices every day is essential, as it can make a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. So, before making any decision, it's important to take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves if our choices will lead us towards the future we desire.
Getting Older, Feeling Stronger & Living Longer!
To obtain more information, personal medical advice, or diagnosis, please consult your doctor.
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