Observe National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week is May 12-18 and is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the HHS Office on Women's Health.

Per 2009 statistics from Center for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Women’s Health the top three causes of death in the United States for women are: heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Take this week to encourage all the women in your life to make their health a priority.

  • Have them schedule preventative medical services and screenings such as:

Annual physical including basic lab tests

Cancer screenings (mammogram, pap test, pelvic exam, clinical breast exam, and colorectal cancer screening)

information on women's healthCMS now covers many preventive services and screenings under its Medicare Part b benefits for eligible beneficiaries.  For further information see the following: 

MLN Preventive Services Educational Products for Health Professionals

CMS Prevention website

CMS Immunizations website

  • Discuss the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices:

Participate in regular physical activity for a minimum of 2 and ½ hours per week.

Consume a healthy daily diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with limits on foods with high calories, sugar, salt and fat.

Eliminate tobacco use and avoid tobacco smoke exposure.

Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day.