National Women’s Health Week

Mothers Day, May 13th is the beginning of the 8^th annual National Womens Health Week, which encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. The week has five objectives. To celebrate the extraordinary progress in womens health, bring attention to and create an understanding of womens health issues; encourage women to get regular check-ups; provide free or reduced cost screenings fro women nationwide, and to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease. In order to accomplish these objectives woman are encouraged to visit a health care professional once a year, eat well, exercise and not smoke, just to name a few. This years theme is Its Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit and runs from May 13 -19, 2007. Monday, May 14^th marks National Womens Check-Up Day.

In conjunction with this event, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health is coordinating the WOMAN Challenge. WOMAN stands for Women and girls Out Moving Across the Nation Challenge. The 8-week WOMAN Challenge encourages women and girls to walk 10,000 steps or get 30 minutes of exercise every day. The Challenge begins on Mothers day, Sunday, May 13^th. Participants record their daily activity levels on a personal, on-line account and track their progress along a chosen, virtual route. Throughout the challenge participants receive automatic progress reports, motivational e-mails and health education. For more information about this eight-week challenge and to register, go to www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

With so many things to do and others to take care of, it is easy for women to forget about their own health. National Womens Health Week is a time to change that. One of the best gifts you can give a mother is to schedule a visit with her health care provider. Tell mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends to take some time for them selves, get a check-up and begin making lifestyle changes that will improve their health and well being.

In honor of National Womens Health Week, Healthy Inspirations Centers around the country are offering free health risk analysis and hormone evaluations. The evaluation will take into account medical history, body fat percentage, hydration level and resulting risk factors. Individuals will learn what they can do to improve their health (and reduce their menopausal symptoms naturally). There is a local Healthy Inspirations in Schaumburg, IL. For more information or to schedule a free evaluation, call 847-923-5239.

Healthy Inspirations is a womens weight loss and healthy lifestyle Center focusing on long-term weight loss. With over 130 locations worldwide, Healthy Inspirations provides weight loss programs, exercise, relaxation therapy, and personal coaching and support for its members. For more information on Healthy Inspirations, visit www.healthyinspirations.us or call 847-923-5239.