May 12, is a day to celebrate mothers and to celebrate all women as it kicks off the 14th annual National Women’s Health Week. The weeklong celebration, from May 12 to 18, empowers women to make their health a top priority.
“Women often put their spouse’s, children’s and parent’s health before their own,” said State Health Commissioner William VanNess, M.D. “Women’s Health Week is about encouraging women to take charge of their health and put themselves first.”
State health officials encourage women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health:
- Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
- Ask your health care provider if your immunizations are up-to-date. For more information about adult immunizations, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/index.html.
- Get active and eat healthy. For tips on increasing your activity level and eating better, visit INShape Indiana at www.INShapeIndiana.org.
- Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. Tell your doctor if you feel anxious or depressed.
- Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, substance abuse, not wearing a seatbelt and texting while driving. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for assistance with quitting smoking. For information on prescription drug abuse, visit in.gov/attorneygeneral/2975.htm.
- Recognize the signs of healthy relationships. Learn more at womenshealth.gov.
National Women’s Health Week is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. Events nationwide encourage women to get regular check-ups and to improve their physical and mental health, lowering their risk of disease.
On Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., the Indiana State Department of Health Office of Women’s Health is partnering with WFIU/WTIU Public Television for a free online screening of the documentary, “Shadows Of Innocence: Sexual Assault Among Indiana’s Youth.” The program examines the high rate of sexual assault in Indiana and creates awareness about what policy changes are needed and how to prevent sexual assault. Visit www.womenshealth.isdh.in.gov for more information.
Governor Pence has issued a proclamation stating that May 12 to 18 is Indiana’s Women’s Health Week. For more information about Women’s Health Week, follow the Indiana State Department of Health’s Office of Women’s Health on Twitter @INPublicHealth.
For more Indiana health information, follow the Indiana State Department of Health on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at Facebook.com/isdh1 or visit StateHealth.in.gov.
