While researching our cover story for the June/July issue of Case in Point, I came across an interesting website that I wanted to share with you. The online portal of the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) is a site dedicated to ensuring that “all women and girls are healthier and have a better sense of well being.” The strategy used to achieve this vision is to develop innovative programs, educate health professionals and motivate behavior change through dissemination of health information.
One of the OWH’s programs is the Annual National Women’s Health Week. The campaign, which runs May 11-17, encourages women to get healthy by taking action. The nationwide initiative encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps, such as:
- Engaging in physical activity most days;
- Making healthy food choices;
- Visiting your healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings; and
- Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
The theme this year is It’s Your Time: Get Inspired, Get Healthy. I would like everyone reading this e-editorial, every single one of the more than 12,000 readers of Across My Desk, to take a moment for you to make that appointment for the mammogram that you have been putting off because you have been too busy, or to schedule that Pap test that is now two years overdue, or to make an appointment with your PCP to make sure your health is on track. Traditionally, women are caretakers. But this week calls for all women to think about themselves, and to take the time to ensure that you stay healthy so you can continue to care for those you love.
There is a wealth of information on the National Women’s Health Week page that you can share with your family, friends and colleagues to encourage others to join the campaign to Get Inspired, Get Healthy. To learn more, click here.
You do a great job educating and empowering your patients, so take the challenge and make the pledge to take care of yourself!
Till next week, get inspired, get healthy,
Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Across My Desk, Case in Point magazine, and the Case Management Resource Guide
allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com
