Get Healthy: Women, it’s our week to celebrate good health

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Today marks the midpoint of National Women’s Health Week, which kicked off Sunday with the observance of Mother’s Day. Carson City Health and Human Services is pleased to join with health care providers across the country in the weeklong celebration that brings together communities, health agencies, businesses, government and others in an effort to promote women’s health.

The theme is “It’s Your Time”. Ladies, it is your time to take charge of your life and your health.

Make a commitment this week to be healthy for yourself and the ones you love. Often, women fall into a routine of taking care of others — our children, our spouses, an ailing relative, a friend going through a difficult time. We are so invested in looking after the ones we care about that we often neglect our own health and well-being. National Women’s Health Week is an opportunity to shift the focus — if only a little bit — back onto ourselves. After all, when we are at our best and healthiest, we are better able to provide care for others as well.

Make time for your health this week. There are many small steps you can take to be a healthier, happier you. Here are a few suggestions. Take time to:

Go for a walk, do yoga or ride a bike. Regular exercise can do wonders for your health, such as help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress.

Share a healthy meal with your family or some friends. Not only is this a great chance to spend time with people you care about, mealtimes are your time to fuel your body. Make healthy choices, such as plenty of vegetables and fruits, lean meats, and whole grains to give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Schedule a health check-up. Carson City Health and Human Services’ Long Street and Douglas County clinic locations offer affordable women’s health services on a sliding fee scale. Making sure you receive care now may help prevent bigger health problems down the road. Regular PAP and breast exams can help you stay healthy by detecting health problems early.

Women, this is our time! Let’s make the most of it. For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.