Encourage the women in your life to take care of their health

Many of us celebrated the moms in our lives this past weekend, whether our own mothers, partners, grandparents, friends, or other loved ones.

This week is Women’s Health Week. This is a great opportunity to encourage the women in your life to make time to care for themselves – whether by scheduling a doctor’s appointment, finding time for exercise, or caring for their mental health by engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

It’s important for women to know their health status and where to find resources if they need them. This year, the Governor’s Office, ADHS, and our community partners worked to compile a reproductive health resources site that provides timely information about how to access low- and no-cost sexual and reproductive health care. This site can help Arizonans find services like well-woman exams, cancer screening, birth control, and STI testing, as well as other resources for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

We encourage women to take an active role in their health this week and every week. Here are some ways to do just that:

Get regular check-ups. Find out what screenings and exams you need and schedule them. If something doesn’t feel right, ask your doctor about it. Find out if you qualify for low- or no-cost health care by visiting www.healthcare.gov.
Be active. Any movement is better than no movement! All types of activity, including walking, swimming, and even gardening count.
Nourish your body with a variety of foods. These could include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and other dairy products, and lean proteins.
Take your vitamins. At PowerMeA2Z, women can receive free vitamins and learn more about the importance of taking folic acid every day.
Know Your Status and seek regular testing. When you know your HIV status, you can stay healthy and thrive. Did you know that there are medications that can reduce your risk of HIV? Learn more about PrEP and PEP.
Keep your mind and body healthy by getting enough sleep.
Focus on your mental health and find resources if needed. It is ok to ask for help. If you or a loved one is in urgent need of free, confidential mental health support, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Know the Signs of maternal mental health conditions to be concerned about. These conditions can occur in parents of every age, race, culture, and income level.
Take the time to unwind and connect with others. Or, find a new fun activity to do and share with others.
Don’t be afraid to seek support from your friends, family, or partner. Ask others to help share caregiving and household responsibilities.
Be kind to yourself. Treating yourself with compassion and gentleness can go a long way.

Share these resources with the women you love and encourage them to take these steps to be healthy.

By Sheila Sjolander|2024-05-16T16:39:18-07:00May 16th, 2024|General, Prevention|Comments Off

About the Author: Sheila Sjolander

Sheila Sjolander is the Deputy Director of Public Health Services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Sheila oversees the divisions of Prevention, Preparedness and Licensing, a team of more than 700 people working toward the vision of health and wellness for all Arizonans. Prior to her appointment as deputy director, she served as Assistant Director for Prevention Services for more than a decade. In her 22 years at ADHS, Sheila has been a dedicated leader in health improvement, strategic planning, and the state’s work to reduce opioid overdoses. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, and received the Outstanding Achievement in Rural Women’s Health from the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Association in 2016, and the CHW Champion Award from the Arizona Community Health Worker Association in 2017.