Being an editor at BellaOnline, is incredibly important to me. I am a woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an Aunt, a niece, and a friend. I believe being a woman involves being part of a sisterhood, and that we should stand up for one another and support each other to the greatest of our ability.

It is an honor to write about issues that are important to women, educate women, and bring women together in a way that supports the many different facets of womanhood. I am a firm believer in ‘’girl power’’ and love that I can share it with women everywhere.

Today I want to share with you a program by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, called National Women’s Health Week“ It’s a week in May devoted to the health of women.

Now obviously, one week of the year is not an adequate amount of time to maintain a healthy lifestyle, or put effort into being a better you. Nevertheless, it is a great reminder of all the things relevant to a woman’s health, with easy and fun ways to share it with the sisterhood of women in your life, who can then share it with the women in theirs and so on.

It’s not about any particular week or month of the year, it’s about jump starting what many women, including myself, tend to forget or overlook, in the hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives. If you are anything like me, I need a reminder of my reminders, and I think this one can do great things.

The theme is It’s your time, and focuses on taking the steps to have a longer, happier, and healthy life, for all women. It was not just designed to be a day to remember” to take care of you. There are many ways through this initiative for putting your health first, and they have included many fun things you can do and share with the woman in your life.

It is not just about doing a few sit-ups, and eating carrots. Nationwide, communities, Businesses, schools, the media, health services, organizations, and just about anyone can get involved in teaching women great ways to better their health and overall lives, through this program.

There is an 8-week women’s online physical challenge you can sign up for, that helps you track and be accountable for your progress. The site also has interactive screenings and tools to give you an idea of where your health stands and what you can do to improve it. They even have e-cards you can send, to remind the special women in your life that they have to make themselves a priority.

Moreover, even if your physical health is in its best form, or you do not want to focus on that aspect, the program offers tools, help and support for your mental health. I was hooked when I discovered they also have a lot of info on things like stress relief, adequate restful sleep, & reproductive health.

One of the best things about the efforts put into the program is that it is not just online. You can search for all the activities in your community being hosted by various organizations and associations. It does not just end, when the week is over. The tools are there to keep you going, and guide you, to the places, people, and programs that help support women in being their best while you help to support other women who want to do the same.

Whether it is tips, walks, workshops, challenges, screenings, or evaluations, there are great ways to improve the lives all women and the Office of Women’s Health and National Women’s Health Week are a great way to get started.

For more information, and the ways you can participate, I have included the links below.
Happy National Women’s Health Week everyone! Here is to women and our health and happiness being its best, every week of the year!