This will come as no surprise to EmpowHER members – a recent national survey of 2,000 women ages 25-64 revealed they are so busy being caretakers of others, they have little time to take care of their own health. In response, a new national campaign is underway. "Choose You" helps women take action to put their own health first in order to stay well and help prevent cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS), the largest voluntary health organization in the U.S., launched the campaign to shine the spotlight on a sobering statistic: one in three women will get cancer in her lifetime.
According to ACS, about half of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise; avoided tobacco products; and got recommended cancer screening tests. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to incorporate these healthy behaviors into a busy lifestyle.
“Women hold the keys to cancer prevention because they are the Chief Medical and Chief Operating Officers of their individual households. But they really struggle to make their own health a priority,” said Elizabeth T.H. Fontham, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., immediate past volunteer ACS president. “We are launching Choose You to help motivate women to prioritize their health and engage in lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce their cancer risk. By committing to their health, women will be better able to care for their families and serve as role models for their children, families, and friends.”
In March 2010, the ACS conducted a national online survey of 2,000 U.S. females ages 25-64 to examine women’s health behaviors and needs. According to the survey, women want better health, but fall short of achieving it. The survey found that 95 percent of women feel the need to improve their health, yet approximately three out of five women put others’ health before their own. When it comes to women’s specific health behaviors, the survey reveals some eye-opening findings:
- 90 percent say they fall short of eating a healthy diet
- 85 percent don’t get the minimum daily exercise of 30 minutes a day, five days a week recommended by the U.S. government
- 76 percent don’t always protect their skin from the sun
As part of the "Choose You" movement, women are encouraged to sign a Choose You Commitment, an online pledge to reach a specific, individual health goal. At ChooseYou.com, women can choose from five different health categories: Eat Right; Get Active; Get Recommended Health Screenings; Protect Your Skin; and Quit Smoking. Participants give a minimum five dollar pledge once they sign a "Choose You Commitment" to give them incentive to stay on track. They can also ask friends and family to support them. Scientific research suggests that women who have a “stake in the game”, as well as social support from friends and family are more likely to be successful at accomplishing personal health goals. "Choose You" participants and visitors to ChooseYou.com will have access to online support and tools such as a calorie calculator, virtual dietitian, nutrition and activity quiz, smoking cost calculator, prevention and early detection videos, and a desktop helper with daily health tips.
For more information about the campaign go to http://www.chooseyou.com/
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. To learn more about ACS or to get help, call any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/