Monday, May 9, 2011 was National Women’s Checkup Day. Did you miss it? If you did, it’s still not too late to call your doctor and get a checkup. This is the time--the day is designed to encourage women to remember to take care of themselves, by scheduling a checkup with key medical professionals for exams vital to early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other conditions.

The National Women’s Checkup day included a pledge for women to commit to a healthier self. Will you take the pledge? Will you schedule a visit with a doctor?

The WomensHealth.gov website includes a page where you can identify the areas needing a checkup depending on your age group. Areas include general health, heart health, bone health, diabetes, breast health, reproductive health, colorectal health, eye and ear health, oral health, and immunizations. Yes, even adults need immunizations.

Do you have a question about Women’s Health week being celebrated May 8-14, 2011? Check out EmpowHER’s pages and the WomensHealth.gov website. Sign-up, post a question, share your story, connect with other women in our groups and community, and feel EmpowHERed!

Resource:
Women’s Health.gov: National Women’s Checkup Day
Women’s Health.gov: Interactive Screening Chart and Immunizaton Tool
EmpowHER.com: National Women’s Health Week: Coming to a Space Near You

Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.