National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

Why do we need a special health and fitness day for women?

There are biological differences between men and women, so it makes sense that women would have different health needs than men.

Healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining your health, and that’s true regardless of gender. However, what constitutes a healthy diet, how much exercise, and the type of exercise a person should get can be different for men and women. There are also health issues that are unique to women. 

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is observed on the last Wednesday of September, and it’s a time to promote the importance of health and fitness for women of all ages.

• Women typically need fewer calories than men. Don’t feel like you need to match your guy beer for beer and burger for burger.
• Heart attacks affect women differently than they affect men.
  
• Both men and women can get breast cancer, but women need a mammogram every year after the age of 40, while men usually have one only when their doctor refers them.
• Reproductive health is different for men and women because we have different organs! Women should plan on having a Pap smear every year.
• Get more exercise in your day, whether you’re a man or a woman. Statistically speaking, women are more likely to work out for their looks, and may overlook the health benefits. Never think that you should work out just to lose weight!

So how should you celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day? Why not go ahead and make an appointment for your Well Woman Visit? That’s an annual visit with your doctor to talk about your health, your lifestyle, and your concerns. Think of it as a way to pamper yourself!