Oklahoma women celebrate Women’s Health Week

The Pottawatomie County Health Department is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 10-16. The theme of this 10th annual health observance, “It’s Your Time,” helps call attention to the importance of women’s health.
“We want to encourage women to make their health a top priority. Often women are the caregivers for their families and forget to take care of themselves. When the woman is healthy it helps keep the entire family healthy,” said Tina R. Johnson, county health department administrative director. “Women should contact their doctor to make sure their health screenings are up-to-date.”
Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in Oklahoma. On average, around 18 females die from heart disease and stroke in Oklahoma each day. Risk factors associated with these high rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke in Oklahoma include tobacco use, obesity, lack of physical inactivity and poor nutrition. 
Another important aspect of women’s overall health is effective family planning. More than half of the live births in Oklahoma are reported as unintended pregnancies. Unintended pregnancies often pose risks for both mother and baby.
“We believe there is a great need for more education of childbearing age persons to understand their reproductive health and how to plan and prepare to have a healthy pregnancy and raise a healthy baby,” Johnson said.
National Women’s Health Week will kick off statewide on May 10, which is Mother’s Day, followed by recognition of May 11 as National Women’s Check-up Day to remind women to schedule an appointment with their doctor.  Women are encouraged to join the WOMAN Challenge – a free, eight-week challenge that encourages women and girls to walk 10,000 steps or get 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Sign up at www.4women.gov/woman.
National Women’s Health Week also provides an opportunity for individuals to learn about the Strong and Healthy Oklahoma Initiative that challenges all Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco-free.
The Pottawatomie County Health Department, Turning Point and other local community organizations have planned numerous activities for National Women’s Health Week. Women may visit Curves for Women in Shawnee May 12 10 a.m. to noon and May 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a free workout and demonstration of equipment.  Curves for Women in Shawnee is at 4202 N. Harrison. Educational materials from Curves for Women will also be available at the local health department.  
For more information about National Women’s Health Week, please visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw. To learn more about how the Oklahoma State Department of Health supports women’s health, please visit www.health.ok.gov or call the Pottawatomie County Health Department at 273-2157.