This week is National Women’s Health Week, a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services’ Office on Women’s Health. 

All too often we see women who don’t take time out of their hectic schedules to take care of themselves…from soccer practices to ballet rehearsals for the kids, there just doesn’t seem like enough time in the day…and even if you don’t have children, doesn’t it seem you can barely make it home in time to have dinner most nights? We completely understand and most of us run the same rat race with you…which is why it’s imperative that weeks like National Women’s Health Week be observed. 

From scheduling your mammogram to your yearly skin check, this is a week to remind you that you work very hard and not to take your health for granted. It’s funny when the kids or our significant others get sick, we immediately call the doctor or tend to them right away but when we feel a little sniffle, we brush it off. It’s OK to be tough, it’s OK to work hard but don’t forget to take care of number one…you! 

We’re not here to lecture but to let you know that we’re here for you, so take a moment…enjoy a glass of wine. And while you’re doing that, make your necessary appointments to keep you in tip-top shape on the inside and out

Some Facts about Women: 

Women comprised 46.8 percent of the total U.S. labor force and are projected to account for 46.9 percent of the labor force in 2018. 

Of the 122 million women age 16 years and over in the U.S., 72 million, or 59.2 percent, were labor force participants—working or looking for work.

Percent of women 18 years and over in fair or poor health: 14%

Percent of women 18 years and over who engaged in regular leisure-time physical activity: 32%

Percent of women 18 years and over who currently smoke: 18%

Percent of women 18 years and over who had 5 or more drinks in 1 day at least once in the past year: 14%

Women aged 39 and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer except breast cancer.

Between 1980 and 2004, the annual incidence of melanoma among young women increased by 50 percent, from 9.4 cases to 13.9 cases per 100,000 women.

Ladies, take a moment to take care of yourself!

Marguerite Germain