Walk Before You Run

If someone told me years ago that I’d one day run a full marathon, I would not have believed them. Me? A runner? No way. In 2012, I joined a running group as a way to fellowship with other women and stay healthy at the same time. I started out taking baby steps, and soon enough, I was walking less and running more.

What started with a small group of women on the National Mall wanting to be more active has led me to the Chicago Marathon. And even though the race is still months away, I am getting ready now. Spring brings longer, warmer days perfect for women of all ages to get active and make their health a priority during National Women’s Health Week in May.

Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH), National Women’s Health Week reminds women to take simple, manageable steps to improve their overall well-being. HHS OWH encourages women to:

• Visit a doctor or nurse for a well-woman visit (checkup) and preventive screenings.
• Get active.
• Eat healthy.
• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

As we age, our health needs change. Whether you’re in your 20s or 90s, HHS OWH offers specific steps you can take toward a healthier you at every age. Today is the day that each of us can take at least one step for better health, because we’re worth the investment!

During May, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition is also encouraging everyone to get active and #MoveInMay for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Here are 5 tips from @FitnessGov to help women get started:

• Vary your activities and you’ll never be bored. Walk, bike, dance – just move!
• Break things up – try a few short 10 minute activities during the day.
• Just like you schedule appointments, schedule time to be active.
• Turn activities into social occasions by inviting friends.
• If you have children, join them for active playtime.

These are a few small steps you can take toward a healthier you! We all have to start somewhere. Sometimes, you have to walk before you can run.

For more information about National Women’s Health Week, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw.

For more information about National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, visit www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/npfsm2017.