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What is National Women's Health Week?

May 13, 2013

National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health and its importance. It also empowers women to make their health a priority and encourages them to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

• Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups 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, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet, and texting while driving.

Why celebrate National Women's Health Week?

We all have a role to play in women's health. Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women's health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community, we have a responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer, healthier, happier lives.

When is National Women's Health Week?

The 14th annual National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 12, 2013, and is celebrated until May 18, 2013. National Women's Checkup Day is Monday, May 13, 2013.

How is National Women's Health Week celebrated?

The nationwide observance is celebrated across America in families, communities, neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, hospitals, health centers, businesses, schools, places of worship, recreation centers, and online. Anyone who wants to raise awareness about women's health can celebrate. Organizations large and small hold events, such as free screenings and health fairs, give out educational materials, issue proclamations, conduct media outreach, spread the word through social media, and more. For more information about National Women's Health Week, visit womenshealth.gov or call 800-994-966