May 8-14, 2022 is National Women’s Health Week. Every year during National Women’s Health Week millions of women take steps to improve their health. The week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and build positive healthy habits for life.
Each year women should check off several tests and screenings to ensure their good health - including a visit with their primary care physician. “Having an annual health visit is a great opportunity to take charge of your health. Annual wellness visits can help detect problems early or prevent issues before they occur,” shares Dr. Julie Viehmann, OB/GYN at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. “If issues are found early they will be easier to treat and will be more likely to lead to successful outcomes.”
Other things women can do to live healthier lifestyles are to get active and eat healthy. Good nutrition is especially important for older adults, so it is important to pay attention to serving sizes and how to eat better for heart health. Being active doesn’t necessarily require going to a gym, there are many other options to help you stay fit and strong. “Eating better and increasing physical activity can be overwhelming if you try to do it all at once. Setting small goals and building on them once you’ve achieved them will help you maintain them long term,” says Dr. Viehmann. “As women, we often put the comfort and well-being of others before ourselves. It is important to remember to take time to set new goals and work towards a healthier lifestyle.”
To contact Hannibal Regional Medical Group’s Women’s Health physicians, call (573) 629-3500.