Men’s Health Network and the Office on Women’s Health Team Up to Promote National Women’s Health Week

WASHINGTON — Men’s Health Network (MHN) is joining the Office on Women's Health within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in celebrating the 17th annual National Women's Health Week (NWHW), which begins on Mother's Day each year (May 8-14, 2016).

“So often, women are the primary caregivers for those they love, putting the needs of everyone else before their own,” says Dr. Nancy C. Lee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health — Women's Health. “National Women’s Health Week is a time to encourage the women in your life that their health should be at the top of their to-do lists. When men support the women they love, everyone benefits.”< NWHW is a weeklong health observance. Kicking off each year on Mother’s Day, it empowers women 18+ 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 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 and not wearing a seat belt or bicycle helmet, and texting while driving.

“Women play a vital role in the family, therefore focusing on women’s health this week is important in keeping the whole family healthy,” said Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES, Vice President MHN. “We hope that women schedule their annual check-ups, which may inspire their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons to go in for a check-up in June during Men’s Health Month.”

This year, there will be a special focus on the different steps women should take based on their age. The steps include general wellness tips, as well as important screenings. Our call to action this year is for women to understand the steps they can take for good health and then to pledge to take at least one of those steps during NWHW.

You can help participate in a variety of ways, including social media. Use #NWHW to encourage women to take a moment to focus on their health goals, or to share a special message about health.

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

About Men’s Health Network

Men's Health Network (MHN) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.

Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork

For more information on MHN's ongoing Dialogue on Men's Health series, visit www.dialogueonmenshealth.com