Women’s Health Month is observed annually in May. It was the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (N.C.C.C.) that recognized each May as Women’s Health Month. The observation officially kicks off every year with National Women’s Health Week. This is also an annual observance pioneered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The goal of the holiday is to empower women in such a way that they can make health a priority. It also equips women with the knowledge to help other women on their journeys to improve their health. With the efforts of individuals and healthcare workers, every woman can live a healthy and happy life.
History of Women's Health Month
The celebrations for Women’s Health Month were started by the U.S. Department of Health. Caught in the rigorous demands of work and family, women often forego an active lifestyle and a healthy diet to keep up with these demands. However, the consequences of neglecting health can be dire. When women fail to take care of their health, hereditary illnesses may afflict them sooner and with more severity. A sedentary lifestyle may also result in illnesses that can be avoided with a good lifestyle.
With a growing focus on personal health, it is extremely important for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 years and older, to take care of their health. Taking care of yourself and your loved ones should always be a top priority.
Women’s Health Care Month makes the mission easy by setting up health camps, promoting specialized care, and raising awareness of the various ways a woman can improve her health. During Women’s Health Care Month get in touch with your doctors for a full-body medical check-up and the steps you need to take to treat an ailment. Timely medical intervention will not only save your health from deteriorating further but also detect illnesses that you may have overlooked. This is also the month to pledge to take better care of yourself and live the healthy, active life that you have always dreamt of!
Women's Health Month timeline
Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the country’s first female doctor.
Johnson & Johnson comes up with the first commercially produced sanitary napkins.
The goal is to make healthcare accessible to women.
Safe and legal abortion becomes a constitutional right.
Women's Health Month FAQs
When is Reproductive Health Month?
Reproductive Health Month is observed annually in September.
What do you mean by ‘women's health?’
Women’s health refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and conditions that affect a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
What are some women's health issues?
The most common health issues among women include strokes, diabetes, maternal health issues, urinary tract infections, sexual health, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
How to Observe Women's Health Month
Join the gym
Pledge to take care of yourself during Women’s Health Care Month. Sign up for a gym membership and make sure to attend regularly. A healthy weight and active lifestyle are important for good health.
Get your vaccines
During Women’s Health Care Month, check if you are up-to-date with all your vaccines and booster shots. If not, get an appointment for the pending shots. Vaccines are mandatory to prevent many severe illnesses.
Eat good food
On Women’s Health Care Month, pledge to cut out alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods from your diet. Stick to clean eating and develop a diet that addresses all your health needs. This is crucial for a healthy life.
5 Facts About Women’s Health That Will Blow Your Mind
Most women have poor health
Nearly 13% of women over the age of 18 are in poor health.
Obesity is a cause for worry
Nearly 38% of American women are obese.
Alzheimer's
Two out of three Alzheimer’s patients in America are women.
Breast cancer is common
One out of eight women is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in America.
Mental illnesses affect more women
Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression.
Why Women's Health Month is Important
Saves lives
Thanks to the awareness campaigns of Women’s Health Care Month, the holiday equips women with important resources and knowledge. This can help them combat illnesses, and indeed save lives.
Healthy women, healthy families
The good health of women affects the well-being of their families. A happy, healthy mother is more likely to raise happy, healthy children. When the women in a family are happy, they tend to keep a happy home too.
Health is a human right
Access to affordable healthcare is a universal human right. Celebrations like Women’s Health Care Month ensure that women across every stratum of society have access to good healthcare.
Women's Health Month dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
2026 | May 1 | Friday |
2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
2028 | May 1 | Monday |
2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |