National Women’s Check-Up Day

The focus of this National Women’s Health Week (NWHW), May 9, 2021, is to remind women that these appointments are vital for helping them maintain healthy lifestyles, identify issues early, and hopefully avoid serious health risks.

Top 5 steps to prioritizing your health

1. Act now – CDC reported in June 2020 that an estimated 4 in 10 U.S. adults had delayed or avoided medical care due to concerns about COVID-191. Finding the time to schedule your annual checkup can be challenging, but don’t wait. Take Time to Care, TODAY. 

2. Plan your checkup – Talk with your healthcare provider today to learn about and schedule your annual checkup. Routine checkups are an important part of preventative care and can help you get the answers and support you need to help manage your health throughout the year.

3. Remember other health visits, exams, and screenings – Wondering if it’s time for you to get a mammogram? Pap smear? Colonoscopy? There may be other health visits, exams, and screenings you need depending on what stage of life you’re in. During your annual checkup, talk with your healthcare provider about other exams and screenings you may need to support your health. 

4. Be prepared – Your healthcare provider may ask you questions during your annual checkup about your health history, current lifestyle, medication use, and more. Ask your healthcare provider what you need to bring to your checkup when scheduling it. Make sure you bring the information you need to have these important conversations during your visit. You can also prepare a list of questions you may want to ask to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best health decisions for yourself after your visit. 

5. Care for your “whole” self – In addition to getting up to date on exams you may need, there are many other ways you can support your physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing today, and throughout the year. The FDA OWH has many health resources to answer your questions, inform your decisions, and support conversations with your healthcare provider.

To learn more about this day please visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/knowledge-and-news-women-owh-blog/national-womens-checkup-day-take-time-care-today