The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is sponsoring a “National Women’s Health Week”, May 12-18, 2013.  As HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius notes:  “Healthy, strong women are essential to having healthy, strong children and communities, but too often women place the needs of others before their own needs.”  The Affordable Care Act, and initiatives like HHS’ own “Strong Start”, are enabling many more women to access preventive care resulting in early disease detection and reducing preterm births.  In addition to regular screenings, HHS urges all women to be physically active, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, reduce stress and make better food choices.

By a lucky coincidence, May is also “International Mediterranean Diet Month”. Scientific studies have shown that this culinary lifestyle increases longevity and has significant cardiovascular, bone and arterial health benefits, particularly for women. Think you are too busy or too set in your ways to change your eating habits?  Here are the 8 easy steps of this plan:

• Reduce red meat intake:  3 oz. or less of lean meat and chicken entrees are best
• Seafood twice a week:  Grilled Salmon is a quick dinner alternative
• Vegetarian once a week:  Vegetable Paella is just as filling as the original
• Half your plate should be veggies:  Try Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
• Don’t skip breakfast:  Fiber rich whole grains and fruits provide hours of energy
• Choose healthy fats:  Cook with extra virgin olive oil, eat nuts, olives, avocados
• Dairy in Moderation:  Yogurt, especially Greek and cheeses, especially feta
• Fruit for Dessert:  Fresh fruit can satisfy a sweet tooth

National Women’s Health Week should remind all female CHTs, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, NPs, Nurse Managers, RNs, Rehab Managers and SLPs to eat and live a healthy lifestyle in order to set an example for their clients and families.  Job satisfaction is also important to a woman’s sense of overall well-being, and Centra can help you find that right position.  Call us at 800 535 0076.