National Women’s Health & Fitness Day – Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Wednesday, September 26th is National Health & Fitness Day

Women’s Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, September 26, 2018. It is held on the last Wednesday in September each year.

This unique national program focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women. Women’s Health & Fitness Day is part of National Women’s Health & Fitness Week, held annually during the last week in September.

If you are looking for a little extra motivation, here are a few reasons to get moving!

  1. Reduces your dementia risk. Over the years, studies have found that staying active can boost mind function and energy, decreasing the risk of dementia.
  2. Decreases your osteoporosis risk. Fitness, especially load-bearing exercise, is important for bone health, according to certified personal trainer Leigh Crews. “Exercise can be one of the most important things you can do to prevent osteoporosis, protect yourself from falls and help maintain bone mass,” she says.
  3. Prevents muscle loss. As we get older, not only do our bodies build muscle less efficiently, but the muscle we already have breaks down more quickly, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This makes regular exercise an integral part of healthy aging.
  4. Reduces stress, depression and anxiety. We’ve been hearing for years that regular activity boosts your mood, but it also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

This national recognition was established by the Foundation for Women’s Cancer in 1999. It is estimated that this year 98,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and some 30,000 will die from the disease.

Reduce the risk of the five main types of gynecologic cancer: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Inside Knowledge encourages women to pay attention to their bodies, so they can recognize any warning signs and seek medical care. Schedule regular check-ups and screenings to look for a disease before symptoms occur. Screening is effective because cancers can be detected early, which leads to more effective treatment. Know your family history; diagnostic tests can be used for women at high risk.

Resources

2018 National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

WebMD: Exercise Benefits 

CDC: Inside Knowledge About Gynecologic Cancer

Foundation for Women’s Cancer