May 10-16 is a special week dedicated to women’s health, coinciding with Mother’s Day. This year, the theme is “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health.” The focus is on being proactive about health, recognizing the importance of prevention and early detection of health issues.
The U.S. Office of Women’s Health and North Dakota’s Health and Human Services are encouraging women to make their health a priority. Here are some simple actions you can take:
- Stay updated with essential screenings, like those for breast and cervical cancer. If costs are an issue, programs like North Dakota Women’s Way can help.
- Have an annual checkup with your healthcare provider to discuss your overall health, including reproductive health, blood pressure, and more.
- Don’t forget about dental, vision, and hearing checkups.
- Develop daily habits that support well-being, like regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep. Resources like NDC3 can assist you.
- Seek support to overcome addiction or quit smoking. Programs like NDQuits provide help.
- If you’re expecting, get prenatal care early. Maintaining postnatal appointments is also crucial for your health and your baby’s.
Supporting each other in health goals is essential. Team up with friends or family to make healthier choices together. These habits can prevent issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Angela Reinarts, a Maternal Health Specialist, emphasizes, “You don’t have to change everything at once. Start with one small change, and build from there.” She suggests focusing on these first steps to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes:
- Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
- Choose whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Drink water instead of sugary beverages.
Women in North Dakota are already making strides in health. The state ranked fourth in cervical cancer screenings and 19th in breast cancer screenings in 2025. However, there’s still work to be done. One in four women is not receiving the preventive health services they need each year. Early screenings can lead to earlier treatments and better health outcomes.
Reinarts also notes that quitting smoking and securing good prenatal care can significantly improve health for both mothers and babies. Currently, 5.9% of women in North Dakota smoke during pregnancy, compared to 3% nationally. Smoking can result in serious risks, including premature birth. Resources like NDQuits are available for those looking to quit.
For more information on women’s health programs, check out North Dakota’s HHS website.
In today’s world, discussing women’s health and taking proactive steps can lead to healthier futures for all women.
