May 9-15 is National Women's Health Week

Nutrition and Physical Activity

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 9 – 15 to call attention to the importance of women’s health. The theme of this year’s National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time” and encourages women to take the time to live a healthier, happier and longer life.  Every day this week, KDHE will distribute topical news releases geared towards women’s health.

In support of National Women’s Health Week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages women to improve their health by increasing physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

“Women should eat approximately four cups of fruits and vegetables each day and be physically active for approximately 30 minutes each day and at least five days each week,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of Health at KDHE.

Women in Kansas are not meeting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and physical activity.  Some populations are even less likely to meet these recommendations.  For example, in Kansas, the percentage of women not meeting recommended physical activity is significantly higher among adult females 18 years and older living with a disability (66.9 percent) compared to adult females 18 years and older living without disability (49.7 percent). It is important to note, however, that when women with a disability are physically active and have a healthy diet they can be healthy.

A lifestyle that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and activity throughout the day has many benefits including:

• Maintenance of a healthy weight or easier loss of unwanted pounds.
• Reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke and arthritis.
• Reduced stress and improved mood.

“Start taking the time for your health by incorporating healthy habits into your day,” said Jennifer Church, Manger of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program at KDHE. “Take time for a whole grain breakfast with plenty of fruit, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, and make fruits and vegetables at least half your dinner plate. Local Farmers’ Markets are a great way to get high quality produce in Kansas, meet the grower, and receive preparation tips on the produce you are buying. When you become stressed at work, take a 10-15 minute activity break. You’ll feel energized and more productive when you return.”

To find a Farmers’ Market near you, visit www.ksfarmersmarkets.org. For more information on how to get more fruits and vegetables into your day and to find healthy recipes, visit: www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.com.  For resources on physical activity, visit: www.health.gov/paguidelines.

The Kansas Nutrition and Physical Activity Program aims to increase the number of Kansas residents who have the knowledge, motivation and opportunity to make lifestyle choices that promote healthy eating and increased physical activity through state level leadership and coordination that reaches into communities across the state.  For additional information about the Kansas Nutrition and Physical Activity Program, visit www.kdheks.gov/bhp/pan/.

For more information on National Women’s Health Week visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.