Taking Steps to Protect Women’s Health 
 
May 12 to 18 marks National Women’s Health Week. This is a great reminder to check how you’re doing on your health goals. Those you might be working on include: 
 

• Being physically active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Having a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking 

 
You know these goals are important to improve your overall health, but do you know that they can also help you avoid some health conditions? 
 
Women are more likely than men to have certain health issues, including breast cancer and osteoporosis. In fact, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that half of women over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. You can lower your risk for both conditions with healthy lifestyle choices. 
 
There are also things you can do to help doctors find these diseases early, when they’re easiest to treat. Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes. And because osteoporosis may not show symptoms at first, schedule regular checkups with your doctor. Ask about your risk factors for these conditions and how often to get screened for them. Working with your doctor is key to staying on top of your health and achieving your goals.