Happy National Women’s Health Week! It’s easy to overlook awareness holidays, especially when there are so many of them. But this time, take a moment to ask yourself, “when was the last time you did something for my health?”
Millions of women are affected daily by what seems like an endless list of health problems, so it makes complete sense to dedicate an entire week to women’s health. It’s important to take the time to educate women on preventing and managing health risks associated with being female.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of common problem areas when it comes to women’s health, ways to celebrate National Women’s Health Week based on each issue, and how yoga fits into the mix:
Mental Health
Mental health can have a snowball effect on the state of our body’s health. Prolonged stress can wreak havoc on our internal organs, causing conditions like heart disease and cancer. As women, we tend to ignore our mental state, building up internal tension and destroying our insides in the long run.
If you’ve ever tried yoga, you probably have felt its powerful impact on your mental state. Celebrate this National Women’s Health week by getting back into yoga or trying a new form of exercise to increase endorphins and clear your mind.
Hormones and Fertility
As women, our reproductive systems are an incredible thing. Not only can we create and carry a life, but that same system is responsible for regulating the hormones that keep our bodies functioning properly. This week, take the time to assess your body. Have you been experiencing abnormally painful periods suggesting you may have a larger issue like endometriosis? Or maybe you’ve been worried you’re showing signs of a thyroid issue, like extreme weight fluctuations or excessive hair loss, but you brush it off telling yourself “it’s nothing.” Use this week as a reminder that your health is important and getting your concerns evaluated by a medical professional could help you regulate your thyroid levels and find a shampoo formulated to treat hair loss.
Yoga has been known to be beneficial for women in all stages of the reproductive lifecycle — from menstruation, pregnancy, and even menopause. Practicing yoga regularly increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, helping to alleviate pelvic pain, discomfort, and bloating.
Cancer and Diseases
The most common diseases in women include heart disease, breast cancer, skin cancer, ovarian/cervical cancer, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, and anxiety/depression. Let this week serve as a reminder to take preventive action like scheduling your regular pap smears and breast exams, especially if you haven’t in a while. While you’re at it, invest in a daily moisturizer with SPF, especially if you’re someone who rarely ever wears sunscreen.
National Women’s Health Week is all about inspiring women to take the actions necessary to prevent disease before it presents itself, and yoga may be a major player in prevention. According to a study by Harvard, “people who took yoga classes saw improvements in a number of factors that affect heart disease risk. They lost an average of five pounds, shaved five points off their blood pressure, and lowered their levels of harmful LDL cholesterol by 12 points.”
Additionally, yoga aids in strengthening the immune system, detoxifying the body, reducing stress, and encourages healthy weight management – all factors that fight increased risks of cancer.
This week, take your life and your health into your own hands by implementing methods of prevention or seeking the treatment you need! If you are sufficiently interested and stay in Santa Clara, drop by Esha Yoga. We have yoga classes tailormade to suit you. Pay up online and walk into the session that works best for you. The yoga mat is calling.