The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and connection, but it can also bring added stress and demands, especially for women. It’s important to prioritize women’s health during this busy time of year. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging Black women to reflect on how they can maintain and improve their overall wellbeing.
Long COVID
HHS is focusing on various health issues — hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory issues – all which are prevalent among Black women and makes them more susceptible to COVID at disproportionately high rates. As we exit the COVID national health emergency, awareness of Long COVID is especially important. It wasn’t until recently that concerns about the effects of Long COVID on Black women were recognized by medical professionals, as studies have found Long COVID is more common among women than men.
Get Regular Checkups
If you haven’t had a checkup within the past year, scheduling one may be a first step to optimal health. Make a list of concerns, including any family history of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or breast cancer. Also, talk to your doctor about the COVID vaccine or any other vaccines you may need. Ask about other preventative care measures, such as PAP smears, mammograms, bone density scans and other screenings.
Mental Health
Amidst the hustle of preparing for the holidays, remember to press the pause button and carve out some time to care for yourself. Tell your doctor or a loved one if stress, anxiety or depression is getting in the way of your daily activities. Building healthy habits — exercising regularly, eating nutritional foods, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, implementing good sleep habits — also helps cultivate a better quality of life.
Learn more on how reduce COVID-19 risks with Dr. Namandjé N. Bumpus, Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, and Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Principal Deputy Director at the CDC.
