Observed annually on the second Monday in May, National Women’s Checkup Day is a holiday that reminds women everywhere of the importance of regular healthcare visits. This holiday falls during National Women’s Health Week and aims to encourage women to focus on their health before conditions become life-threatening.

Many illnesses can be easily treated if they are caught early enough and if the person takes proactive measures. Regular healthcare visits should include going over family history with a doctor, getting screened for common illnesses, and setting healthcare goals. If this is done regularly, a woman can take control of her health and potentially extend her lifespan.

The History of National Women’s Checkup Day

We are unsure when this holiday was created, but we do know that it was established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. They created this holiday to focus women’s attention on the importance of regular checkups for managing their health.

Facts About Women’s Health

Below are some facts about women’s health that we hope will encourage every woman to get a regular health checkup.

• Approximately 13% of women over the age of 18 are in fair or poor health.
• Less than 50% of women over the age of 18 meet the federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity.
• Over 38% of U.S. women over 20 years old are obese.
• Approximately 20 million women suffer from eating disorders.
• Approximately one out of eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Observing National Women’s Checkup Day

The best way, and possibly the only way, to observe this holiday is to take the time to schedule a checkup—especially if you haven’t had one recently. It’s also a good idea to come to that checkup with a list of health concerns, as complete a family history as possible, and a list of any medications that you are taking. After getting your checkup, be sure to use the hashtag #WomensCheckupDay to encourage other women to get a checkup too.