NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

As little as 21 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day can make a tremendous improvement to a woman's health and wellness. There are numerous benefits to exercise, but some of the most important ones are reducing stress, high blood pressure, and the risk for diabetes and some cancers, while also enhancing bone density, muscular strength, self-image, and mental health. Those 21 minutes can be broken up into smaller segments throughout the day if you are just beginning to get moving, so do not fear! A great way to dip your toe into exercise is by setting the alarm to go off every 2 hours. At this time, you can do 5 minutes of an activity you are interested in—walking around the block, climbing stairs in the house, jumping rope, or anything else that excites you!

Nutrition looks different for everybody, especially since our relationship with food is intensely personal and deeply rooted. There is no reason to completely overhaul your diet in one quick swoop, as it is possible to make small adjustments to your daily food intake that positively contribute to overall health. Reducing sodium, you consume while adding in more fruits and vegetables is a great way to kick things off! Foods with fats are perfectly okay in moderation, especially if they have monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (aka the "good fats"). Limiting trans and saturated fats will also help bolster your overall health. Introducing more whole grains and low-fat dairy foods into your diet, while keeping a close eye on added sugars are also simple dietary modifications that will have positive lasting impacts and reduce your risk of coronary artery disease.

This National Women's Health & Fitness Day, commit to taking charge of your wellness journey!