Five Minutes for Women's Health

Women: Take five! Or less! Learn about five things you can do that can go a long way to improve or maintain good health.

In Five Minutes or Less, You Can:

1. Learn about the number one killer of women.
   Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Learn the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke. You can save a life by knowing the signs and symptoms!
2. Schedule a check-up.
   Regular check-ups are important. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.
3. Protect your skin from the sun.
   Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. In just minutes you can protect your skin and put on broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.
4. Find an HIV, STD, and Hepatitis testing site near you.
   Untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have long-term consequences [221 KB] for women, such as infertility. Find testing near you to know your status.
5. Take folic acid before and during pregnancy.
   The B vitamin folic acid can help prevent certain birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, her baby may be less likely to be born with certain birth defects of the brain or spine. All women who could possibly get pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day in a vitamin or in foods that have been enriched with it.

These tips are just a few of the many things you can do in five minutes or less. Learn more small steps you can take to improve your health.