Wednesday, September 30th is National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. On this annual observance, Joint Munitions Command aims to focus attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

According to the National Day Calendar (https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-womens-health-fitness-day-last-wednesday-in-september/), this day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in September, and is promoted as the largest event for women’s health of all ages:

Often, these journeys only require the support of like-minded people. The day inspires many forms of exercise and supplies informational seminars and clinics, too. Screenings provide a way to track our fitness levels and help us get back on track. Forming small groups helps to create a daily routine or simply keep us responsible for our commitments to ourselves.

Developing our physical strength along with mental confidence goes a long way to keeping our bodies healthy. So many of us overlook the rest we need and the healthy foods our bodies need to fuel our days. When we take a few moments to learn the best ways to care for ourselves, we often take better care of others, too.

Here are some ideas for observing #WomensHealthFitnessDay:

·        Join a walking group or another exercise forum.

·        Visit a clinic seminar on portion sizes.

·        Attend a webinar about reducing stress.

·        Learn about incorporating mindfulness into your daily life.

·        Join a meditation or prayer session.

·        Get the girls together for a workout and use #WomensHealthFitnessDay

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on social media.

For other physical fitness ideas, here’s a link from the CDC that shares ideas on how to be physically active while social distancing: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/how-to-be-physically-active-while-social-distancing.html

Do you think there’s a big difference between fitness needs for females vs. males? Not according to Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL and fitness author. Here’s a link to an article that touches on female fitness in the military. It includes a workout plan for upper, lower and full body workout. It also talks about how women can perform to the same standards as men, according to the Smith: https://www.military.com/military-fitness/workouts/womens-fitness

If you’re still not convinced about women’s physical (and mental) strength, check out this article titled “Military studying 'hyperfit' women who pass its toughest physical, mental courses,” that shows women taking a rigorous Army Ranger Course, that includes fitness tests, water survival, and mental testing: https://www.foxnews.com/us/hyperfit-women-military-courses-study

That’s enough about physical activities, here are some nutrition-related ideas:

·     Cook a healthy meal or snack (smoothies, anyone?)

·     Try out that new health food store in town

·     Eat some super foods! You may not be Superwoman (well not every day), but you can eat super foods. We’re talking broccoli, apples, turnips—-and lots of other good stuff you can find at your local farmer’s market. Try super foods that can help you lose weight, fight colds, boost your heart health, and even live longer. Find the top 15 super foods, as ranked by the CDC: https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/cdc-ranked-powerhouse-fruits-vegetables-top-15-green/

How about some self-care ideas?

·     Get your thyroid checked. A sluggish or hyperactive thyroid can wreak havoc on your concentration, mood, and weight—-and can go undetected for years.

·     Take a nap. You know it’s good for you, so learn how to power-nap like a pro. New research is shedding light on the health benefits of sleep (https://www.health.com/food/12-ways-to-celebrate-national-womens-health-fitness-day ), which is good for your heart, mind, weight, and more.

·        Go for a leisurely walk

·        Try out a new recipe

·        Schedule personal self-care time each day

·        Put on a homemade face mask

·        Do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is a stressful road

·        Watch a chick flick (or whatever type of movie you like best)

·        Listen to your favorite music. Sing.

·        Read a book just for fun

·        Enjoy a long, hot, bubble bath

·     Schedule fun-time into your break time – schedule 5 – 10 minute “play” breaks during the work day. You can do anything fun and non-work-related during this time. For example, you could spend 5 minutes coloring while listening to music you really like.

Across the country, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 women of all ages gather at local health and fitness events. They join in groups large and small. From senior centers to hospitals, parks and health clubs, women of all fitness levels encourage each other to begin or continue a healthy journey. So today, we encourage you, military women, civilians, family members, and friends, to celebrate National Women’s Health & Fitness Day!