Just in time for Mother’s Day, when we all say “Thanks Mom”, the American Cancer Society is encouraging women to take better care of themselves.  According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 women will contract cancer during her lifetime.  Moms spend so much time taking care of everyone else, they often neglect their own health.  Carving out time to exercise, go to the doctor, or even choose healthier foods can be a struggle for busy people.  Ellen Pompeo, of Grey’s Anatomy, launched the effort this week in Times Square and focused on this specific idea: Busy mothers need to make the time to stay or get healthy.  In a new national survey, out of 2000 women aged 25 to 64, 90% say they “fall short” of eating a balanced diet and 85% fail to squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week.

“Women hold the keys to cancer prevention because they are the Chief Medical and Chief Operating Officers of their individual households. But they really struggle to make their own health a priority,” said Elizabeth T.H. Fontham, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., immediate past volunteer president of the American Cancer Society.  Women are encouraged to go to the Choose You website and sign a Choose You commitment to meet a specific personal health goal from 5 different categories: Eat Right, Get Active, Get Recommended Health Screenings, Protect Your Skin or Quit Smoking.  Choose You participants and visitors will also have access to online tools and support such as a virtual dietician, a calorie counter and more.

On May 12th, large employers will support the Choose You campaign by encouraging employees to support the campaign and to take a 30 minute walk during the workday to focus on their own personal health.  Employees can choose to take a walk, attend a yoga class or attend another program provided by their employer.  If you were waiting for some encouragement to get started on a improving your health, here it is!

Written by www.labtestingnow.com