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You may not know it, but you’re an “Everyday Hero” to all those around you. You’re probably always so busy worrying about or taking care of your partner, children, pets, family, friends, work, home, finances, etc. that you might not always stop to take care of yourself or your health. What is a life without health? Well think about this: you could have all of the money, possessions or loved ones in the world; without good health, you cannot enjoy them.

In honor of this year’s National Women’s Health Week, which was May 9-15, 2010, I would like to challenge you to get empowered! Take charge of your health! Make your mental, physical and social health number one! Here are a few simple steps to help you get started:

1. Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
2. Eating a nutritious diet
3. Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
4. Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
5. Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

For more information click on National Women’s Health Week

 Would you like to honor an Everyday Hero or are you an Everyday Hero? We’d love to hear all about what makes you or someone you know an Everyday Hero.

With all of this talk about preterm labor you’re probably wondering, “What can I do to reduce my risk?” Ok, maybe you wouldn’t have used those exact words, but you get the point.  Did you notice how I did not use the word prevent? I used the phrase “reduce the risk” because as I mentioned before, sometimes you can do everything right and still have preterm labor.

  The known risk factors are:

• Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, quadruplets or more).
• Having a previous preterm birth.
• Problems with the uterus or cervix.
• Chronic health problems in the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders.
• Certain infections during pregnancy.
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.

There are things you can do to help your own health and lower your risk of having a premature baby such as:

• Quit smoking and avoid substances such as alcohol or drugs.
• See your health care provider for a medical checkup before pregnancy.
• Work with your health care provider to control diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Get prenatal care early, as soon as you think you may be pregnant, and throughout the pregnancy.
• Discuss concerns during pregnancy with your health care provider, and seek medical attention for any warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor.

More research still is needed to understand the risk factors for premature birth, such as how family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment may interact to put some women at greater risk for a premature delivery.