May 11

National Women’s Checkup Day

Take charge of your health - National Women's Checkup Day is the perfect opportunity to get checked out and make sure you're in tip-top shape!

Yearly Date

Second Monday in May

Observed in

United States

Introduction

National Women's Checkup Day is back for another year on the second Monday in May! This day was created to raise awareness about the importance of preventive health care for women. It encourages women to take charge of their health and make sure they are up-to-date on all their necessary checkups, screenings, and tests. It's also a great opportunity to remind yourself that taking care of your body should be a priority. So mark this day on your calendar and make it a goal to get an annual checkup and stay informed about your health!

National Women’s Checkup Day Timeline

1800s

Early Women's Healthcare

In the early 1800s, women's healthcare was rudimentary and largely ignored, with the focus often on childbearing rather than overall health.

1916

First Birth Control Clinic

Margaret Sanger opens the first birth control clinic in the U.S which becomes Planned Parenthood, a key player in women's healthcare.

1980

Office of Women's Health Established

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services established the Office of Women's Health to address health inequities faced by women.

1993

NIH Includes Women in Clinical Trials

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) mandates inclusion of women in clinical trials, recognizing the need for data specific to women's health.

2002

National Women's Checkup Day Initiated

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services initiates National Women's Checkup Day during Women’s Health Week to promote preventive care.

2010

Affordable Care Act and Women's Healthcare

The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to cover preventive services for women without charging a co-payment, making checkups more accessible.

How to Celebrate National Women’s Checkup Day

1 Schedule a checkup

If you're due for a physical, make an appointment with your doctor. It's important to stay up to date on your health and your doctor can help.

2 Organize a group checkup

Gather your family, friends, or co-workers and schedule a group checkup. It’s a great way to support one another and take control of your health.

3 Host a health education event

Bring together experts, like doctors, nutritionists, and fitness trainers, to lead discussions about health topics that are important for women.

4 Create a self-care kit

Put together a box of things that help you relax and restore balance in your life. Include items like candles, essential oils, tea, or books.

5 Share your story

Write a blog post or share your story on social media to help inspire others. Let them know how you’re taking control of your health and why it’s important.

Why National Women’s Checkup Day is Important

Early detection of health issues

Regular physical exams for women are important for early detection and treatment of potential health problems. Regular exams can help identify medical issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease to name a few. Early detection leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Identifying lifestyle risk factors

By regularly assessing your weight, blood pressure and other vital signs, you can get an idea of how well your lifestyle is impacting your health. This includes checking on things like diet, exercise habits, mental health and the impact stress has had on your body. Identifying and addressing any concerning lifestyle factors could lead to positive changes in overall health.

Promoting preventative care

Women’s Checkup Day is an important reminder to all women about the importance of regular checkups and preventive care. Regular checkups allow doctors to provide personalized advice on maintaining good health through diet and exercise, as well as identifying any signs or symptoms of illnesses that may need further attention.