When was the last time you went to the doctor for a health screening? Six months? One year? Three years or more? Girl, it’s time to make that appointment!

National Women’s Health Week is coming up May 13-19, a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. During this week, the 10^th annual National Women’s Checkup Day will be May 14, a day dedicated to encouraging women to visit their health care professionals to receive or schedule checkups, and to promote regular checkups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections and other conditions.

What kind of screenings should you get? Here is a general guideline, but please check with your healthcare provider!

During this week, in addition to scheduling your screenings, organizers also want you to focus on:

• Getting active.
• Eating healthy.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

A lot of events are going on around the country during National Women’s Health Week, including plenty of free screenings and fun get-togethers. Click here to find events close to your city or town.

We’re taking the pledge to schedule our health screenings this month. Will you??

Are any CupCase fans trying to start off the New Year eating healthy and exercising? We are, too! After indulging during the holidays, we’ve decided to get serious about eating for good health and came across a list of foods at Cooking Light that are scientifically linked to improving health in women.

Tomatoes – Studies suggest lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes may play a role in warding off breast and cervical cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease.

Flaxseed – A Mayo Clinic study found that 40 grams of crushed flaxseed can cut down on hot flashes, and several reports suggest flax can lower “bad” or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The brown or gold seeds may even play a role in fighting breast cancer. One caution: if you’re pregnant or nursing, some experts suggest avoiding flax until more studies are done.

Kale – This leafy green has antioxidants that help protect the eyes. It also has a day’s worth of vitamin C and small amounts of calcium. It also contains vitamin K, a potent bone builder.

 Salmon – Studies find the oils in fatty fish like salmon can help you beat the post-partum blues, particularly if you increase intake during the third trimester of your pregnancy. Building blocks for the brain and nervous system, omega 3 fats are also critical for the developing fetus. If you are 40 or older, eating fatty fish can help keep your heart healthy after estrogen levels begin to fall.

Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice is a recommended natural strategy for treating UTIs. It contains antioxidants called proanthocyanins, which prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder where they can multiply and cause or intensify an infection.

Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt offers double the protein of most yogurts and far less sugar. The lower carb levels help keep blood sugar on an even keel. But protein may be the real advantage since many women have no clue, or rarely think about, how much protein they eat. Studies suggest that eating higher levels of protein (30 percent of calories) helps women with weight loss, muscle maintenance and promotes healthier aging. The Institute of Medicine suggests 68 grams for a 150 pound woman.

Walnuts – Noshing on a handful of walnuts may fight both breast cancer and osteoporosis. Walnuts contain antioxidants called phytosterols, which are known cancer fighters. They also contain omega 3 fats (walnuts are the only nut to harbor these fats), which helps keeps bones strong and healthy.

Which of these do you already eat? Which would you be willing to try? Here’s to a healthy you in 2012!!