12 Months of Action Plans

January – Spirituality: Find the strength within.

• Find a spiritual outlet—a faith institution, yoga or meditation, art, exercise, or another way to lift your spirits.
• Take time to worship.
• Pay attention to your inner feelings.
• Take at least 15 minutes for yourself each day.

February – Physical Activity: Stay active. Live longer.

• Walk for 10 minutes a day—it will add up!
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Find a walking partner.
• Play sports with your children.

March – Overweight and Obesity: Aim for a healthy weight.

• Eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day.
• Say no to desserts this week.
• Read the labels—know what is in the food you are eating.
• Switch to whole grain breads.

April – Alcohol Use: Know your limits.

• Volunteer to be the designated driver.
• Instead of drinking to relieve stress, try to fix what’s causing the stress.
• Order sparkling water instead of another beer.
• Think you’re drinking too much but can’t cut back? Ask for help.

May – Mental Health: Lower your stress.

• Make a commitment to relax—sit back, take a load off, and don’t feel guilty.
• Keep smiling!
• Sign up for that class you’ve always wanted to take: art, exercise, writing, or computer. It’s your choice!
• Focus on what makes you happy—and do more of it.

June – Health Care Access: Your health matters.

• Find out about school-based clinics.
• Schedule your yearly check-up.
• Keep a calendar of all your medical appointments.
• For information about free or low-cost health insurance for kids, visit www.insurekidsnow.gov.

July – Drug Abuse: Use and you lose.

• Do something that gives you a natural high.
• Seek help even if you feel helpless: Call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral line at 1-800-662-HELP.
• Surround yourself with people who support your recovery.
• Help a friend find help for her addiction.

August – Family: Get support from those who care.

• Start planning your family reunion.
• Make time for family activities and traditions.
• Schedule regular family dinners.
• Tell a loved one or a friend how much they mean to you.

September – Immunization: Shots aren’t only for kids. Get yours!

• Keep a complete record of your immunizations.
• Get a flu shot.
• Immunize! Vaccines are among the safest medicines available.
• Adult women need immunizations! Ask your health care provider.

October – Violence Prevention: Empower yourself.

• Think smart—avoid risky situations and places.
• Never leave a drink unattended—this can help avoid date rape.
• Learn how to get help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
• Make a list of reliable people to contact in case of an emergency.

November – Tobacco Use: Smoking—costly to your LIFE and your wallet.

• Become one of the 1.3 million Americans to quit smoking this year. Check out the Web site "Breath of Fresh Air" at www.4woman.gov/QuitSmoking.
• Promise a child you will quit smoking—and don’t let her down.
• Protect your child from secondhand smoke.
• Be smart. Never start.

December – Responsible Sexual Behavior: Think before you act.

• Educate yourself on ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Get to know your partner—ask about his history.
• Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you’re not sure, take a break from sex.