Next week is a very exciting week for me. On Sunday, May 11th, I will be competing in my very first triathlon. It sometimes amuses me to think that instead of having breakfast in bed this Mother's Day, I will having the workout of my life. My sons and husband will be there to cheer me on.

Coincidentally enough, Sunday is also the start of National Women's Health Week, which is dedicated to encouraging women to get on top of their own health. We can assess where our bodies are right now and find ways to be as healthy as we possibly can be. If you are particularly healthy, you can learn that you're doing a great job.

I was intrigued by how this week works. After all, it is a national event. I started with the US Department of Health and Human Services and quickly got to Womenshealth.gov where I found the following description: "During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, like:

• Engaging in physical activity most days of the week
• Making healthy food choices
• Visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt"

That's Fit delivered a powerful endorsement, writing, "As your loving online Fitzness Trainer, I want to encourage everyone to make it to an event and get some free screenings. Talk with a nutritionist and reap the benefits the U.S. Government has arranged to provide you with. I rarely worry how my clients look in a bathing suit (that's their job). I do however concern myself with their ability to live a long healthy life. All of the points listed above are crucial elements to help you accomplish that goal.

"May 12th is National Women's Check-Up Day. I hope you participate ... and bring your daughters!"

Need a bigger incentive? Do you have kids or have nieces or nephews? I'm Not Obsessed writes, "We are role models in every sense of the word. I cut my meat in a certain way and my daughter tries to do the same. We don’t realize what sponges our younger counterparts can be. So, if I make an effort to stay on top of my health, I will instill this value into my children."

There is an on-line search to find a listing of events by location.

While one week offers enough time to change your approach to your health, truly taking care of yourself is a long-term commitment. There is also an eight week fitness challenge called Woman Challange which stands for Women and Girls Out Moving Across the Nation. check out womenshealth.gov () to learn more information about how you too can participate. You can join on-line as an individual or as part of a team, choose which virtual routes to take across the country, and track your progress. Guess what is listed as a great way to communicate? Blogs!