Women’s health and fitness is certainly worth celebrating. First, there are few things more satisfying than reaching your own personal wellness goals. But for many women, seeing others take control of their own health, break glass ceilings, and even make it through their first marathon feels awesome. Additionally, women’s health is good for everyone. Studies show that the improved health of female populations stimulates the economy and improves the health of those around them. Here are nine wins for women’s health that we can all celebrate.
American women are more likely to be insured
The rate of uninsured women in America dropped from nearly 20% in 2010 to 11% today.
Women lead in personal training.
A recent study shows that women make up 62% of AFI (American Fitness Institute) certified personal trainers.
American women get official support for breastfeeding mothers and families
The 2011 release of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, which outlines specific steps everyone can take to participate in a society-wide effort to support breastfeeding. “In addition to the health advantages of breastfeeding for mothers and their children,” the CTA states, “there are economic benefits associated with breastfeeding that can be realized by families, employers, private and government insurers, and the nation as a whole.”
Younger female consumers embrace healthier food choices
A 2013 study shows that Millennials and Generation Z are making healthier and more discerning food choices. Furthermore, women in these two categories tend to gravitate to healthier food trends than men. For example, the top three food trends for young men are “craft beer”, “beer bar”, and “beer pairings”. For young women, number one was “quinoa”, followed by “meals served in bowls” and “spiralized vegetables”.
Women are tracking their fitness
A recent study shows that 56% of American women either have a wearable or plan to get one in the near future.
Fewer American women skip needed medical care
In 2010, 48% of U.S. women did not fill a prescription for medicine, visit a doctor when sick, or receive recommended care in the previous year due to the cost of care. By 2016, that number fell to 38%.
Women are driving the health and fitness industry.
Over the past 20 years, the total number of health clubs in the U.S. has increased by 171% and the total number of gym memberships has increased by 109%. Women lead the leap in the industry and account for 57% of gym memberships.
Women lead in nutrition professions.
As of today, a whopping 90% of Registered Dietitians are women. Unfortunately, female RDs still make an average of $5,000 less per year than their male RDs.
All over the world, women are supporting women’s right to education.
Educated women are more likely to get married later, survive childbirth, raise healthy kids, find work, and earn more money, among other health positives, yet an estimated 98 million girls around the world aren’t in school. Women are leading effective efforts in education and awareness to enact positive change. In 2014 we met young activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who continues to advocate for international, national and local level policy and system changes that give girls access to a high quality education. Former First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let Girls Learn initiative in 2015, drawing on 7,000 Peace Corps members to support community-focused girls' education across the globe. Melinda Gates continues to strengthen the fight for girls’ access to health and education. Millions of other women are acting globally and locally for the education of their daughters and neighbors. Women continue to better themselves and empower each other through self care, fitness, healthy diet, and education. We all look forward to seeing what the next ten years bring in women’s health.
