According to a national study, more than 25% of American women are focused on and proactive about their health and well-being. The “Life…supplemented” My Wellness Scorecard National Study reveals that nearly three-quarters of American women try to live a healthy lifestyle, but often miss the mark.
 
Ranked on a scale from “AlphaWELL” (those who are extremely proactive and meticulous about their health) to “OhWELL” (those who do little to nothing about maintaining their health), participants were evaluated on their overall wellness regimen—maintaining a healthy diet, taking supplements, getting routine exercise and other general lifestyle habits. Only 1% of women are “AlphaWELLs” and 26% are “WELLs,” while 42% and 31% are “WannabeWELLs” and “OhWELLs,” respectively. The study clearly shows that while women want to be well, they need help getting there. 
 
“The average woman wears so many ‘hats’ that she often neglects taking adequate time for herself,” says Cheryl Forberg, R.D., registered dietitian for “The Biggest Loser,” and consultant to the “Life…supplemented” campaign. “There’s no greater reminder than Women’s Health Month that women need to invest in themselves. If they spend just a little time evaluating their overall well-being, it is easy to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
 
During the month of May, the “Life…supplemented” campaign, a consumer wellness program, is encouraging women, no matter their stage in life, to embrace the three pillars of health: healthy diet + supplements + exercise, to help them get back on the right track to good health.
 
According to the My Wellness Scorecard National Study, 58% of women report doing a fairly good job of avoiding processed foods, watching what they eat when it comes to cholesterol-rich dishes and avoiding fatty foods like whole milk and fatty meat. However, nearly 35% admit that they eat more cholesterol-rich and fatty foods than they should.
 
Ms. Forberg offered simple swaps for a healthier diet:
 
“If you tend to favor fatty and cholesterol-rich foods, try to choose ones that offer important nutrients or slightly modify your intake of these foods,” she said. “For example, avocados are high in fat, but they include the type of fat that can lower cholesterol levels. Plus, they provide a whole host of other health benefits. Another easy change is use egg whites when cooking. They are a great source of protein and have less cholesterol than the yolks.”
 
When it comes to vitamins and other dietary supplements, 61% of women take a multivitamin. However, only 46% of women say they take a multivitamin daily. Remembering to take your multivitamin and other dietary supplements can be easy if stored conveniently:
 
“If you work in an office, consider keeping your supply there, and refill your weekly tablet case every Friday before you go home. This way your reminder is on your desk when you arrive at work Monday morning,” Ms. Forberg said. “On the weekends, if you’re in the kitchen cooking, leave your multivitamins and other supplements in your kitchen cupboard to ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place. And if you prefer eating out, keep a stash in your purse so that you’re never without them.”
 
Regular exercise is extremely important, and 48% of women say they “enjoy cardiovascular exercise like running, walking aerobics, dancing, tennis and basketball.”  However, 41% of women say they don’t have a regular exercise regimen. Exercising three to four days a week for an hour may seem impossible, but here’s how you can spring into action:
 
“You don’t need a gym membership or personal trainer,” Ms. Forberg said. “The key is getting active and increasing your heart rate. Activities like working in your garden, going for an after-dinner walk, taking the steps instead of the escalator or even dancing while enjoying a night out on the town are great ways to get moving. Whatever your preference, be sure to choose activities that you enjoy and fit your lifestyle.