May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Regular physical activity increases the chances of living a longer, healthier life and reduces the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:
- Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves
- Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights and using exercises bands – at least 2 days a week
- See recommendations & tips for Getting Active
Healthfinder.gov offers a full toolkit, including ready-to-use resources such as a sample Announcement, ready-to-go Tweets, web-widgets like the one below, E-cards, tips for getting involved, and shareable resources.
Be Active Your Way (open accessible version in new window)
Other health observances for the month of May include:
- National Bike Month
- Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
- Mental Health Month
- National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
- Arthritis Awareness Month
- ALS Awareness Month
Weekly Events
May 4 – May 10 – North American Occupational Safety and Health Week
May 11-17 – National Women’s Health Week
May May 25-31 – Hurricane Preparedness Week
Designated days
May 7 – Bike to School Day
May 16 – Bike to Work Day
May 23 – Heat Awareness Day
May 28 – Senior Health & Fitness Day
May 31 – World No Tobacco Day
Looking for the most comprehensive and effective wellness program for your employees? ESI TotalCare Wellness pairs Behavioral Health Clinicians with certified Wellness Coaches to provide employees and their families with the help, motivation, tools and support to make changes and improve their lives. Call 800-535-4841 for more information.