As women, we often place our health far down on our list of priorities. If we’re mothers, we may be proactive in scheduling our children’s dental appointments but then postpone our own check-up. If we’re a working professional, we may cancel our mammogram if work gets busy. And if we’re looking after elderly parents, we may take them to medical appointments while ignoring our own health challenges or worrying symptoms.
But what if we could turn health check-ups from being overwhelming to being part of a sustainable rhythm that fits into normal life? One way to do this is to use South Africa’s national Health Awareness Calendar as a framework, spacing appointments throughout the year to match the awareness initiative at that time. With this in mind, here are some key health initiatives throughout the year that can help you stay on top of your health for 2026:
February: Sexual and reproductive health
STI and Condom Week runs from 3 to 7 February, so this is a good time to consider any sexual health screenings you may need, as well as checking in on your general gynaecological health. Schedule your annual gynae check-up where you can discuss any concerns you have, whether it’s contraceptive options, hormone issues or challenges with your menstrual health.
May: Stop smoking & blood pressure checks
May is No Tobacco Awareness Month, so if you’re a smoker, make this the month where you take the initiative to kick the habit. There are many cessation strategies available, so with the help of a professional, you can make smoking a thing of the past and get your health back on track. May 17th is also World Hypertension Day, so plan to have your blood pressure checked. Hypertension is dubbed the “silent killer”, as most people with it are unaware of the problem, which means they often aren’t getting the treatment they need or making the necessary lifestyle changes.
July: Mental health check-in
While we often focus on our physical health, mental health also plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. As women, managing stress, anxiety and depression can be even more challenging when we consider the hormonal changes that come with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum periods and menopause. All of these can affect our mood and emotional stability, which are often compounded by the pressures we face at home and work. As Mental Illness Awareness Month, make July the month you schedule a mental health check-in: first with yourself to see how you’re coping, and then, if needed, to get professional support.
August: Women’s Month
As National Women’s Month in South Africa, August is a good time, just past the middle of the year, to take stock of your life as a whole. Where could you make lifestyle adjustments? What things could you remove from your life, and what needs to be added to make you feel more supported? What are you enjoying about your day-to-day life, and what do you struggle with most? This is the time to make choices about where you put your energy and what help you need to live your best life.
September: Eye and dental check-up
In September, Eye Care Awareness Month means it’s time for any vision check-ups you need. And if you already wear glasses or contacts, schedule a checkup to see if your prescription has changed. September is also National Oral Health Month, so schedule a hygienist appointment or dental check-up to get ahead of issues like cavities and gum disease.
October: Mammogram and bone density screening
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the time to schedule your mammogram if you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer. At the same time, World Osteoporosis Day falls on 20 October, so if you’re near or in menopause, declining oestrogen levels accelerate bone loss, which means a bone density screening becomes even more important the older you are.
Rather than cramming all your health screenings into the beginning or end of the year, spacing them out to coincide with the health awareness calendar makes them feel that much more manageable and sustainable. There’s also a broader benefit to staying on top of your health: the healthier you are, the more you have to offer the loved ones around you. It’s also a good example to set if you have children: that prioritising health is one of the most important things you can do to live a long and fulfilling life. With a little forward planning, you can move through 2026 feeling energised, empowered and with a spring in your step.
