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Calling all women! Join me in celebrating National Women's Health Week — it's your time to take control of your health!

This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook — try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!

At 14, I never would have guessed that setting the volleyball, swinging the softball bat, or biking around the park could mean so much. Back then, just playing on a team with my peers was its own reward. Now, though, I can confidently look back and say those youth sports experiences, whether I hit a double or struck out swinging, helped to shape me into the person I've become — an athlete and achiever for life.

With so many competing priorities, it's easy for women to put their health on the back burner. They may not have time to get to the gym, or they may worry about the cost of health care. That's why during National Women's Health Week, the Office on Women's Health wants women to know that even simple steps can make a huge difference. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health care is more accessible and affordable than ever before. Joining us this year as National Women's Health Week ambassadors are Annie, Stephanie, and Windsor. Together, they founded Her Campus, an online community for college women, with information on love, life, careers, and — of course — health. Read their interview to learn why they feel it's important to speak up about women's health. Plus, get their tips for leading healthy lives.

Does taking care of yourself fall to the bottom of your to-do list? With so many competing priorities, it's not always easy to put your health first. But taking just one day to focus on you and your health could add years to your life.

April is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Awareness Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the HHS Office on Women's Health are teaming up to raise awareness and start the conversation around STIs among women.

Have you known someone who had trouble getting pregnant? Have you had trouble yourself? Infertility is a common disease of the reproductive system that affects both women and men. In the U.S. between 2006 and 2010, about one in nine — or 6.7 million — women 15 to 44 had difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Likewise, nearly 4 million men 25 to 44 have seen a doctor for advice, testing, or treatment for infertility during their lifetime.

Ed. note: This blog is cross-posted from HuffingtonPost.com. The original post date was April 14, 2014. Read the original post.

Content warning: sexual assault