More from the NWHRC report on women and health ...

On a good news/bad news front ...

Women over 60 rate their mental and physical health higher than all other age groups, but getting there isn't easy.

Women aged 40-60 had, on average, the lowest rated physical health (6.7-7.1), and half (53%) said that their health had declined over the past five years. Women 18 - 29 cited the lowest score, on average, for mental health (7.4).

"It seems that for women, the biggest physical and mental health drain hits between the ages of 40 and 60 according to our survey results,"...

Something to look forward to, then.

Time is an issue, of course, and not just the passing of years. More than half the women surveyed (58%) said that taking care of themselves is their top priority, and 90% believe this is one of the best ways they can take care of their families.

Almost three-quarters of those polled (72%) pin the blame ... or the praise ... for their own health on their mothers.

"Mothers really have an opportunity to instill lifelong, positive health habits in their children," stated Ms. Sheppard. "When you consider that the majority of women say that their mothers did not maintain a healthy weight and less than half exercised on a regular basis while their children were growing up, women now recognize the importance of being a good health role model. 'Follow my example,' can be the Mom Motto for the 21st century."

I don't bake pies, and I walk on a treadmill. Does this count?

"The not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. NWHRC develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice. NWHRC believes all women should have access to the most trusted and reliable health information. Information empowers women to make the best decisions to maintain and improve their health and the health of their families."