Strong Women, Strong Health: A Focus on Women’s Health

May is Women's Health Month!

It’s a time to focus on the unique health needs of women and raise awareness about the importance of preventative care. Women face a variety of health challenges throughout their lives, from menstrual cycles to pregnancy to menopause and beyond.

It’s crucial to be aware of the common health concerns that affect women. These include the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and depression. Knowing the symptoms of these conditions and seeking regular medical attention can help women to prevent and manage these health issues. 

Unfortunately, many women delay getting basic health and wellness procedures for themselves, despite being primary caretakers and health advocates for family members. This month is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how far we've come regarding women's health and take steps to ensure that women have the best possible health. This includes getting regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and making sure to get enough rest.

44% of women have a chronic health condition that requires regular monitoring, medical care, or medication. And this rate increases with age, from 24% of women aged 18-25 to 61% of women aged 55-64.

It's time to celebrate women and prioritize self-care by working with healthcare providers to maintain good health and prevent future problems.

Here are a few key areas of women's health to focus on during Women's Health Month this year:

• Mental Health: Mental health is just as important as physical health, and women are more likely than men to experience mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Prioritizing self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction can help support mental wellness. If needed, it's also important to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

• Cardiovascular Health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and women may experience different symptoms and risk factors than men. Women of all ages should work with their healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other indicators of cardiovascular health. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can also help prevent heart disease.

• Bone Health: Women are more prone to osteoporosis and bone fractures than men, particularly after menopause. It’s recommended that women age 65 and older get regular bone density scans. It's important to get enough calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements, and to engage in weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone strength.

• Cancer Prevention: Women are at risk for several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can help detect cancer early when it's most treatable. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of cancer.

The health of our communities is positively impacted when women take care of their own health. And, by taking care of their health, women can be strong advocates for the health of others. It’s important for women to make health a priority by seeking preventive care and bringing any questions or concerns to their doctors as soon as possible. By taking these steps, women can help make sure that they stay healthy and avoid any potential complications or illnesses. 

If you’re a woman, take some time this month to prioritize your health and schedule any necessary appointments with your healthcare providers. Remember that preventative care and early detection are key to staying strong, maintaining good health, and being able to take care of the health of others.