May is Women’s Health Care Month, and it’s a great time to remind women about the Importance of Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health. The United States Congress established Women’s Health Care Month in 1989 and it has since become a global event that’s celebrated all over the world. Women often take on multiple roles in life, from caregivers to professionals and more. This can lead to neglecting their own health and well-being as they become stretched way too thin. Women’s Health Care Month serves as a time of pause to remember that women’s health and well being matter too!
Throughout the course of a woman’s life, from adolescence through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, she faces a unique set of health concerns. Focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health at every stage of life can help a woman thrive and prevent physical diseases as well as ward off mental health conditions. It’s important to visit your doctor for regular check-ups and screenings, and to take time to focus on our own needs, not everyone else’s. Among the health issues facing women are reproductive health, heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. The following are some areas where women’s health care should be prioritized:
Reproductive health: Gynecological check-ups, including Pap smear tests, are essential for detecting any abnormalities early on. Additionally, women should discuss family planning options with their healthcare provider, including contraception and preconception counseling.
Breast exams: Globally, breast cancer is one of the most significant health concerns affecting women. The importance of regular breast exams and mammograms in detecting breast cancer early is critical to the success of treatment.
Heart disease: Among women, heart disease is the most common cause of death. The risk of heart disease increases for women after menopause, and it continues to rise with age. The majority of women who die of heart disease are over the age of 65. Regular checkups and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be done to monitor heart health. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also lower heart disease risk.
Mental health: A woman’s mental health is more likely to be affected by mental health issues like depression and anxiety than a man’s. Self-care and seeking support when needed are essential to maintaining mental health. Mental health can also be improved through regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
Osteoporosis: Women have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and increases fractures. Bone health can be maintained by consuming enough calcium and vitamin D. In addition, bone health can also be affected positively by engaging in weight-bearing exercises.
Women’s Health Care Month serves as a reminder that women’s health must be prioritized. The keys to good mental and physical health are regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. By focusing on women’s health care needs, we can ensure that women lead healthy, happy lives throughout their lives. If you are trying to get healthy during Women’s Healthcare Month and sobriety is a part of your journey, Scottsdale Recovery and Detox Center® may be able to help. We provide a wide range of services and support to those struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Visit scottsdalerecovery.com or call 1-888-NODRUGS for more information if you or someone you love needs treatment.
