May is National Women’s Health Month, an important time to further emphasize the importance of women taking a holistic approach to their health that focuses on mind, body, and spirit. As a practicing physician and woman, I want women to invest in their health, eliminate doubts about the unusual symptoms and feelings they are experiencing, and receive the quality patient care that all women deserve. We encourage you to advocate for yourself.
take care of things upstairs
National Women’s Health Month coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a very important part of a woman’s overall health and well-being. Make your mental health a priority this month and every day. If left unchecked, it may affect your physical health. High levels of stress can increase blood pressure and increase cortisol levels in the body, as well as affect organs such as the heart and lungs. My father always tells me to “watch what’s upstairs” and reminds me to take breaks throughout the day from work and other stressors that can affect my mental health. He gave it to me.
If you need to talk to someone, even when things are going well, seek support from a trusted mental health care professional. Investing in your mental health before a crisis or something bad happens will give you the tools to help you get through it when it happens. It also gives you the opportunity to meet someone regularly to solve small problems and get through daily life.
protect your heart
The heart is a powerful and complex organ that is important to the functioning of the entire body. It allows us to carry out daily tasks and experience the joys of life. Maintaining a healthy heart is paramount to reducing the risk of developing heart disease, especially for women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, men, and people of most races and ethnicities in the United States. To protect your heart health, we recommend having it checked by a professional once a year. medical personnel; medical institutions; This allows you to listen to your heart, gain insight into your personal and family health history, and assess your heart attack risk factors.
When heart disease develops, it prevents blood from flowing properly to the heart and prevents it from pumping properly. High cholesterol, stress, and high blood pressure are associated with heart disease. There may be some warning signs, such as chest, neck, or shoulder pain, but not everyone will experience symptoms. Conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, often referred to as “silent killers,” may have no symptoms. You can reduce your risk of heart disease through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet rich in fruits, leafy greens, clean proteins, fiber, and whole grains, regular exercise, and annual health exams. Change recommended.
Take care of your reproductive health
It is very important for women to prioritize their reproductive health. Symptoms such as extreme pain, heavy bleeding, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, menopause, and menopause should not be normalized or ignored as something women simply need to “cope with.” These symptoms may indicate an underlying health problem, such as cervical cancer, a disease that develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. According to the CDC, cervical cancer affects thousands of women each year, highlighting the need for regular health exams, reproductive screenings, and pap smears.
Additionally, more people are being diagnosed with breast cancer in all age groups, highlighting the importance of mammography for women. Talk to your health care provider about your medical history, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and the recommended frequency of breast exams. These proactive measures can have a significant impact on early detection and treatment outcomes.
check your colon
Colon care is usually thought of as an age-related issue, but there is a worrying increase in the diagnosis of advanced-stage colorectal cancer among people under 50. A recent high-profile example is popular Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman. In 2016 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, the most common signs of colon cancer can be overlooked. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, ranging from diarrhea to constipation, but can also be caused by a variety of other health problems.
But there’s some good news too. Colorectal cancer is preventable if detected early. Symptoms may not always be present, so regular testing is essential. We strongly encourage women to take the first step and get tested. Early detection can make a big difference.
defend yourself
It is important for women and all individuals to trust themselves and advocate for their overall health and well-being. If you notice anything unusual, record your symptoms in a diary and share them with your health care provider.
Being assertive means taking a proactive approach to managing your health and following recommended annual health exams and preventive health tests, from eye exams and mammograms to annual exams and Pap smears. It also means scheduling everything. Don’t wait. At each visit, share with your health care provider any changes in your health or any new symptoms you notice.
Prioritize your health and your comprehensive health and wellness journey by speaking up about yourself, making sure your health care provider is truly listening to you, and giving you grace. Be proactive in developing an action plan for your goals.
Dr. Bayo Curry Winchell is a board-certified family physician who practices emergency medicine. She is based in Reno, serves as Medical Director of St. Mary’s Medical Group and Medical Director of the Washoe County Sexual Assault Response Team, and is the founder of Beyond Clinical Walls. Additionally, Curry Winchell is a regular national medical correspondent and TEDx speaker.
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