6 Women’s Health Issues You Can Address Today

Women have a lot on their plates. Between making sure the kids are fed and staying on top of work deadlines, health isn’t always a top priority.

“Women often put themselves and their health on the back burner,” says Dr. Rhonda Wallace, family medicine provider at Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Primary Care. “Now, with COVID-19 turning the world upside down, women are balancing even more, including navigating working at home and homeschooling their kids.”

In reality, it’s difficult to be your best self and serve others without taking care of yourself first. Don’t wait until your health gets out of hand before reaching out for help. Know which screenings you need at every stage of your life and take charge of your health today.

Read More: For Women, Health Care is Self-Care

Health Issues Women Face Today

Although some women face specific health issues associated with their jobs or family history, the most common ones don’t seem to discriminate — health problems faced by women working outside of the home are the same as those that impact stay-at-home moms and retirees. Those include:

1. Anxiety and depression, conditions that occur twice as frequently in women than men

2. Breast cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States

3. Heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women

4. Insomnia, due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, anxiety or depression

5. Reproductive health issues, such as heavy periods, endometriosis, HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases

6. Weight problems that can be related to menopause, stress and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome

Taking Care of You

Here are four changes Dr. Wallace recommends to keep your health at its best:

1. Get creative.

Fitting healthy habits into a busy lifestyle may take a little creativity. Try letting your kids expel energy outdoors while you walk around a track. Make healthy meal prep a weekly family activity. If you used to commute to work but now work from home, take a short break after logging off from work and before joining your family.

2. Don’t neglect screenings.

Disease is often easier to treat when it’s diagnosed early. Having regular screenings can help your health care provider detect any abnormalities. Ask your provider what is recommended for you. You may need a Pap test, colonoscopy, lung cancer screening or mammogram.

Download: A Lifetime of Good Health: Screenings Women Need

3. Schedule time-outs.

Let your loved ones know when you need to take care of yourself. “It’s OK to be a little selfish and set aside time for yourself,” Dr. Wallace says. “Find balance. Stop, breathe and take a second to be mindful. Research shows mindfulness can reduce stress and help you sleep better.”

4. Find a good doctor.

Dr. Wallace suggests finding a new physician if your current one doesn’t listen or take your concerns seriously. Having an understanding doctor is crucial for your health.

Looking for a compassionate primary care provider to help you along your health journey? Find a provider accepting new patients.