Calling all women: Your health can’t wait
Navigating the health care system as a woman can be challenging. Due to long-standing issues like unconscious bias, stigmatized topics and a lack of research, women’s health needs often go unrecognized or overlooked.
For women, a long and healthy life starts with education and empowerment. Don’t let shame or fear keep you from speaking up for the care you need.
Explore our comprehensive guide for need-to-know health information and walk into your next appointment with confidence.
Annual exams
Don’t get caught up in health misinformation. From cortisol myths to stroke risk and social media health trends there’s a lot to get lost in.
Instead, take the first step to a healthier life by scheduling your annual exam and checking off important to-dos:
- Annual blood work
- Immunizations
- Age-specific health screenings
- Medication management
- Mental health check-in
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. The good news: Prevention and early intervention are possible.
Begin by staying on top of the basics:
- Get annual mammograms beginning at age 40
- Perform regular self-exams
- Learn what your provider means by “dense breasts”
- Pay attention to things out of the norm: lumps, discharge, or size, shape or texture changes
Cervical care
Help the girls and young women in your life build a healthier future by encouraging vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV). Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV infection. Since the HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006, cervical cancer cases have dropped by 90 percent for those vaccinated before age 17.
What you should know:
- Vaccination should start at age 11 to enhance protection
- HPV can be spread in many ways, meaning vaccines are your best protection
- Cervical cancer screenings should begin at age 21
- Be proactive and protect yourself against all STIs
Heart health
Known as the “silent killer,” heart disease often gets missed in women despite being one of the leading causes of death. But it doesn’t have to be that way — 80 percent of cardiovascular events could be prevented by knowing and managing risk factors.
To care for your heart:
- Know your family history
- Pay attention to age — risk increases at age 55
- Control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
- Stay active and eat well
- Reduce alcohol and tobacco use
