Although it is always important for women to look after their health, Women’s Health Month is the perfect time to dedicate some special attention to improving your current health practices. During Women’s Health Month, many women find that it is easier than at any other time of the year to fill in the gaps in their women’s health knowledge.
This is also a great time of year to reach out to other women and support each other in cultivating better health. But what exactly is Women’s Health Month, and what can you do to participate in it?
Read on to learn all about Women’s Health Month and what you can do to take your health habits to the next level!
What Is Women’s Health Care Month?
The month of May is Women’s Health Month. This month is a time for everyone to raise awareness for women’s health issues. Women’s Health Month focuses on health issues like reproductive health, breast cancer, and mental health.
In the past, mental health was not as much of a focus of Women’s Health Month. However, in recent years, mental health issues have received more attention.
This is in no small part because everyone, including women, is experiencing higher rates of mental health challenges. In particular, more women than ever before are struggling with anxiety and depression.
How You Can Participate
Women’s Health Month is an ideal time to strengthen your relationship with your doctor. Consider sitting down and thinking through any questions about your health you might ask your primary care providers.
Many people only talk to their doctor about health problems they are already experiencing. This can be a great time to also think about what more you can learn about how to prevent future health issues from arising. In fact, asking your doctor if they can give you advice about managing women’s health issues can be the perfect way to receive unique advice from a medical expert who knows your medical history.
You can do the same thing with medical specialists. Make sure you have an appointment with your primary care doctor and medical specialists, and then make the most of this opportunity to learn about women’s health concerns.
Develop a Relationship with Your Doctor
Developing a relationship with a medical provider is crucial for women’s health for several reasons. First and foremost, having a regular medical provider ensures that women receive routine preventative care, such as Pap tests, mammograms, and pelvic exams. These screenings can detect potentially life-threatening health conditions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
In addition, developing a relationship with a medical provider allows for ongoing discussions about women’s health concerns and questions. Women can discuss their menstrual cycle, contraception, menopause, and other reproductive health issues with their providers in a safe and confidential environment. Furthermore, a medical provider can provide guidance on healthy lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, as well as provide mental health support and referrals if needed. Overall, developing a relationship with a medical provider is an important step in maintaining optimal health and wellness for women.
Schedule Wellness Exams
So what are some of the most important ways you can care for your health during Women’s Health Week or Month? Use this month as a reminder to receive a yearly checkup.
You may already know about certain ways you can improve your health. At the same time, many common health conditions are more difficult to detect unless you have a doctor to help you. It is important that all women receive a wellness checkup at least once a year, even if they do not notice themselves having any specific health challenges.
Brush Up on Your Self-Exams
Many women aim to give themselves breast self-awareness exams at home. However, if you have never made this a goal of your own, this can be the perfect time to do so and learn how to perform these exams at home.
If you already have this goal but have yet to perform your self-exams as intended, then Women’s Health Month is the perfect time to set yourself a reminder to work on building up this habit.
Devote Yourself to Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet and exercise habits can improve almost every health condition known to humanity. On top of that, the exercise and nutrition decisions you make today will help you maintain your health and vitality as you get older.
Many people need help to stick with a specific exercise or diet routine. However, you do not need to have any routine at all to cultivate your health. The important thing is that you find diverse ways to eat healthy foods and engage in healthy exercise.
If doing the same thing over and over again is difficult for you, that feeling is normal. Instead of trying to stick to a specific routine, consider creating a list of possible ways to engage in exercise. You can do the same with healthy foods you want to try including in your meals.
By mixing up your routine, you can enjoy the spice of variety and improve your health at the same time.
Manage Your Mental Health
You can also make a list of ways to improve your mental health. Gratitude practices, meditation, and time spent in nature can be powerful ways to cultivate your mental well-being.
Make the Most of Women’s Health Month
Women’s Health Month is the perfect time to evaluate your habits and look for ways to improve your health. It is also a good time to remind the women in your life whom you care about to maintain their health. Many women find it easier to improve their health when they are part of a supportive community of other women working on the same goal.
To learn more about how you can work to enjoy better health, reach out to Hillcroft Physicians Women’s Health Services!
