ADVICE: National Women’s Health Month in May is the ideal time to prioritize wellness

May is National Women’s Health Month and provides an important opportunity to further emphasize the importance of women being aware of their health from a holistic approach that focuses on mind, body and spirit. As a practicing physician and woman, I would encourage women to invest in their health to clear doubts about abnormal symptoms or emotions they are experiencing, and to advocate for themselves to receive the quality patient care every woman deserves.

Take care of what is above

National Women’s Health Month coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is an extremely essential part of women’s overall health and well-being. This month – and every day – prioritize mental health, as it can impact physical health if left unchecked. High levels of stress can affect organs such as the heart and lungs, as well as increase blood pressure and cortisol levels in the body. My father always told me, “Take care of what is above,” and reminded me to take mental breaks from work and other stressors that might affect my mental health during the day.

If you need to talk to someone, seek support from a trusted mental health professional, even if everything is going well. Investing in mental health before a crisis or before something bad happens can give you the tools to deal with challenges as they arise. It also offers the opportunity to see someone regularly who can help you with smaller challenges and navigate everyday life.

Protect your heart

The heart is a powerful, complex organ that is crucial to the overall functioning of the body. It allows us to perform everyday tasks and experience the joys of life. Maintaining a healthy heart, especially for women, is paramount to reducing the risk of developing heart disease. 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 racial and ethnic groups in the US. To protect heart health, it is advisable to have an annual examination with a healthcare provider. This makes it possible to listen to the heart, understand personal and family health history and assess risk factors for heart attack.

When heart disease develops, it hinders proper blood flow to the heart, hindering its normal pumping function. High cholesterol, stress and high blood pressure have been linked to heart disease. Although there may be warning signs, such as pain in the chest, neck or shoulder, not everyone experiences symptoms. Conditions such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol, often called “silent killers,” may not show any symptoms. To reduce the risk of heart disease, lifestyle changes are recommended, such as a balanced diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables, clean protein, fiber and whole grains, along with regular exercise and annual checkups.

Take care of reproductive health

It is crucial that women prioritize their reproductive health. Symptoms such as extreme pain, heavy bleeding or abnormalities during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause or menopause should not be normalized or dismissed as something only women have to deal with. These symptoms may indicate underlying health problems, such as cervical cancer, a disease that occurs 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 every year, underscoring the need for regular health checks, reproductive screenings and Pap smears.

In addition, breast cancer is increasingly diagnosed at all ages, highlighting the importance of mammograms for women. Consult your health care provider about your health history, any symptoms you experience, and the recommended frequency for breast exams. These proactive measures can have a significant impact on early detection and treatment outcomes.

Check your colon

Colon care is generally associated with aging, but there has been a concerning increase in the diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer among those under 50 years of age. A recent high-profile example is beloved Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman, who died in August 2020 after passing away. diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. Unfortunately, the most common symptoms of colon cancer can be overlooked. Symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating and changes in bowel habits – ranging from diarrhea to constipation – are common, but can also be attributed to several other health problems.

But there is good news; colon cancer is preventable if it is detected early. Symptoms may not always be present, making regular screenings necessary. I strongly encourage women to take the first step and get screened. Early detection can make the difference.

Advocate for yourself

For women, and for all individuals, it is essential to trust yourself and advocate for your overall health and well-being. If something isn’t right, keep a diary of symptoms and share it with your healthcare provider.

Advocating for yourself also means taking a proactive approach to your health care, scheduling all your recommended annual health exams and preventive care screenings – from eye exams and mammograms to annual exams and pap smears. Do not wait. At each appointment, share any changes in your health or new symptoms you have noticed with your healthcare provider.

Stand up for yourself and make sure your healthcare provider truly hears you, grant them grace, while you prioritize your health and work assertively to develop an action plan for your comprehensive health and wellness journey.

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell is a board-certified family physician who practices emergency medicine. She is based in Reno, where she is the medical director of Saint Mary’s Medical Group, the medical director of the Washoe County Sexual Assault Response Team, and the founder of Beyond Clinical Walls. In addition, Curry-Winchell is a regular national medical correspondent and TEDx speaker.

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