Recognizing Women’s Health Month

Although knowledge of women’s health is important throughout the year, in May, we celebrate Women’s Health Month. This annual event focuses on raising awareness about women’s health issues and encouraging women to prioritize their well-being.

Women’s Health Month also acts as an opportunity to educate women on the most common risks to their health. Some of the serious health concerns that women should be aware of during Women’s Health Month and throughout the year include the following:

Breast Cancer

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. While there are some risk factors for breast cancer you cannot control, there are some steps you can take that might lower your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases the risk of first-time breast cancer as well as recurrence.
• Limit your alcohol intake: Research consistently shows that drinking alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor) increases breast cancer risk.
• Get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week: Consistent physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, reduce inflammation, and keep the immune system healthy.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early—when it’s small and has not spread—it is easier to treat successfully. Early detection having yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. Schedule your mammogram at Fort HealthCare today or stop by—no appointment necessary—during our Walk-In Wednesdays.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. Some risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking and high cholesterol, are the same for women and men. Women, however, have additional risk factors, such as menopause. To reduce your chances of developing heart disease, consider following these heart-healthy tips:

• Manage stress by exercising, practicing mindfulness, and connecting with others socially.
• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol by making the necessary lifestyle changes and taking medications as directed.
• Eat a Mediterranean diet, which studies have linked with lower risk factors for heart disease.
• Get good sleep—and enough of it. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.

Few women realize that heart disease is their greatest health threat. Do you know your risk level? Take this quiz to learn more about heart disease in women: Heart Quiz for Women Only.

Fort HealthCare’s cardiology team is dedicated to preventing heart disease and managing existing conditions through personalized care plans and cutting-edge treatments. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit Cardiology – Fort HealthCare.

Depression

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Depression can occur at any age, and there are several factors that may increase a women’s risk for depression. Below are a few of them:

• Puberty prompts hormone changes that may increase some girls’ risk of developing depression.
• Postpartum depression occurs in 10-15% of women and is a serious medical condition requiring prompt treatment.
• Life circumstances and culture, such as poverty (women are more likely than men to live in poverty), work overload (many women work outside the home and still handle home responsibilities), and physical or sexual abuse.

There are things you can do to boost your mental health. However, if you think you may be depressed, it is imperative to talk honestly with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. Medications and counseling can help and remember that you are not alone. Go to Behavioral Health Services – Fort HealthCare to schedule an appointment with a Fort HealthCare Behavioral Health provider at one of our three service locations or to request a video visit.

Fort HealthCare is committed to providing the services necessary to support the whole health and well-being of women, not only in May during Women’s Health Month, but year-round. Schedule your preventive and diagnostic exams and annual physical today by calling your Fort HealthCare provider or through our MyCompass portal.