Women, Let’s Talk About Your Health

Now that the loving flowers, cards, and sentiments from Mother’s Day have been shared and expressed, women, let’s talk about your health!

It is common for women to ignore their well-being while caring for those around them. Just small adjustments to your daily routine can impact your energy, health, and mood.

Here are some suggestions to improve emotional well being:

• Take steps to prevent yourself from getting sick— keep up with regular health appointments.
• Get enough sleep for your overall health. It impacts how you feel and perform during the day. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Good habits, such as following a regular sleep schedule, including weekends, make it easier for you to get the sleep you need.
• Avoid using illegal drugs or prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed. Don’t take someone else’s prescription. Substance use treatment is available and recovery starts with asking for help.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Having quality relationships and a sense of belonging is important for both our physical and mental health. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Recognize when you need more help. If stress gets in the way of your daily activities for more than two weeks, or you are thinking about suicide, talk to someone who can help. You can talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.
• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988.
• If you are experiencing violence, reach out for support. Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Source: CDC

St. Vincent Family Health Center is here to help.

Is it time for your well-woman visit?

Well-woman visits include a full checkup, separate from any other visit for sickness or injury. These visits focus on preventive care for women, which may include:

• Services, like vaccines (shots), that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems
• Screening tests, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat
• Education and counseling to help you make informed health decisions

What happens during a well-woman visit?

Your well-woman visit is a chance to focus on your overall health and wellness. There are 3 main goals for the visit:

• Documenting your health habits and history
• Getting a physical exam
• Setting health goals

You’ll probably discuss steps you can take to improve your health such as:

• Getting more physical activity
• Eating healthy
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Watching your weight
• Getting enough sleep

For more information on well-woman visits, call St. Vincent Family Health Center at 719-486-0230.