Celebrating Women’s Health Month
Women’s Health Month is celebrated each May and is a pivotal time to spotlight women’s health issues, support women’s health, and empower women everywhere to take steps for optimal health. At New York Health, we’re dedicated to supporting women’s health and advocate for the vital role annual exams play in women’s healthcare. This Women’s Health Month serves as a paramount time to discuss women’s breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine, and mental health.
Breast Health
Breast health is a critical component of women's health. We encourage women to practice breast self-exams, schedule annual mammograms, know their breast density, and have a breast cancer risk assessment.
Cervical Health
The cervix is a cushion of tissue that sits at the top of the vaginal canal, between the vagina and uterus, and is part of the female reproductive system. Each year, almost 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Getting screened for cervical cancer is a pivotal step for early detection and supporting your cervical health. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. Cervical cancer screening includes Pap and HPV tests.
Ovarian Health
Ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, producing and releasing eggs into the female reproductive tract during the mid-point of each menstrual cycle. Over the past few decades, ovarian cancer diagnoses have been declining and ovarian cancer is more treatable when caught early. It’s important to have a regular women’s exam for a variety of reasons, especially to monitor your pelvic floor. If something abnormal is discovered during a pelvic exam or if you have ovarian cancer-related symptoms, your doctor will recommend tests to further investigate the issue. These tests might include imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, x-rays, MRIs, or PET scans.
Uterine Health
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ that sits between the bladder and rectum in the female pelvis. As an effort to support optimal uterine health, it’s important to raise awareness about some of the most common conditions that affect the uterus. These include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and endometrial cancer. Contact your OB/GYN if you experience any symptoms associated with these conditions, or if something doesn’t feel right.
Mental Health
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a significant time to advocate for ways to support women's mental health. A wellness routine is an important way to support mental health and might consist of therapy, exercise, eating healthy, yoga, meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature.
Annual Exam
Scheduling an annual primary care exam and OB/GYN exam are important steps to take to be proactive about your health. Visiting a primary care provider for your yearly physical has a myriad of benefits like developing a personalized care plan, aiding in prevention, early detection, and proactive management of health issues.
At New York Health, we are dedicated to healthcare excellence and continuously strive to keep care close to home for patients and their families. Our network of outstanding physicians specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, physical therapy, nephrology, rheumatology, surgery, urology, OB/GYN, and Interventional Pain And Spine. Click here to book an appointment today.
Sources:
NIH: Cervical Cancer Screening
NIH: National Cancer Institute: Ovaries
American Cancer Society: Ovarian Cancer