If there is one thing I know with certainty, it’s that women bear the brunt of caregiving duties for family, friends, and strangers. It is generally our nature to nurture, but oftentimes, that can come at a cost.
Women tend to juggle many responsibilities and focus more of their time and attention on giving to others at the detriment of their own self-care.
This may be why Women’s Health Week, May 14-20, was designated by the Office on Women’s Health to remind women of all ages about the importance of prioritizing their health and well-being.
One way to do this is by scheduling a Well-Woman Visit with your healthcare provider every year.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains, “Your well-woman visit is a chance to focus on your overall health and wellness. There are three main goals for the visit: documenting your health habits and history; getting a physical exam and setting health goals.”
During a well-woman visit, your healthcare provider will lead a discussion to gather current information about your:
- Medical history and family health history
- Mental health history, including depression
- Sexual activity and partners
- Eating and physical activity habits
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
- Use of medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements
- Home life and relationships
A well-woman visit should also include a physical examination that:
- Measures your height and weight
- Calculates your body mass index (BMI) to see if you are at a healthy weight
- Checks your blood pressure
- Takes your temperature
- Conducts a clinical breast exam
- Performs a pelvic exam and/or pap smear
Pertaining to your health goals, the ODPHP says, “You and the doctor or nurse will talk about next steps for helping you stay healthy. Together, you can decide which screenings or follow-up services are right for you. If you have health goals, like losing weight or quitting smoking, you and your doctor or nurse can also make a plan to help you meet these goals.”
It is vital that women take time to themselves to routinely practice self-care which should always include an annual well-woman visit to your healthcare provider, especially if you are experiencing physical or mental challenges.
Additional ways women can safeguard their health is through staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and mentally engaged, and getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
At Home Helpers®, our compassionate caregivers help senior women every day by providing a variety of in-home care services to promote senior independence and a higher quality of life. We gladly help with transportation assistance to doctor appointments and well-woman exams, so we can help support you in achieving your health goals.
If you are a weary family caregiver in need of respite care, Home Helpers® is here for you, too. Please take advantage of the FREE Consultation I offer so I can assess specific needs, and create a customized care plan to make life easier and healthier every day!
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2023 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
