Happy Women’s Health Awareness Month! Whether you’re coaching other women or simply looking to take better care of yourself, this month is a good reminder to schedule health screenings, prioritize exercise and nourishing foods, and build habits that support the best versions of ourselves. Let’s start with getting your wellness visit and screenings scheduled! Grab your phone and calendar, and let’s get started.
Here are the top five screenings recommended for women:
Mammograms are recommended to be done annually for women starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. You can also perform at-home breast exams (even earlier than age 40!) to help support early detection. Here are tips for how to do a breast exam at home.
Pap smears are recommended for women starting at age 21, and are crucial for detecting cervical cancer. These should be done every three years between the ages of 21-29 and every 5 years between ages 30-65.
Blood pressure checks (typically done at an annual wellness visit), cholesterol tests (every 4-6 years for those in a normal range), and bone density tests (every two years for those over 65 with normal risk factors) are other important screenings.
This month is also a good time to check in with our mental health. Women (especially those on a fertility journey) are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions than men. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms and seek help early on. If you feel you may be at risk, you can request a mental health screening from a therapist, social worker, or medical provider.
In addition to the standard screenings, I also like to focus on fertility-related health outcomes. Maternal death rates are on the rise in the US, especially among women of color and women over 40. The importance of quality maternal care is more important than ever, and fertility coaches can play a large role in this through:
Preconception Care: This includes the diet, lifestyle, and mental health support that we work on as we prepare for conception and a health pregnancy.
Emotional Support: Fertility coaches help women manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions that can arise during a fertility journey and pregnancy with customized tools and plans.
Advocacy: The medical system can feel very overwhelming. A fertility coach can help women navigate the healthcare system and ensure they are getting the care they need.
Now that we have the facts, let’s commit to prioritizing our health together. And if you want to be a part of the movement, schedule your health screenings then tag me on Instagram so I can cheer you on!