Taking Charge of Your Health: Three Key Steps for Women's Health

When discussing women’s health, there are more matters of importance than we have space for in this quarterly article. However, we can’t let perfect be the enemy of good, so we’re going to tackle what we can in the space that we have! This quarter let’s talk about three topics pertinent to women’s health: the importance and benefits of regular gynecological appointments, the power and necessity of preventative treatment and screening, and a “no bones about it” breakdown of osteoporosis!

After the first two months of membership an annual preventative wellness visit and related lab work for which there are no medical symptoms or diagnoses in advance are eligible for sharing up to a maximum of $500 dollars of the fair and reasonable charges as determined by Liberty HealthShare, and this includes an annual preventative gynecological office visit for females! While not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, this is a crucial visit that you shouldn’t neglect. Gynecologists can assess your risk for various conditions and cancers, provide crucial physical exams, and answer questions that you might have no matter where you are in your life. Take advantage of your community offering opportunities for wellness support and keep up on your yearly appointments!

There are unique preventative services and screenings that women should consider. First, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant you can receive a variety of services, from breastfeeding support to folic acid supplement treatment, that can help get ahead of several possible complications. Just remember that you need to be a member of Liberty Essential, Liberty Connect, or Liberty Unite for six months prior to conception for maternity expenses to be eligible for sharing! Additionally, mammograms are a crucial screening for women to receive to help detect early signs of breast cancer, one of the leading causes of fatality among women, should they be present. Finally, don’t ignore cardiovascular preventative treatment, as heart disease is still the number one cause of death for women. Talk to your trusted provider about steps you can take today to cut these things off before they begin!

Last, let’s talk briefly about osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease which causes significant bone density loss, and women are far more likely to develop this disease than men. In fact, women over the age of 50 have a 50% chance of an osteoporosis related fracture. No need to flip a coin though, because knowledge is power! First, watch out for symptoms like back pain, loss of height over time, an increase in stooping posture, or a bone break from a seemingly minor event. If you have had a sibling or parent with osteoporosis, the time to talk to your doctor is now as you are at a greater risk of the disease. After speaking with your physician, you can explore treatment and prevention options like resistance exercises, a change in diet, or an increase in calcium and vitamin D supplement intake.

As the Bible says in Proverbs 14:1, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” You have the power to take control of your healthcare and ensure that your house stays strong and standing! Always remember that you’re never walking alone on your healthcare journey. The Liberty HealthShare community is here to offer opportunities for support in mind, body, and spirit as we all travel together on the path where faith and healthcare unite!