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 1. Prioritize Women’s Holistic Health
 2. Health News
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Commentary


PRIORITIZE WOMEN’S HOLISTIC HEALTH

Women often place others’ needs before their own, but their personal physical
and mental health needs shouldn’t be forgotten.

By Joanne Armstrong
|
Oct. 6, 2022
By Joanne Armstrong
|
Oct. 6, 2022, at 10:52 a.m.
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Prioritize Women’s Holistic Health

More

It’s important that women inform their provider of their physical and mental
health, especially since women are more prone to certain conditions than
men.(Getty Stock Images)

Women are often the “chief medical officers” of their families, taking care of
their children and elderly loved ones, making decisions regarding their
children’s doctors and ensuring their family members receive the proper care.


[ 

READ:

Tackling Health Care Burnout ]



Yet despite leading the charge for their family’s well-being, women experience
unique obstacles when it comes to accessing equitable, high-quality and
convenient health care. And there is no ‘“one size fits all” approach to women’s
health care, especially since their health challenges are often unrecognized or
underappreciated.



Recent data from CVS Health’s 2022 Health Care Insights Study provides insight
into the current state of women’s holistic health, helping to shed light on some
of the barriers tied to different economic and social realities – and how we can
alleviate them.

Women Struggle With Prioritizing Their Health

This year’s survey indicates that women often do not put their own health goals
or health needs first. Only 21% of women said their health goals were nearly
completed or that they’d made significant progress toward them, compared with
38% of men who said the same. In addition, 38% of women respondents said they
had postponed or canceled their own annual check-ups, procedures or preventive
screenings in the past year, and 18% said that a health issue worsened or they
had become more ill from a sickness because they delayed seeking care.

Due to a range of economic and social barriers, it is often more difficult for
women to prioritize and achieve their health goals. Data from the U.S. Census
Bureau reveals that about 80% of single-parent families with children under 18
are led by mothers, of whom about 2 out of 3 are women of color. In addition, 3
in 5 caregivers are women, and women are more likely to be the primary
caregiver. These constraints and responsibilities can limit women’s ability to
seek their own high-quality and timely health care.





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Though women are often taught to prioritize their family’s needs over their own,
caring for your own health is not – nor should it ever be seen as –
self-centered. Rather, focusing on preventive care helps ensure that you can be
your best self for you and your loved ones. Virtual care and digital
interventions can offer convenient ways to help women monitor their health, even
with a busy lifestyle.




Women Desire Connectivity

This year’s CVS survey data also highlights women’s desire to remain connected
to their health care providers to receive holistic support. Eighty-seven percent
of women said they want their primary care provider to be aware of lifestyle
habits that could impact their health, compared with 78% of men. In addition,
85% of women reported wanting their primary care provider to be aware of their
level of stress and ability to deal with difficult emotions, compared with 75%
of men.

It’s important that women inform their provider of their physical and mental
health, especially since women are more prone to certain conditions than men.
Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, breast cancer, death from stroke and
more. They are two times more likely to suffer from anxiety than men, and they
also experience certain health conditions – including stress – differently than
men, necessitating different treatment and targeted solutions.

Women, be sure that you have an open line of communication with your primary
care doctor and that they hear your health concerns. It is important not to
minimize your experiences or pain levels so they can provide proper treatment.
Create an agenda before your appointment to ensure that you discuss all issues,
and do not be afraid to ask questions.



[ 

MORE:

States Take Aim at Diet Pills ]



Managing Stressors in Healthy Ways Is Key 

This year’s survey also revealed that women struggle with many worries and need
to manage stress during changing and difficult times in healthy ways.
Substantial shares of women rated their level of stress as “high” or “moderate”
in the past 12 months in relation to household finances (56%), political climate
(54%), the physical health of family members (52%), caring for children who live
in their home (45%), the mental health of family members and loved ones (45%),
and societal issues, including poverty, climate change and civil rights (45%).

Chronic stress can cause severe long-term physical and behavioral health
problems. It is associated with higher blood pressure and heart rate, increasing
how hard the heart works to circulate blood throughout the body. It also can
lead to lower energy and social interaction, brain fog, and emotional withdrawal
– all of which can cause harm to important relationships and negatively impact
day-to-day responsibilities.

Women can help decrease their stress levels by doing things like eating healthy
food, exercising, prioritizing activities that they enjoy (whether it be
volunteering and giving back, participating in a creative hobby or watching a TV
show), and practicing gratitude and meditation to get more relaxed and grounded.
Mental health or primary care providers can recommend best courses of action for
treating stress that is persistent or affects your quality of life.

Despite a shifting environment, it is important to continue focusing on holistic
health alongside conditions that are specific to women’s physiology and life
stage – especially considering the social and economic barriers to women’s
health journeys. At CVS Health, we believe that a commitment to women means
helping to prioritize their physical and mental health needs through every stage
of life.



Tags: health care, women's health



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