6 Women’s Health Issues You Can Address Today
January 21, 2021
Women have a lot on their plates. Between family engagements, staying on top of work deadlines, balancing a social life and navigating the challenges of everyday life, healthcare isn’t always a top priority.
“Women often put themselves and their health on the back burner, a trend that really ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic.” says Melissa Mesenburg, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, board-certified family nurse practitioner with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. "While women are natural caregivers, often they put their family's health before their own, even though women are at higher risk for certain conditions." In reality, it’s difficult to be your best self and serve others without taking care of yourself first. Don’t wait until your health gets out of hand before reaching out for help. Know which screenings you need at every stage of your life and take charge of your health today.
In reality, it’s difficult to be your best self and serve others without taking care of yourself first. Don’t wait until your health gets out of hand before reaching out for help. Know which screenings you need at every stage of your life and take charge of your health today.
Read More: For Women, Health Care is Self-Care
Health Issues Women Face Today
Although some women face specific health issues associated with their jobs or family history, the most common ones don’t seem to discriminate — health problems faced by women working outside of the home are the same as those that impact stay-at-home moms and retirees. Those include:
1. Anxiety and depression, conditions that occur twice as frequently in women than men
2. Breast cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States
3. Heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women
4. Insomnia, due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, anxiety or depression
5. Reproductive health issues, such as heavy periods, endometriosis, HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases
6. Weight problems that can be related to menopause, stress and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome
Taking Care of You
Here are four changes Mesenburg recommends to keep your health at its best:
1. Get creative.
Fitting healthy habits into a busy lifestyle may take a little creativity. Try letting your kids expel energy outdoors while you walk around a track. Make healthy meal prep a weekly family activity. If you used to commute to work but now work from home, take a short break after logging off from work and before joining your family.
2. Don’t neglect screenings.
Disease is often easier to treat when it’s diagnosed early. Having regular screenings can help your health care provider detect any abnormalities. Ask your provider what is recommended for you. You may need a Pap test, colonoscopy, lung cancer screening or mammogram.
Download: A Lifetime of Good Health: Screenings Women Need
3. Schedule time-outs.
Let your loved ones know when you need to take care of yourself. “It’s OK to be a little selfish and set aside time for yourself,” Mesenburg says. “Find balance. Stop, breathe and take a second to be mindful. Research shows mindfulness can reduce stress and help you sleep better.”
4. Find a good provider.
Mesenburg suggests finding a new healthcare provider if your current one doesn’t listen or take your concerns seriously. Having an understanding provider is crucial for your health.
Looking for a compassionate primary care provider to help you along your health journey? Find a provider accepting new patients.
Updated: April 2025
