Women’s Health Care Month: Taking care of her

Women often focus so much time and attention on caring for their loved ones that they neglect to care for someone who’s equally important: themselves.

This May, MD Now invites you to join us in celebrating Women’s Health Care Month, National Women’s Health Week, and International Day of Action for Women’s Health Month. What do these three observances have in common? They all encourage a greater focus on and understanding of women’s health needs.

MD Now is here to help raise awareness about women’s health and encourage every woman to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. From lab tests and screenings to other urgent care services that address the unique health needs of women, MD Now’s state-of-the-art clinics with modern technology treat women across the state of Florida.

Why we need a spotlight on women’s health

The goal of all three initiatives — Women’s Health Care Month, National Women’s Health Week, and International Day of Action for Women’s Health — is to empower women to make their health a priority.

Our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and all women deserve the best care available. However, a Duke Health 2019 study revealed that one of every five women says they had their symptoms ignored or dismissed by a doctor. And the need for high-quality care has never been greater — today, one of every four women dies from heart disease, and nearly six of every ten women are overweight or obese.

At MD Now, we listen. Our physician-led team of healthcare professionals educates women about their health risks while providing them with encouragement, support, and most importantly, answers.

Let’s take a closer look at women’s health needs and some healthy habits that all women can follow.

Understanding women’s unique health issues

Women face many unique health issues that require attention and care, including pregnancy-related complications, menstrual irregularities, menopause, and vaginal issues. Certain conditions also impact women far more than men — for instance, women are four times more likely to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI).

MD Now offers urgent care services for every stage of a woman’s life. We also encourage annual physical exams to stay on top of any developing issues.

Be proactive

Regular testing, screenings, and vaccines are also essential for women’s health. At MD Now, we provide fast, convenient lab tests and screenings for:

• Pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia and gonorrhea (annual screenings are recommended for all sexually active women under age 25 and women over age 25 with new or multiple sexual partners)
• HIV
• Cholesterol
• Cardiac risk (heart disease is currently the leading cause of death for women)
• Diabetes
• Thyroid
• Arthritis
• And many more

Women should also stay up-to-date on all vaccines and immunizations, including annual flu shots.

Protecting her mental health

Women are more likely than men to experience certain mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women often experience symptoms of depression at times of hormonal change, such as during or after pregnancy (postpartum depression), during their period, and during menopause. These symptoms may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Excessive fear or worry
• Fatigue or decreased energy
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Withdrawal from others

If a woman in your life exhibits these symptoms, encourage her to seek care for her mental health — which is just as important as her physical health.

Make time for diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for overall health and well-being. However, every mother has probably gotten by with a few bites of her child’s chicken nuggets or other leftovers — and not much else. Exercise? Sometimes life just gets in the way.

But eating the right foods and exercising can help improve mood, boost energy, and maintain a healthy weight through all stages of a woman’s life. Here are some ways that women can incorporate healthier eating habits and exercise into their daily routines:

• Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day, even just taking a brisk walk
• Find a workout buddy for extra motivation and encouragement
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (eight glasses of water or more per day)
• Stock up on healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats
• Avoid foods with added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats
• Never skip meals, which can cause irritability and fatigue

Adjusting to allergy season

In addition to Women’s Health Care Month, May is also peak allergy season. Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on a busy woman’s life, especially if she must spend time outdoors. Anyone who suffers from allergies or has an allergic reaction can visit MD Now for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Visit MD Now for high-quality care

The perfect way to celebrate Women’s Health Care Month is by encouraging the women you love to take a more active role in their own health. At MD Now, we make it easy for even the busiest of women. All patients are typically seen and treated in less than an hour, and no appointment is necessary — just walk in.

About MD Now® Urgent Care

MD Now Urgent Care is Florida’s largest urgent care operator with more than 110  state-of-the-art clinics conveniently located across Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, and Seminole Counties. MD Now Urgent Care’s physician-led team of healthcare professionals provides high-quality healthcare through a comprehensive lineup of urgent care, preventative healthcare, and occupational health services during convenient hours. MD Now Urgent Care is proud to be affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information, visit the MD Now website.