Empowering women through preventative care

National Women’s Health Week starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority. Some women may feel too busy to care for others to take the time to care for themselves. But a healthy life is a gift to you as well as to those you love. 

Jill Stone, Senior Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at TidalHealth, knows how vital that is firsthand. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, in 2019, through a routine screening with my annual mammogram,” she said. “I had a mastectomy, followed by chemo for 12 months, and 8 reconstructive surgeries.” Today, Stone is thriving with her family and helping patients at work, thanks to her attentiveness to a routine screening. 

Recommended screenings for women

There are several health screenings women should make sure to have on their list. Let’s start with the one Stone swears by: 

Mammogram

A breast cancer mammography screening is recommended for women starting at age 40 - often sooner for those with a family history or with risk factors. If you’ve never had one done, don’t be intimidated. The process is quick and easy. On Delmarva, you can find skilled and caring professionals for your mammogram at TidalHealth Breast Center in Salisbury, Peninsula Imaging in Salisbury and at TidalHealth Medical Imaging in Seaford. You will need a medical order from your doctor to get a mammogram, which your doctor will give you at your annual gynecological exam. Which leads us to: 

Annual GYN exam

Women should start having an annual pelvic exam by a gynecologist starting at age 18, or when they become sexually active. A routine pelvic exam can detect issues such as infections or cancer early, which is important for the best treatment. It’s also a good time to check in on your reproductive health. A Pap test, which checks for cervical cancer, is often part of this exam as well. That’s important, because cervical cancer often has no symptoms until its later stages. A Pap test can also find infections and pre-cancerous cells. 

Bone density screening

Not every woman needs a bone density check, but all women over age 65, or women age 64 and younger who have gone through menopause, should have one. A bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan, measures the strength and thickness of your bones. Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. Making sure your bones are in good shape is an important part of healthy aging. 

Heart disease check

Even though it’s the No. 1 cause of death, heart disease is often thought of as a “man’s disease.” About 1 in 5 women die of heart disease, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. You can take steps to not become one of those statistics. At your annual physical - another vital health screening you should get - your primary care provider will check your blood pressure and order a cholesterol check (also known as a lipid panel). These two tests will help keep track of your cardiac health. If you want to take it a step further, schedule a free heart health screening. TidalHealth offers them by appointment - call 410-543-7026. You don’t even need insurance to have this screening, which includes an EKG, lipid panel and more. 

Health tips for women

Here are five important ways women can stay healthy, according to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health: 

Get an annual physical

This will ensure you’re having all of the routine lab tests and vaccinations you need, as well as provide a record of your weight, height and health stats over time. Having that record makes it easier to spot when something is wrong, so you can find and treat the problem early. 

Maintain a healthy weight

This can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. If you need support, professionals can help – here are some of the weight loss options available on Delmarva. 

Stay active

Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. It affects everything from your blood pressure to your mental wellbeing. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week - and if you just take two brisk 15-minute walks per day, you’ll be surpassing that minimum in a healthy way. Find an activity that works for you. To find medically tailored options, check out a program like TidalHealth Adult Fitness.   

Sleep well

Good sleep habits can make a big difference to your health and wellness; a lack of quality sleep can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, someone tells you that you snore or you wake feeling unrested, you may need a sleep study. 

Prioritize mental health

Stress and depression can take a physical toll as well as decreasing the overall quality of your life. Make time to unwind, connect with others, avoid overuse of alcohol or drugs. If you’re overwhelmed or need more help, reach out to a behavioral health professional who can help you get through it.