By Melissa Volansky, MD, Lamoille Health Partners
Women’s Health Week is an annual observance that takes place in the second week of May and serves as a reminder for people of all ages to prioritize their health and well-being. Taking care of your health should be a top priority, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is through preventative services. Your Lamoille Health Partners team is ready to help you achieve your health goals by coordinating important preventative services so that you can continue to live your happiest, healthiest life.
Being more inclusive about so called “women’s health”
Women’s health traditionally encompassed a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional aspects that are unique to women’s bodies. This focus now includes those who may no longer identify as women (trans male and non-binary people) who still face the same health challenges such as reproductive health, hormonal changes, and diseases such as breast cancer and osteoporosis. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be proactive in taking care of our health and seeking appropriate medical care. Women’s Health Week is a great time for trans female persons to consider coming in for important health screenings, especially if they have not been seen for a while!
The importance of preventative services
Preventative services are an essential aspect of maintaining good health and preventing the development of chronic diseases. They are designed to detect potential health issues early, when they are most treatable, and to provide guidance on how to reduce the risk of certain conditions. Preventative services can include screenings, vaccinations, counseling, and education on healthy lifestyle choices.
Regular screenings are vital for detecting health issues early on. For example, mammograms are essential for breast cancer screening, Pap tests are crucial for cervical cancer screening, and bone density scans can help detect osteoporosis. Additionally, screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help prevent the spread of infections and protect everyone’s health.
Vaccines are a crucial weapon to protect against certain types of infections and cancers. Some vaccines are particularly important for pregnant people, to protect both the parent and their baby.
Empowering women’s health
Preventative services are essential in empowering all of us to take control of our health and well-being. By prioritizing preventative care, we can detect health issues early, manage risk factors, and make informed decisions about our health. Preventative services promote a proactive approach to health, which can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder for all of us to prioritize our health and well-being. By taking advantage of preventative services, we can proactively manage our health by reducing our risk of developing serious health issues. Your Lamoille Health Partners team is standing by to help you get access to these convenient and critical services.
The Lamoille Health Community Health Team can help you live your healthiest life.
Funded by the Vermont Blueprint for Health initiative, the Lamoille Health Community Health Team is an essential part of our premier healthcare services and can help women stay on track with preventative services and their overall health. The team helps to connect patients and family members to educational resources, programs, and services that make it easier for you to get the most from your healthcare.
Your Community Health Team consists of care coordinators and case managers who are registered nurses, registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, psychologists, and social workers. The team works alongside your primary care practitioner to provide education to ensure you have the information and support needed to make informed decisions about your health.
Team members help patients navigate the healthcare system, find affordable prescription medications, and manage complicated medical conditions. During Women’s Health Week and beyond, you can contact us to learn more about the programs and services available such as:
- Coordination of OB/GYN exams and preventative screenings
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes management
- Chronic medical conditions like hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, and more
- Chronic pain
- Smoking cessation
Your Community Health Team can also help with completing financial assistance applications, applying for health insurance, connecting to transportation services, finding affordable housing, and much more. With its deep knowledge of the community resources available, as well as connections to help patients get started, the team addresses many factors that influence health.
If you would like more information on women’s health measures, preventative services, or to learn more about what the Community Health Team offers, talk to your primary care provider or visit us online today!