National Women’s Health Week intends to highlight women’s health and wellness by encouraging screenings, healthy eating and physical activity. 

Rural Health encourages women to prioritize physical and mental wellness, including communicating any concerns to a healthcare provider. 

According to a release from Rural Health, while women historically live longer than men, women are not necessarily living better and find themselves more vulnerable to particular chronic conditions including osteoporosis, thyroid disease, heart disease, cancer and depression. 

Rural Health recommends the following, along with the guidance of a healthcare provider, to improve health outcomes: 

• Preventative Care: Consult a provider for regular checkups and wellness visits, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and age appropriate screenings like HPV, cervical cancer, mammograms and colonoscopy. 
• Physical Activity and Nutrition: Engage in regular, moderate activity (at least 150 minutes a week) and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. 
• Mental Health: Focus on stress reduction, mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Rural Health provider, call 618-833-4471, or click here to find a medical center.