What is Women's Health? Women's health is a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs of women. It encompasses everything from routine screenings and preventive care to reproductive health, mental well-being, and chronic disease management. Prioritizing women's health is essential to ensuring a high quality of life and empowering women to take charge of their well-being.
What Services Should Women Get?
Women should regularly receive a variety of health services to maintain their well-being. These include:
Annual Physical Exams: A yearly check-up helps track overall health, manage chronic conditions, and catch potential issues early.
Gynecological Exams: Regular visits to a gynecologist are crucial for reproductive health, including Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer and HPV testing.
Cervical Exams: Routine cervical exams, including Pap smears, are essential for early detection of cervical cancer. Women should start screening at age 21 and continue as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Mammograms: Essential for detecting breast cancer early, these screenings are recommended for women starting at age 40, or earlier for those with risk factors.
Bone Density Tests: Important for post-menopausal women to check for osteoporosis.
Blood Tests: Key blood tests for women include cholesterol screening, blood sugar tests (to check for diabetes), thyroid function tests, and iron levels to screen for anemia.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screenings: Regular monitoring helps prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.
Mental Health Services: Access to counseling or therapy is vital for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition supports overall health, including hormone balance, energy levels, and disease prevention.
What Services Does Sunshine CHC Offer?
At Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC), we are committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to women’s health needs. Our services include:
Primary Care: Regular check-ups, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
Women's Health Services: Gynecological exams, Pap smears, cervical exams, contraceptive counseling, and menopause management.
Behavioral Health Services: Support for mental health through counseling and therapy.
Prenatal and Postnatal Care: Comprehensive care for expectant and new mothers.
Nutritional Counseling: Personalized guidance to support a healthy lifestyle.
Lab Services: Blood tests for cholesterol, glucose, thyroid function, and more.
For a full list of our services, visit Sunshine Community Health Center.
What Can Women Do to Stay Healthy?
Maintaining good health involves a combination of regular medical care and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips for staying healthy:
Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Don’t skip your annual exams, even if you feel healthy.
Get Cervical Exams and Blood Tests: Keep up with cervical screenings and important blood tests to monitor your health.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relief practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular relaxation time.
Stay Informed: Keep up with recommended screenings and vaccinations.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Special Offer: Free Pelvic Floor Trainer in September
During the month of September, women who schedule an exam at Sunshine CHC will receive a FREE pelvic floor trainer at check-out as a thank you for taking care of your health.
Pelvic Floor Health and the Importance of a Trainer
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Maintaining the strength of these muscles is crucial for preventing incontinence, supporting sexual health, and aiding in recovery after childbirth. A pelvic floor trainer helps you perform exercises correctly, ensuring you strengthen these muscles effectively. Regular use can lead to better bladder control, improved sexual function, and a stronger core.
Mobile Mammogram Unit Coming in September
Providence Imaging Center will be bringing their Mobile Mammogram Unit to our Northern Valley Communities this September. They will be at our Willow Clinic on September 10th and at our Talkeetna Clinic on September 11th and 12th. To schedule your mammogram, call Providence Imaging Center at 1-907-212-3151.
Mammograms: Who Needs Them and Why They’re Important
Mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer. Women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every 1-2 years, depending on their risk factors. Early detection through mammography can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment, making it a critical tool in the fight against breast cancer.
In addition to mammograms, performing regular at-home breast exams can help you become familiar with your breasts and detect any changes early. It’s important to perform these exams monthly, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends, when breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.
Alaska Family Services WIC Program
Alaska Family Services Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will be at the Talkeetna Clinic lobby on September 11th from 9 AM - 4 PM. WIC provides valuable resources to ensure the health and well-being of women, infants, and children under five.
What is WIC?
WIC is a federal program that provides nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services. Eligible participants include pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. The program helps improve the health of families by providing access to nutritious foods and guidance on healthy eating habits, ultimately contributing to better overall family health.
Celebrate Strength: Photo Contest
We’re honoring the strength and beauty of the women in our communities with a special photo contest. Throughout September, post a photo of yourself doing something that makes you feel confident, beautiful, strong, or healthy.
Use the hashtag #northernvalleywomen and tag @schc_ak in your photo for a chance to win. At the end of the month, one winner will be selected in a random drawing to receive a custom-made t-shirt.
Thank you for celebrating women’s health with us! Together, we can empower and uplift the incredible women in our community.
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (PANGANGALAGA)
*This article was written with the support of AI*