According to the National Institutes of Health, women in the US make approximately 80 percent of the health care decisions for their families. While taking care of everyone else, they’re often ignoring their own health care needs. If you’re overlooking the value of good self-care, be sure to take the time for routine visits to the doctor so you can keep doing the things you really want to do.
“In order to really make sure that you’re staying as healthy as you need to or finding any problems that you may be having early so they can be treated, it’s really important to at least see, not just a gynecologist, but also your family medicine or internal medicine doctor for at least yearly checkups,” says Dr. Jennifer Krupp, the medical director of SSM Health’s Women’s and Newborn’s Program.
What is good self-care when it comes to women’s health?
What is good self-care when it comes to women’s health? In addition to annual checkups, it’s following through on screenings like mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies. It’s also paying attention to your body and what it’s telling you. If you are having issues with fatigue, insomnia, menopause or incontinence, Dr. Krupp says it’s good to be honest about what’s going on. She says many women falsely believe there are issues they just have to live with, when in reality, they may be very treatable.
“If it’s affecting your quality of life and you’re noticing it as a problem, don’t explain it away,” says Dr. Krupp. “Go in and talk to people about it so that you can get some help and you can continue to do the things you want to do and not let this get in your way.”
Dr. Krupp’s interview
You can watch Dr. Krupp’s full interview about women prioritizing their health on WKOW’s Wellness Wednesday here.
Find a provider
To find a provider or to learn more about the full spectrum of Women’s Health services at SSM Health, please visit their website.
