Celebrating Women's Health: How To Prioritise Wellness this Mother's Day

Flowers. Chocolates. Going out for tea. Mother's Day is a chance to show appreciation for all the hard work, love, and care we receive from our mums. It's a time when we can celebrate and reflect upon the importance of our mums, wives, and other women in our lives.

These women go above and beyond for their family members. Yet, while they're running around looking after everyone else, often, they're not looking after themselves. Mother's Day isn't just a day of celebration – it's a rare chance to prioritise wellness with a well-women check.

In this guide:

Why We Should Prioritise Women's Health
Common Health Concerns for Women
Why Mother's Day is the Perfect Time to Focus on Wellness
How Well Women Checkups Support Women's Wellness
Encouraging Wellness Beyond Checkups

Why We Should Prioritise Women's Health

Women's health doesn't get enough recognition. Certain issues like breast cancer do garner a lot of attention and support, with charities raising money for the cause. However, women experience numerous other health conditions that fly under the radar.

From osteoporosis to menopause, it's time to put women's health first. But it's not just physical. Consider that women are more likely to experience mental health conditions than men. Rising rates of anxiety are a growing concern. Meanwhile, conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are chronically under diagnosed in women – 60% of women with the disorder struggle to get a diagnosis.

Indeed, women face many gender-specific challenges, including hormonal changes, menopause, reproductive health concerns, and an overall issue with mental health. It's time to take action.

Common Health Concerns for Women

What health issues do women face? Well, women have numerous gender-specific problems (as mentioned) alongside other conditions where cases are higher in women. These include:

Hormonal Imbalances. Conditions like PCOS and menopause affect countless women, impacting daily life and overall health.
Breast Health. Awareness and regular screenings are vital for early detection of breast cancer, which can be life-saving.
Mental Health. Women are particularly susceptible to stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression, which can profoundly impact their quality of life.
Heart Disease. This is the leading cause of death for women, yet it's often under recognised as a significant health risk.
Bone Health. Osteoporosis poses a serious threat to women, particularly in their post-menopausal years.

Too often, these health concerns can go overlooked or simply be dismissed. A person with period pain might be told it is normal, only to learn they have PCOS. Or an older lady might not learn that she has osteoporosis until she has a fall. Only proactive, early detection and prevention can safeguard women's health in the future.

Why Mother's Day is the Perfect Time to Focus on Wellness

Mother's Day might seem like the perfect time to relax. After all, we often spend it eating chocolate or going out for a special occasion. However, it's also a chance to push for a well-woman check. Take the time to remind your mum or the other women in your life to put themselves first, even if just for a day.

Think of all the times your mum looked after you when you were ill. The times when she supported others over herself. It's true of a lot of women in our lives. Whether we're the son, daughter, husband, wife, or just a friend, encouraging women to take proactive steps towards their health and wellness is one of the greatest gifts of all. It's the gift of good health.

Nor is this just about the women themselves – it's crucial for those who rely on them. We cannot look after others if we can't even look after ourselves. Self-care is a crucial part of being a mother or a caregiver. That means taking the time to relax, unwind, and… get a well-woman check.

How Well Women Checkups Support Women's Wellness

What is a Well-Woman Check? Think of it like an MOT for your car. This blood test gives your body a thorough evaluation, measuring some key markers of good health. Usually, the results come back with nothing to worry about. But, if there is an issue, often you've caught it early, giving yourself a head start to tackle the issue.

The check covers:

Haemoglobin and White Cell Count: For detecting anaemia and infections.
Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Iron: Supports red blood cell health and nervous system.
Vitamin D: Essential for bone strength and immune health.
Thyroid Function: Monitors thyroid hormone levels.
Calcium and Phosphate: Important for bone and dental health.
Diabetes Check (HbA1c): Assesses blood sugar levels over time.
Kidney Function (Urea and Electrolytes): Evaluates kidney health.
Liver Function: Tests for liver health and enzyme levels.
Creatine Kinase: Indicates muscle health and function.
Uric Acid: Associated with gout and joint health.
C-reactive Protein: Identifies inflammation or infection.
Cholesterol and Lipids: Assesses cardiovascular risk.
Menopause Hormones (FSH, LH, Oestradiol): Evaluates menopausal status and hormonal balance.

Most of these tests aren't for female-specific conditions. Still, it's sensible to check your diabetes level, thyroid function, and other general tests. However, some tests maybe gender-specific – for example, low haemoglobin levels are a sign of anaemia, which occurs commonly in women with heavy periods. Meanwhile, certain hormonal changes are indicative of menopause – especially if accompanied by symptoms.

Alongside your results, the Well-Woman Health Check provides lifestyle and health advice based on your results. You'll receive a doctor-reviewed personalised report, including recommendations for how to stay fit and healthy. If there are concerns about your mental health, we'll also add details and advice for how to boost your mood.

Encouraging Wellness Beyond Checkups

Wellness isn't a one-and-done – it goes beyond checkups and Mother's Day. It's about the decisions we make every single day. We know that many mothers neglect their health as they look after others. Maybe it's skipping lunch to pick the kids up from school or ignoring the pain in your chest because you don't want to worry anyone.

However, it's best to lead by example. Looking after your health is simple. With some tried-and-tested advice, you can safeguard against most conditions. Here are some practical tips:

Eat Healthily. It goes without saying. A diet filled with processed foods and lacking nutrition isn't good for your long-term health. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Ensure you get a healthy balance of all these ingredients. Of course, that doesn't exclude the occasional treat – so that Mother's Day box of chocolates should be fine.
Stay Active. Many people assume that as we age, we should wind down our physical activity. The opposite is true. Women who stay fit and active have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even mental health conditions. Plus, placing some stress on your bones can strengthen them – protecting against osteoporosis. As part of the well-women check for over 50s, we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Adding some strength training or yoga can help build and maintain muscles and reduce the risk of falls.
Lower Stress. Easier said than done, right? Well, there are plenty of fantastic exercises proven to reduce stress. These include mindfulness, meditation, and self-care. Spend a few minutes a day calming your body and soothing your mind. Just five minutes of meditation is enough to see tangible benefits.
Get Enough Sleep. If sleep was a drug, everyone would take it. It's the time when our bodies restore themselves, fixing the damage from the day before. Getting enough sleep isn't just crucial to your health; it also protects against conditions like dementia. So, make sure you're well-rested every single night.

Remember, looking after yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just 30-60 minutes per day is enough to boost your health. Add a quick exercise session, practice some mindfulness, and eat healthily to see real results in a few short weeks.

Go For a Well-Woman Check

A well-woman check for over 50s isn't optional – it's essential. Do you want peace of mind knowing you're in good health? Do you want to catch any potential conditions early? Then, book your annual Well-Woman Check with Health Klinix.

Of course, it doesn't just have to be for you. Give the gift of good health to your mother or loved one. And encourage them to look after themselves and practice a little self-care. Schedule your well-woman check today. It's to take control of your health.

References

Written by:

Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Approved by:

Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine

MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP