A comprehensive approach to women’s healthcare is an important part of providing quality care for women of all ages. This approach includes screenings, vaccinations, and treatments for common health problems that affect women. It also includes education and counseling on topics such as family planning, nutrition, and exercise.
A comprehensive approach should take into account a woman’s unique physiology and health needs throughout her lifespan. This means providing access to quality primary care, reproductive health services, mental health services, and other specialty care services, as needed.
It also means addressing the social determinants of health that can impact a woman’s well-being – such as poverty, racism, sexism, and violence. When these factors are addressed alongside medical care, women are more likely to stay healthy and thrive.
Let’s talk more about what entails a comprehensive approach to women’s healthcare.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups with Your Primary Care Provider
The first step in taking a comprehensive approach to women’s healthcare is to schedule regular checkups with your primary care doctor. These appointments are an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about your health and get guidance on how to stay healthy. Regular checkups also allow your doctor to detect any early signs of illness or disease, so treatment can be started sooner.
Get Screened for Different Medical Conditions
In addition to regular checkups, there are certain screenings and vaccinations that all women should receive according to their age and risk factors for certain diseases. For example, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 50-74 get screened for colon cancer using either a fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.
Other screening tests such as mammograms (for breast cancer), Pap smears (for cervical cancer), and bone density tests (for osteoporosis) should be performed based on individual risk factors. All sexually active adults should also be tested regularly for HIV/AIDS and other STDs according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines.
Get Vaccinated
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine vaccination against HPV – a virus linked with several types of cancers including cervical cancer – starting at age 11-12 in girls. ACIP further recommends vaccinating boys ages 11-12 against HPV, as well. Other vaccines recommended by ACIP include those against influenza viruses (annually starting at age 6 months), tetanus toxoid-diphtheria toxoid – pertussis vaccine (Tdap; one dose in adolescence), human papillomavirus vaccine (two doses if started before 15 years old; three doses if started after 15 years old), herpes zoster vaccine (two doses for those over 60 years old), and a hepatitis B virus vaccine series (3 shots over 6 months; given between birth and early adulthood to those who were not vaccinated previously).
A comprehensive approach to better understanding and managing one’s own personal risk can help empower individuals in making healthier choices, which will result in improved quality of life and potentially a longer life expectancy, too.
Women’s Healthcare in West Orange, New Jersey
For high-quality, compassionate, and personalized women’s healthcare services in West Orange, choose Hudson MD Group. We have a multi-specialty group with a unique structure, which allows us to tailor our services according to what benefits our patients most.
At Hudson MD Group, we treat you like family and listen to your needs. Your health is our priority. For any questions about our range of medical services or to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors, call our office today at (973) 705-4914, or fill out our convenient online form to send us your request.
