During National Women’s Health Week, women are reminded to prioritize their own health care and well-being.
By Regina Molaro
Women play many roles – mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends, often making sacrifices for family and friends and neglecting their own self-care. But women should remember to prioritize their well-being because, quite frankly, they deserve to, and also because they need to be strong and healthy for those who rely on their love and support.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has designated May 12-18, 2024, as National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). Its mission is to highlight women’s health issues and priorities and encourage women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“Women are the cornerstone of the family,” said Marilyn Loh Collado, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., vice president, CMO, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. “It is important for women to maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health not only for themselves but as a resource. Today’s stresses create a different environment to raise and support a family. A woman who keeps herself grounded, has self-awareness and takes care of herself first will navigate any problem. When she experiences human-centered quality health care the rest of the family will follow,” Loh Collado said.
Riverview strives to provide top-notch services for women (and all patients) every day of the year – not just in May. Its team takes pride in treating the person rather than “just the diagnosis.” Its mammography suite offers up-to-date technology for screening and diagnosis. It also provides information to encourage healthy habits and explain the advantages of screening and knowing your genetics.
Beyond mammograms, Riverview is poised to offer a range of oncological services. “We have an aging population along with an increase of young families due to the pandemic. Orthopedic, urogynecology, cardiology, neurosurgery and vascular services are expanding to meet the varied needs,” said Loh Collado. Riverview is also outfitting a new oncology unit.
Taking Care
Beyond meeting all the requirements for well visits, mammograms and all other health guidelines set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women are encouraged to take a more active role in their health care.
LohCollado recommends that women review their insurance plans to ensure they cover general physicals, gynecology, mammography and pregnancy. “It is surprising how much health illiteracy plays a role in women not getting routine care. Their plans may not cover some services, which are essential to maintaining health.”
According to Loh Collado, sleeping 7 to 8 hours daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Poor sleeping habits force the body to release cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Eating balanced meals with protein, complex carbs and healthy fats keeps the mind focused and reduces fatigue.
Some level of daily exercise is important for the body and for mental health. Loh Collado suggests women think outside the box to discover which routines work for them. Some options include walking, stretching, dancing, bike riding, going to the gym or walking the track while the kids are practicing sports. Regardless of preferences, exercise should total 30 minutes daily.
Know Your Risk
Information is key. That’s why every woman who has a mammogram at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is assessed for their personalized lifetime risk for breast cancer. The score is based on personal information provided to the technologist performing the exams which includes current age, BMI (body mass index), reproductive history, family history of breast and ovarian cancer, prior biopsies, high-risk biopsy results and breast density.
“This helps us categorize women as average risk, intermediate risk or high risk. It informs screening recommendations such as annual mammograms, mammograms with ultrasound, CEM (contrast-enhanced mammography) or MRIs,” said Harriet Borofsky, M.D., medical director of Breast Imaging, Riverview Medical Center and HMH Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel. It can also identify those with a significant probability of a genetic mutation that may predispose them to breast and ovarian cancer.
“Always schedule time for self-care as you would any other valuable appointment. Remember, you matter,” said Loh Collado.
The article originally appeared in the May 2 – 8, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
