Women’s Health: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Wellness

Women’s health is a vital and multifaceted aspect of their overall well-being, encompassing physical and mental wellness. Women face distinct health challenges that require specialized care and awareness. Prioritizing women’s health supports individual longevity and quality of life, while also strengthening families and communities. Understanding and addressing these unique needs through education, prevention, and access to care is essential for empowering women to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Why Women’s Health Is Unique

Women’s bodies undergo different changes from men’s throughout life — from puberty and pregnancy to menopause and beyond. These shifts can impact reproductive health, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Yet, according to a recent survey of US consumers conducted by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, women are 35% more likely than men to report having skipped or delayed medical care within 12 months. A delay in treating potential conditions can lead to higher costs for individuals, organizations, and society.

Leading Causes of Death Among Women

Understanding the primary health threats can guide preventive measures:

1. Heart Disease: This is the leading cause of death among women
2. Cancer: Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are some of the most prevalent cancers in women
3. COVID-19: COVID-19 remains a significant cause of mortality 
4. Stroke: This is a major contributor to female mortality 
5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases: Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common threats

Key Health Statistics for Women in 2025

Women’s overall health in the United States reflects a mix of challenges and ongoing public health concerns. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Library of Medicine highlight key indicators, including self-reported health status, physical activity levels, and obesity rates, that continue to impact the population’s overall well-being.

General Health Overview for Women:

According to statistics from the CDC:

• Fair or Poor Health: Approximately 15.6% of U.S. women aged 18 and older reported being in fair or poor health in 2023
• Physical Activity: Only 20.4% of women met the federal guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities
• Obesity Rates: Between 2017 and March 2020, health officials classified 42.1% of women aged 20 and older as obese

Maternal Health

• Maternal Mortality: In 2023, the U.S. maternal mortality rate decreased to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, disparities persist, with Black women experiencing a rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births

Mental Health

• Depression and Anxiety: Women are more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive mental health services

The Importance of Health Screenings

Women often put others first, but taking care of your health is just as important. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears, mammograms, and blood pressure checks, help detect potential issues early, when they are most treatable. These simple steps can make a big difference, not just for your well-being, but for the people who count on you every day. Prioritizing your health through screenings is a powerful way to be fully present for yourself and for those you love.

Essential Screenings for Every Woman

Screenings play a vital role in women’s health by helping detect potential health issues early, often before symptoms appear. Regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease can lead to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better outcomes. 

These preventive measures empower women to stay informed about their bodies, make proactive health decisions, and improve their overall quality of life. Staying on top of recommended screenings is a simple yet powerful way to take charge of long-term health and wellness. Routine health screenings can detect issues early, when they are most treatable. Here’s a guide based on age and risk:

• Pap Smear: Starting at age 21, every 3 years (or every 5 years with HPV test for women 30–65)
• Mammogram: Usually starting at age 40–50, depending on risk factors
  View recommendations from the American Cancer Society
• Bone Density Scan: Around age 65, or earlier if you have risk factors for osteoporosis
• Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Regular checks starting in your 20s
• Mental Health Screenings: Especially during significant life changes like pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause

Mental Health Is Health

Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety. Factors like hormonal shifts, caregiving roles, and social expectations can contribute to the stress load.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Support is available through:

• Individual therapy
• Support groups
• Medication (if needed)

Maternal Health Matters

If you’re planning to grow your family, prenatal care is crucial for your health and your baby’s. Regular prenatal visits help manage conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure and monitor the baby’s development.

Menopause and Healthy Aging

Menopause is a natural part of aging, but it can bring challenges like hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood swings. It’s also a time to revisit bone health and heart risk.

Talk to your provider about:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress reduction)
• Bone-strengthening nutrients like calcium and vitamin D

Take Charge of Your Health Today!

Women often put the needs of others first, but your well-being matters. Whether it’s scheduling your next check-up, discussing your mental health with a professional, or becoming physically active, small steps can lead to significant changes.

At CommuniHealth Services, we recognize the importance of women’s health and the preventive care necessary to maintain their well-being. We encourage all women to schedule preventive services. As a federally qualified health center, we strive to ensure that underserved populations receive comprehensive, holistic healthcare. 

You deserve a care team that listens, understands, and collaborates with you to achieve your health goals. CommuniHealth Services is proud to offer preventive healthcare services to women of all ages. We want to ensure that you, as a woman, are taking the right steps needed for early detection and prevention.

Our Services:

• Contraception management
• Gynecological exams
• Pap smears
• Breast examinations
• Ordering mammograms

Additionally, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care services to patients of all ages. Other services include pharmacy services, substance abuse counseling, transportation, translation, specialty care and services, health education, and comprehensive outreach. You can learn more about the services we offer or even schedule an appointment at one of our many locations!