CMO Message: Women's Health

Women don’t have unique health needs just because of their anatomy and physiology. Everyday, women experience social and cultural pressures which puts them at risk of developing chronic conditions and worse health outcomes.

For instance, more than 65 million women provide unpaid care to children, elders, and other family members. Many of these women are simultaneously working part or full-time jobs and are mothers to young children and adolescents. In our UnitedAg community, we regularly hear of multigenerational families where our women colleagues serve as cornerstones of their household. These incredibly strong and capable women take care of everyone - children, parents, spouses, extended family, and friends - usually before they care for themselves. In addition, the wage gap between men and women still persists with women earning only 84% of what men earn. Further, women are more likely to report feeling lonely, which can be just as dangerous to health as smoking and obesity.

These are only some of the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect women and the subsequent chronic stress and limited time and financial resources have a profound effect on their health.

From the medical perspective, women’s health often focuses on breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, fertility, menopause, and other aspects of reproductive health. However, women also continue to face notable health disparities when compared to men. Women, especially minorities, still experience worse health outcomes for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Women are also at higher risk of autoimmune disease, endocrine dysfunction, urinary tract conditions, and certain mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide attempts, and eating disorders.

In order to effectively address the underlying reasons for why women are at higher risk of certain conditions, we need to cultivate deeper empathy and fully understand the root causes of these health risks. That empathy begins with having a primary care provider you can trust and form a relationship with over years to come. Our UnitedAg Health & Wellness Centers are designed specifically for that purpose, to get to know you personally and follow up with you regularly. If you need assistance finding a primary care provider, please contact UnitedAg at 800.223.4590.

FAQs

1. What are the top health issues impacting women today?
   Women, especially minorities, experience worse health outcomes for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Women are also at higher risk of developing autoimmune disease, thyroid diseases, urinary tract conditions, and certain mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide attempts, and eating disorders.
   
2. When should someone seek mental health support?
   Seeking mental health support early and often is critical to preventing worsening symptoms, crises, or life-threatening situations down the road. As soon as you don’t feel 100% emotionally, please reach out to get plugged into care. You have many options with UnitedAg including Teladoc, MyStrength, and our Health & Wellness Centers. If you are unsure where to start, please connect with Member Services at 800.223.4590 and we will assist you.
   
3. What should I do if I’ve been feeling generally unwell or have been coping with mild to moderate symptoms such as low energy, body aches, poor digestion, or headaches?
   You might not feel like you need to see a doctor for these types of generalized symptoms. However, it’s important that you ask your doctor to help you understand the causes of these symptoms and whether you need any lab work or other diagnostic tests. Vitamin deficiencies, anemia, mental health conditions, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, and autoimmune conditions can all cause symptoms that are easy to ignore.
   
4. What cancer screenings do women need?
   In general, women need breast cancer screening every 2 years starting at age 50, cervical cancer screening every 3 years starting at age 21, and colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. The frequency of colorectal cancer screening will depend on the method you choose with your doctor. You may need more frequent or additional cancer screenings depending on your family history and personal health risks. There are no screening protocols for ovarian cancer in the general population but let your provider know if you have a family history of ovarian cancer so you can discuss your prevention options.