May is Women’s Health Month, which makes it the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make your well-being a priority.* Whether you’re managing your first annual exam, navigating menopause, or somewhere in between, Premier Medical Group’s Women’s Center is here to support you with compassionate, personalized care every step of the way.
Why Women’s Health Month Matters
Women often put their own health on the back burner while juggling the needs of others. But preventive care, timely screenings, and lifestyle adjustments can catch issues early and improve long-term outcomes. Women’s Health Month serves as a powerful reminder: your health deserves your attention.
This May, commit to scheduling your annual wellness visit, learning about your personal and family health risks, and making small, lasting changes to improve your mental and physical well-being.
5 Key Areas to Focus on This Month
Women’s health is about more than just checkups. It’s a whole-body, whole-life journey. Here are five areas to pay attention to this month:
1. Mental Health Is Health
Your mental and emotional well-being are just as important as your physical health. Take time to rest and recharge—your mind needs care, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a therapist or talk to someone you trust. Support is available and you’re never alone. Incorporating small practices like deep breathing, journaling, or yoga into your daily routine can also help reduce stress and boost resilience.
2. Fuel Your Body Wisely
What you eat and how you move each day have a big impact on your long-term health. Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Aim to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day—whether that’s a fitness class, a walk around the neighborhood, or dancing in your kitchen. Also, remember to drink water throughout the day while limiting sugary drinks and overly processed foods.
3. Sleep and Energy
Quality sleep is essential for energy, mood, and physical health. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.** Try sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, and limit screen time before bed to help your body wind down naturally. Creating a relaxing evening routine—like reading or taking a warm bath—can also improve your sleep quality and boost your daytime energy.
4. Stay on Top of Screenings and Wellness Visits
Routine health checkups and screenings are a powerful form of self-care. If you’ve fallen behind on your annual physical or gynecologic exam, now is the perfect time to catch up. Be sure to track any medications you take and follow up on test results with your provider. Knowing your family’s health history can also provide valuable insight and guide your preventive care plan.
5. Build a Support System
Surround yourself with people who support your well-being. Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, or a care provider, having a strong support system makes a difference. Your Premier Medical provider is part of that support system, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it.
Important Health Screenings by Age
Your health needs change throughout your life, and staying informed about age-specific screenings is key to prevention and early detection.***
In your 20s and 30s, you should begin regular Pap smears at age 21, with repeat testing every three years if results are normal. After age 30, an HPV test is typically added. Clinical breast exams every 1 to 3 years, along with routine blood pressure and cholesterol checks, help monitor your heart health. STD testing should be done based on your lifestyle and risk factors.
Starting in your 40s, mammograms become a routine part of care, usually every 1 to 2 years. Pap and HPV co-testing can be done every five years if both tests return normal results. Diabetes screenings are important, especially if you have risk factors, and colon cancer screening should begin at age 45.
At age 60 and beyond, bone density testing becomes crucial to check for osteoporosis, especially post-menopause. Mammograms and colon screenings should continue based on your provider’s recommendations. Annual vision and hearing tests help catch changes early, and fall risk assessments can help you maintain safety and mobility as you age.****
Specialized Women’s Health Services at Premier Medical Group
At our Women’s Center, we offer expert care in a warm, supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of women at every stage of life.
For those dealing with bladder and pelvic health issues, we provide compassionate treatment for conditions such as overactive bladder, incontinence, interstitial cystitis, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain. Our specialists also address related sexual dysfunctions and chronic pelvic disorders.
In gynecologic and reproductive health, our services include family planning, fertility support, menopause and perimenopause management, gynecologic cancer screening, and minimally invasive surgery. We also offer innovative treatments like vaginal laser rejuvenation with NeuViva™ to support comfort and confidence during and after menopause.
Take Action This May
Women’s Health Month is the perfect opportunity to take one small—but meaningful—step toward better health. Schedule your annual checkup. Talk to your provider about the screenings you may need. Start a new habit like adding more vegetables to your plate or walking after dinner. And perhaps most importantly, encourage a friend or loved one to do the same.
At Premier Medical Group, your health is our priority. We’re here to support you no matter where you are in your health journey. This May, take the first step toward prioritizing yourself. Call our Women’s Center to schedule your appointment today.
*https://www.cdc.gov/womens-health/features/nwhw.html
**https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html
*** https://womenshealth.gov/healthy-living-age
****https://www.cdc.gov/womens-health/features/age-just-a-number.html