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| SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022
Women are unique in the fact that they have fundamental medical differences and require additional access to care.
’ Women s
Health
feine, spicy foods and wearing layers or a shawl that can easSpecial To The Republican “Women’s health” is a term ily be removed may help with that focuses on the prevention hot flashes. One patient told and treatment of diseases and me she brought a little handconditions that affect a wom- held, battery-operated fan everywhere to cool herself. an’s physical and emotional well-being. PTSD: It’s different than “men’s PTSD can be very complex health,” said Launa L. Wentworth, women veteran’s and oftentimes is ignored by program manager and a nurse veterans. Veterans tell us they at VA Central Western Massa- feel they can or should be able to “get through it” alone, but I chusetts Healthcare System, because, “women are unique encourage people to reach out in the fact that they have fun- to the VA or the Vet Center to damental medical differences learn more about how trauma and require additional access can affect their health and relationships. We can help to care.” These differences affect risk them learn helpful techniques (to deal with PTSD). of disease, symptoms and response to medical therapies. Cancer: “Women’s needs are related to reproductive, gynecologNewer cancer medications ic and sexual health,” she and treatments have insaid. “Besides the traditioncreased survival rates. BUT al preventative screening the number-one thing that such as mammograms and remains true yesterday, today cervical screening, they also and tomorrow is that early have more chronic health detection matters. Women issues such as cardiovascular must get preventative screendisease, cancer, diabetes, ings. Getting mammograms, osteoporosis, infertility, pain pap tests and colonoscopies related to musculoskeletal makes a difference. Wear suninjuries and mental health screen and complete self-exillnesses.” aminations of your skin, if a Wentworth commented on mole has changed in color or 10 health concerns for women shape or you have an unusual and how they should be adgrowth show your primary dressed most effectively: care provider. By CORI URBAN
Women’s health in the workplace:
body. Do some squats during (television) commercials. Even frequent small periods of exercise are beneficial.
Vitamin D3 and B12 have been proven to be helpful in keeping a body healthy. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) aids your body in making blood cells Pregnancy: Diet: and DNA for new cells,” she More and more women are The VA has dieticians to assist explained. “That said, women waiting until they are well into women with specific types of who are or trying to become their thirties to begin trying diets including low salt, anti- pregnant should take Folic to have a baby. The older a inflammatory and diabetic Acid as a dietary supplement woman is the harder it might or to help people who have to help prevent birth defects. be to become pregnant. It is irritable bowel syndrome. It is also important to be important to be as healthy as sure to eat a variety of fruits, Vitamins: possible prior to becoming vegetables and protein rich pregnant; starting out at a foods as a source of vitamins Regarding vitamins, Wenthealthy weight, having norand minerals that your body worth said women should mal blood pressure and blood always consult with their requires.” sugar increases the chances primary care provider before Stress: for the best outcome. Making taking any vitamins. “Both The VA offers many tools to assist veterans in stress management including several free apps. Taking 1-3 minutes to focus on your breathing can help relax the body and the mind. The mental health team assists veterans with a variety of techniques to manage stress.
Abuse: One third of women veterans experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program is available for women and couples who maybe experiencing domestic violence.
Nutrition:
Nutrition can be one of the hardest thing to change. Considering how many hours Food is a wonderful thing we spend working, health in that brings people together. the workplace is extremely Certain foods can be rich in important. It is important tradition and cultures. Start to take your breaks and eat simple by adding more fresh lunch every day. If you’re on a fruits, vegetables and avoid computer all day set a remind- deep fried foods. er to get up and stretch for a few minutes every two hours. Exercise of all types: Little habits can make a big Exercise is excellent for both difference. your physical and mental wellbeing. Begin with a walk Menopause: around the block. Add in The hormonal changes which weights (you can use cans of occur during menopause can soup or water bottles) three create a variety of symptoms times a week. Join a friend to in women. Some women make the time more enjoyhave intense symptoms while able. Increase your activity others have milder symptoms. slowly and listen to your Decreasing or eliminating caf-
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK)
an appointment to discuss preconception health with your primary care provider is encouraged.
(TOP: PHOTO SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE) (BOTTOM: PHOTO SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS)
VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare, at the Leeds and Worcester sites, each have a private women’s health wing dedicated to women veterans. All facilities have women’s trained healthcare providers. At the VA, women have the opportunity to work with their primary care team to address health concerns and identify health care goals. Last year the organization cared for 3,339 women. “Women often put selfcare at the bottom of their very long ‘to do list,’” Wentworth said. “Women need to remember that by taking care of themselves first they can better care for others. Asking for help and pacing oneself is a difficult skill but it can
be learned. Women can lead their family in healthy habits by getting everyone involved in some aspect of care.” She suggested taking everyone in the family for a walk as a part of exercise but not calling it exercise, engaging the entire family when cooking a meal by giving each person a task or sharing meditation practices with young children. “Incorporating meditation at bedtime by watching a guided meditation is another way to practice selfcare. It could teach the whole family how to relax before bed,” she said. Among her best “tips” for a woman to maintain optimum health and wellbeing, Wentworth noted that many women have delayed receiving care because of COVID-19. “I would encourage women to reconnect with their primary care team and schedule any preventative health screenings that they may have been putting off,” she said. Wentworth emphasized the concern that veterans continue to commit suicide at an alarming rate and encouraged anyone that is having suicidal thoughts to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273TALK (8255). During March, Veterans Health Administration Women’s Health deployed a communications campaign that corresponds with the national Women’s History Month 2022 theme: “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” In support of this campaign and women’s health, there was a Women Veterans Town Hall held on March 23 to familiarize women veterans with the services offered by VA Central Western Mass Healthcare. Women veterans can contact Launa Wentworth at 413-356-0401 for more information on navigating VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System.
For more info vist: va.gov/central-westernmassachusetts-health-care/