National Women's Health Week good time to get check-up | Health

Women—it is time to prioritize your health! As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 13-18, 2012), Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region is urging women in the Mid-South to schedule preventive checkups, including breast cancer screenings, pelvic exams, and, if recommended, a Pap test.

“The health of women affects our families, our partners, and our communities,” said Tarsha Elliott, RN, BSN, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region’s Director of Clinic Services. “As we honor our mothers this week, we should also take the time to encourage them, and all the women in our lives, to schedule the regular checkups they need to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region offers a wide range of preventive health services, including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, diagnosis and treatment of precancerous cervical conditions, breast exams, the HPV vaccine and STD testing and treatment.

“At Planned Parenthood, we know firsthand the importance of checkups in preventing more serious health issues,” said Mrs. Elliott. “Regular exams and health screenings can rule out or detect life-threatening diseases such as breast and cervical cancers and STDs, including HIV. Early detection and treatment of these diseases saves lives.”

National Women’s Health Week is an excellent opportunity for women to prioritize and take charge of their health. Visit www.plannedparenthood.org/memphis to schedule a wellness exam.

All women should talk with their health provider to see what their checkup should include. See Planned Parenthood’s Women’s Wellness checklist to start the conversation. (See sidebar)

In addition to preventive checkups, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region encourages women to take additional steps to improve their physical and mental health by asking themselves:

• Am I eating healthy—including plenty of folic acid, calcium and vitamins C and D?
• Am I getting enough exercise?
• Am I getting enough sleep?
• Am I avoiding unhealthy behaviors like smoking?
• Am I paying attention to my mental health, including stress management and the health of my relationships?

Thousands of women annually depend on Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region for quality, affordable health care. Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, serving nearly 3 million patients each year and another 1.1 million through educational programs. One in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life for professional, nonjudgmental and confidential health care.