May is Women's Health Month!
- mariahorchid
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
May is recognized as Women’s Health Month, with National Women’s Health Week beginning each year on Mother’s Day. The initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, encourages women to prioritize preventive care, mental wellness, and healthy habits.
Many women spend their time caring for children, partners, parents, coworkers, and communities—often putting their own health needs last. Women’s Health Month serves as a reminder that self-care includes preventive healthcare.
Preventative Care Matters
Preventative health care improves long-term health outcomes by identifying potential health issues early, often before symptoms arise, which allows for more effective, less invasive treatment. For women, this can look like:
Annual physicals
Mammograms
Cervical cancer screenings/Pap tests
Bone density screenings
Skin checks
Dental cleanings
Eye exams
Routine bloodwork
Mental Health Deserves Equal Attention
Women often juggle careers, caregiving responsibilities, relationships, and invisible emotional labor.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are more commonly diagnosed in women than men, and hormonal changes can also impact mental health.These can look like:
Burnout
Stress management
Constant worry/nervousness
Trouble with setting boundaries
Difficulty asking for help
Of course, there are more nuances to the everyday lives of women and this list isn’t exhaustive, but cautionary. Now more than ever, our mental health is so essential to nurture as we go through our lives caring for everyone around us. Therapy and mindfulness practices can be two tools in our mental health toolbox.
Pelvic Floor Health - Not Just for Postpartum
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlighted pelvic floor health as a National Women’s Health Week focus area for 2026, noting that 1 in 4 women experience pelvic floor disorders.
This can manifest as:
Bladder issues
Postpartum recovery
Core strength
Menopause-related changes
Talking openly with healthcare providers at routine screenings is vital for the care and improvement of pelvic floor struggles. Being honest about symptoms that we might be embarrassed to admit at first can be the difference between living in silence and getting on the right track to help. Of course, just as it is important for healthcare providers to remain supportive of and attentive to our concerns as well. To start, a healthcare provider may listen to your concerts, and recommend physical therapy, specific pelvic exercises, or a movement/exercise program that can assist.
Movement that Feels Good
More and more studies are pointing out the importance of strength training for women all throughout our lifespans. Thankfully, gone are most of the “summer body” messages, and our fitness now encompasses empowering messages and programs that focus on focus on movement for the sake of payoffs like:
Energy
Strength
Bone health
Stress relief
Longevity
Examples can look like:
Swimming
Dance fitness
Walking clubs
Yoga
Strength training
Women’s Health Month is a reminder that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it isn’t selfish. Whether that means scheduling a long-overdue checkup, taking a fitness class, prioritizing your mental health, or simply resting when your body needs it, every small step counts. When women care for their health, families, workplaces, and communities benefit too. We’re here with you to help you improve your health and the health of our community every day.
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