Prioritizing Women’s Health During National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17) highlights the unique health challenges women face and the importance of proactive wellness. Bayhealth’s Angela Debo, DO, a family medicine physician, stresses that women often prioritize others over their own health.

Breaking the Silence on Women’s Health

Many women’s health topics — like menstruation, menopause and sexual health — are considered taboo, making it harder to seek care.

Dr. Debo encourages open conversations with healthcare providers, emphasizing that no subject is embarrassing. “As healthcare providers we must promote a professional and open dialogue with patients to build trust, so patients feel comfortable having essential conversations about their health,” she said.

Understanding menstrual health, birth control benefits and fertility planning are vital. Dr. Debo urges women to track symptoms and seek care for abnormal pain or bleeding related to periods. She also highlights prenatal care and mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum.

Preventive Care and Screenings

Routine check-ups are essential for long-term health. Dr. Debo encourages every woman to have an annual physical and get established with a primary care doctor. In addition, women at average risk should schedule:

• Cervical screenings (starting at 21)
• Mammograms (40+)
• Colonoscopies (45+)
• Bone density tests (65+)

Mental Health and Chronic Health Conditions

Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, and Dr. Debo stresses the importance of seeking support when needed. Mental health and physical health are closely linked, so addressing one can improve the other.

Dr. Debo also warns that heart disease symptoms differ in women and encourages regular health screenings for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Staying active and adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial to preventing osteoporosis and other chronic conditions. Women should stay proactive in managing both their mental and physical health.

Improving Healthcare Access

Barriers like limited access, racial disparities and a shortage of specialists hinder women’s healthcare. Dr. Debo advocates for diversity in medicine, better parental leave policies and increased access to essential services.

“People feel more comfortable when they are seeing someone they can relate to. That may mean someone who shares a racial identity or someone who has a similar life experience,” said Dr. Debo. “We should be advocating for and encouraging STEM subjects for girls, young women and people of color so they can help future generations improve these disparities.”

Taking Charge of Your Health

Dr. Debo encourages women to advocate for themselves, schedule screenings and find trusted healthcare providers. “Your health is worth it,” she says.

Bayhealth has primary care locations across central and southern Delaware. Find the care you need where and when you need it by visiting Bayhealth’s Primary Care page on our website.

To learn about the women’s health services Bayhealth provides, download a copy of our Women's and Children's Services brochure or visit Bayhealth’s Women’s & Children’s Health page on our website.