Celebrating Women's Health

Celebrating Women's Health: A Guide to Services, Screenings, and Strength

Contributed by Sierra Winter Smith, Community Relations Manager, Sunshine Community Health Center

Women's health addresses the unique medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs of women. It encompasses routine screenings, reproductive health, mental well-being, and chronic disease management. Prioritizing women's health is essential to empowering women and ensuring they maintain a high quality of life.

There are several key health services that women should regularly receive to maintain their well-being. Annual physical exams are important for tracking overall health, managing chronic conditions, and detecting potential issues early. Regular visits to a gynecologist help maintain reproductive health, including important screenings like Pap smears for cervical cancer. Mammograms are crucial for detecting breast cancer, typically starting at age 40, but earlier for those with risk factors. For post-menopausal women, bone density tests are essential in checking for osteoporosis. Routine blood tests can help monitor cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid function, and iron levels to screen for conditions like anemia and diabetes. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels is also key in preventing heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death among women. In addition to physical health, women should also prioritize mental well-being by seeking counseling or therapy as needed. Nutritional guidance can further support overall health, helping with hormone balance and disease prevention.

Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC) is committed to offering comprehensive care tailored to women’s health. The center provides regular check-ups, chronic disease management, and preventive care, including gynecological exams, Pap smears, cervical exams, and contraceptive counseling. Mental health support is also available, with counseling and therapy services offered to address stress, anxiety, and other concerns. For expectant and new mothers, SCHC provides prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring comprehensive support throughout motherhood. Nutritional counseling is another service available to help guide women toward healthier lifestyle choices. A variety of lab services are also offered, including blood tests to check for cholesterol, glucose, and thyroid function.

To maintain good health, women should make it a priority to schedule regular check-ups, even if they feel healthy. Cervical screenings and important blood tests should not be overlooked. Physical activity is essential; aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days can significantly impact overall health. Maintaining a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, is equally important. Managing stress through activities like mindfulness, yoga, or simply allowing time for relaxation can help improve mental health. Staying informed about recommended vaccinations and screenings is a vital part of proactive healthcare. Adequate sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night, further supports overall well-being.

In September, SCHC is offering a special promotion—women who schedule an exam will receive a free pelvic floor trainer. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is important for bladder control, sexual health, and recovery after childbirth. A pelvic floor trainer helps ensure these exercises are performed correctly, leading to improved muscle strength, better bladder control, and enhanced sexual function.

The Providence Imaging Center’s Mobile Mammogram Unit will visit Northern Valley communities in September. It will be at the Willow Clinic on September 10th and at the Talkeetna Clinic on September 11th and 12th. Women are encouraged to schedule their mammograms, especially those aged 40 and older, as early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer. Performing regular at-home breast exams is also an important habit, helping women detect any changes early.

Additionally, Alaska Family Services will offer the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Talkeetna Clinic on September 11th. WIC provides valuable resources such as nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services for eligible participants, including pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.

To celebrate the strength and beauty of the women in our community, SCHC is hosting a photo contest throughout September. Participants can post a photo of themselves doing something that makes them feel confident, strong, or healthy. By using the hashtag #northernvalleywomen and tagging @schc_ak, participants will have a chance to win a custom-made t-shirt designed by Sierra Winter, SCHC's Community Relations Manager.

For more information, contact Sunshine Community Health Center at 1-907-376-2273 (CARE) or visit www.sunshineclinic.org.