Accelerate Action via awareness raising about health matters across a woman's lifespan

"The first wealth is health," once proclaimed the American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, minister, abolitionist, and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Very true indeed.

Yet how much do women get to focus on their health, especially throughout all the stages of their lifespan?

Women's health involves unique lifespan issues that change across various stages of life. In fact, many of these issues are impacted by the gender health gap, which refers to the disparities in health outcomes, access to healthcare, research, and treatment between women and men. Furthermore, the gender health gap is influenced by many biological, social, cultural, and systemic factors. Some of which can be addressed, especially if we Accelerate Action for women's health through active awareness raising.

So let's take a look at some of the key health issues and situations occurring across a woman's lifespan in terms of what can happen and when it might generally occur. 
 

Women and girls in adolescence (Puberty to early 20s)
 

• Menstrual health: Education needed on menstruation, managing menstrual disorders (e.g., irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or cramps)
   
• Hormonal changes: Physical and emotional shifts related to hormonal fluctuations during puberty
   
• Reproductive health education: Safe sex, contraception, and awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
   
• Body image and mental health: Increased risk of eating disorders, anxiety, and depression due to societal pressures
   

Reproductive years (20s to early 40s)
 

• Fertility and conception: Issues such as infertility, family planning, and pregnancy
   
• Pregnancy and postpartum: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal recovery (e.g. postpartum depression)
   
• Contraception: Access to and education about birth control methods
   
• Gynecological health: Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
   
• Sexual health: Libido, relationship dynamics, and risks of STIs.
   

Perimenopause and menopause (Mid-40s to late 50s)
 

• Hormonal changes: Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances due to fluctuating estrogen levels.
   
• Bone health: Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures due to declining estrogen.
   
• Cardiovascular health: Elevated risk of heart disease post-menopause.
   
• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, or mood changes during menopause.
   

Later life (60s and beyond)
 

• Bone and joint health: Osteoporosis, arthritis, and mobility concerns
   
• Chronic diseases: Higher risks of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease
   
• Cancer: Increased likelihood of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers
   
• Urinary and pelvic health: Incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other urogenital concerns
   
• Cognitive decline: Risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.
   

Health across across all of a woman's life stages
 

• Mental health: Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders
   
• Access to care: Barriers such as cost, stigma, or geographic limitations
   
• Lifestyle factors: Nutrition, exercise, and managing stress
   
• Preventive health: Regular screenings (e.g., Pap smears, mammograms) and vaccinations.
   

We can all Accelerate Action for women's health

The more organizations, governments, communities, friends and family members can help educate and explain these health matters and raise awareness about their impact, the better the state of women's health will be.

There are many impactful medtech, pharmaceutical, and further health-related organizations making a world of positive difference for women.

These organizations work hard to consistently Accelerate Action that ensures more positive outcomes for women and their health.

So take the time to reflect on your own health.

What stage are you in? Are you eating, sleeping, and exercising correctly? Are you aware of what issues may impact you? Do you have adequate knowledge and support?

And after all, as American dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham, who lived to the great age of 96, reminded us: "The body is a sacred garment."