Women’s health issues are real, not just political
Rita Watson
This year we saw women’s health become a campaign issue. Women’s health regarding reproductive rights took center stage in many states. Despite the vital nature of reproductive health, today women are facing many of the same stress and health issues as men, because they are working parents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell us that in the United States, the top three mortality issues for women are heart disease, cancer and stroke. The good news is that, women are taking preventive health seriously. Finding a physician whom they can trust is an important consideration.
Most women ask a friend for advice. Sometimes women choose a physician because he or she is convenient to their location. However, it is important for women in their early and middle years to have an obstetrician-gynecologist with a hospital affiliation. Women want a doctor who is easy to talk to about reproductive health and sexual activity, and one who is able to recognize signs or symptoms that might indicate cancer.
Here is what we know from the CDC and National Health Statistics reports: In terms of mammograms, 67.1 percent of women 40 years of age and over had a mammogram within the past two years according to 2010 figures. And 73.2 percent had pap smears within the past three years.
Women do better with taking care of their reproductive health than they do with weight, as most would admit. The percent of women 20 years and older who are obese is 35.9 percent; a related issue is hypertension, of whom 32.8 percent are affected.
Having a strong patient-physician partnership is a bonus for women. Primary care physicians are declining. However, turning to obstetricians and gynecologists is an effective way to forge a relationship for care and referrals. Major teaching hospitals have referral suggestions on their websites. Rhode Island has the Women’s Health Collaborative though Lifespan.
For one of my first books, I talked with Isadore Rosenfeld, Rossi Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center and author of “Second Opinion.”
Rosenfeld’s advice on finding a doctor: “Interview them. Just because your friends may have liked a doctor doesn’t mean that you will. Call the physician’s office and tell the nurse that you would like about ten minutes to talk with the doctor to see whether he or she is interested in you and your particular family history or problems. Find out whether you get along well.
“What happens if, after the interview, you don’t like the doctor? Go elsewhere. Why invest your time, your money, and your blood with someone with whom you don’t feel comfortable?” he concluded.
When you are dealing with your body, be selective.
Rita Watson, MPH, is a regular contributor to the Journal and a relationship columnist for our “All About You” section. Please see Women’s health issues are real, not just political on Page D5 of Monday, November 12, 2012 issue of Providence Journal