In honor of Mother’s Day, we would like to bring awareness to issues in women’s health. Women’s healthcare can be difficult to navigate, especially for those with complex health needs.
How BHA Can Help
Better Health Advisors can address many women’s health concerns. Our advisors are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Specifically, we can:
• Help you decide when to see a specialist vs primary care provider
• Find specialists in areas such as reproductive health, fertility, and childbirth
• Serve as a medical advocate• Create a custom plan for your specific needs, tailored to family history
• Evaluate your insurance plan and find services under your coverage
• Ensure you are treated fairly and respectfully
Some women’s health areas of interest include:
Exercise & Physical Health
Common fitness myths state that women should engage in long hours of cardiovascular training, not lift weights, and eat less. Dr. Ricky Singh, a specialist in sports medicine and Co-Director of the Center of Comprehensive Spine Care, noted that it is crucial for women to maintain a balance of healthy diet and alternating between cardiovascular and resistance training.
Dr. Singh recommends High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and strength training to burn fat and build muscle, because cardiovascular training alone is not enough. A health advisor can help you build a customized health plan, including specialists in women’s exercise, nutrition, and long-term wellness. (http://www.rickysinghmd.com/in-the- news/exercise-myths- for-women/)
OB/GYN vs Primary Care Provider
It is important to know when to see an OB/GYN versus a primary care provider, and have access to both providers whenever necessary.Speaking of Women’s Health Blog states that each provider typically focuses on the following:
A health advisor can help you determine when to use each doctor for your health needs, and find the best provider for you.
Genetics
Family history is a critically important part of women’s health and prevention of chronic disease. You should specifically focus on sex, age, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, substance use, and mental health. This information can help you to identify risks of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and other chronic issues that affect women differently than men.
Always convey family history to your doctor so they can provide the necessary interventions, including:
• Extra screenings
• Genetic testing
• Referral to a specialist
• Change of lifestyle, including nutrition or exercise
Insurance
Understanding the women’s health services covered by your insurance can be very challenging. Affordability and coverage options vary greatly. Most private plans cover preventive care, including cancer screening, contraceptive coverage, and STI services.
Health coverage of maternal and reproductive services is critically important. Be certain to ensure you are covered for both preventive services and in case the need for specific treatment arises. A health advisor can help you understand what your insurance plan covers, and find in- network specialists under your plan to cater to your needs.
For any questions or women’s health needs, please contact us at john@betterhealthadvisors.com or (646)-883- 9717.
