May is Women's Health Month, a dedicated time to stepping back from the demands of daily life and focusing on something that often gets overlooked: our own health.

Rachel Church, MD, a family medicine provider at Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP), sat down to share why this month matters, what whole-person care really looks like, and what every woman should know about preventive screenings. 

Why is Women's Health Month an important time to talk about preventive care and overall wellness? 

"Women tend to expend a lot of effort caring for others and often do not take time to care for themselves," says Dr. Church. "Women's Health Month is a perfect time to take a step back and focus on taking care of ourselves, too." 

Whether you're a mother, a caregiver, a professional, or all the above, it can feel selfish to put your own health first. But prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish. It's essential. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and your health is the foundation on which everything else is built. 

 When we talk about women's health, what does "whole-person care" really mean? 

"The US medical system used to be very single-problem-focused," Dr. Church explains. "Over the past several years, we have been moving more toward looking at the whole person, not just one specific complaint. We want everyone to have the best health possible — looking at physical, mental and emotional health, and how these affect one another." 

This shift in perspective is significant. A headache might be tied to stress. Fatigue might be connected to depression or a thyroid issue. Chronic pain can worsen anxiety. Whole-person care means your provider is thinking about all these connections, not just the immediate symptom that brought you in. 

What are some of the most common health concerns you see among women at different life stages? 

Dr. Church sees women across the full lifespan, and the concerns she encounters shift considerably with age: 

Teenagers & young adults: Painful periods, birth control, and migraines are frequent concerns. Many young women also seek pre-pregnancy counseling as they begin thinking about starting a family. 

Perimenopause & menopause: As women age, periods can become more irregular and troublesome. Menopause itself can bring a host of new issues, from hot flashes to mood changes to sleep disruption. 

Post-menopause: Chronic pain and arthritis become more common. Bone health, heart health and metabolic concerns take center stage. 

"Across the lifespan, women are interested in counseling on diet, exercise, and general healthy lifestyle," she adds. "Anxiety and depression are also very common in women of all ages." 

What preventive screenings are most important for women, and how do they change over time? 

Dr. Church offers a clear roadmap for the key screenings every woman should know about: 

Cervical Cancer (Pap Smear): Recommended beginning at age 21, repeated every 3–5 years through age 65. For women over 30 who are uncomfortable with pelvic exams, CHWP offers a self-swab HPV screening option. 

Breast Cancer (Mammogram): Starts at age 40, at a minimum every other year, continuing through age 75 or beyond based on patient preference and individual risk. 

Colon Cancer: Screening via stool test or colonoscopy begins at age 45, every 3–10 years, through age 75 or beyond. 

Osteoporosis (DEXA Scan): This simple X-ray to assess bone density begins at age 65. 

These timelines are general guidelines. Your provider may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings based on your personal and family health history. 

Why is it important for women to have a primary care provider they trust, even when they feel healthy? 

"Primary care providers are an excellent resource not only for treating disease, but preventing it," Dr. Church says. "Early screenings can stop cancer and other issues before they even develop. Counseling on a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle can keep women feeling their best. We want to be your advocate and resource for optimal health." 

Feeling fine isn't the same as being screened. Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, early-stage cancers, and diabetes, can develop silently, without symptoms, for years. A routine visit with your primary care provider can catch these issues early, when they're most treatable. 

This Women's Health Month, consider making your own health a priority. Schedule that appointment you've been putting off. Ask the questions you've been carrying around. Talk to a provider who sees you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. 

Rachel Church, MD, is a Primary Care Provider specializing in Family Medicine at Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP). CHWP offers primary care, walk-in care, school-based health services, and more to rural communities.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.CHWPcares.org or call 937-599-1411.