This National Women’s Health Month, celebrate by taking the time to investigate the issues you may be more prone to because of your biology. This can be especially true for women 40 or older, but staying healthy is something everyone should be striving for. Keep reading to learn more about National Women’s Health Month, health problems affecting women, and ways to prevent them.
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May Is National Women’s Health Month
While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may only dedicate a week of May to awareness for women’s health; many organizations, such as the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), commit the full month of May to the cause.
National Women’s Health Month strives to encourage women to live their healthiest lives by being proactive in their healthcare, and spreading awareness about health concerns specific to women.
Top Health Concerns for Women
Osteoporosis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it has been estimated that as many as half of all American women have osteoporosis (a disease that causes bones to lose density faster than normal). Unfortunately, the majority of people don’t even know they have osteoporosis until they experience a broken bone because of the disease. The solution? Talk to your doctor about when to begin preventative screenings with a bone density scan.
Breast Cancer
Did you know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime? Likely due to better treatment options, prevention strategies, and awareness, breast cancer deaths have been decreasing since 1989. This is why it is so important to be talking to your doctor about your risk factors, and getting all recommended breast cancer screenings.
Cervical Cancer
Before the 1970s, cervical cancer was a very common cause of cancer death for women. Luckily, due to screening and prevention, the death rate has dropped by over half since then. Celebrate this National Women’s Health Month by asking your doctor about what preventative measures you can take to prevent cervical cancer.
Heart Disease
Although heart disease in women is often overlooked, heart disease remains the number one cause of death for women in the United States. Heart disease is more likely to occur in women who have the following medical conditions and/or lifestyle factors:
Medical Conditions
- Hypertension (high blood pressure, which is underdiagnosed in women)
- A history of hypertension disorders during pregnancy
- High LDL cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Stress and/or depression
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Excess weight
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy eating habits
Preventing Disease in Women
The thought of getting cancer, or another disease, is scary. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent disease and reduce your risk of cancer. Regularly seeing your doctor to discuss your risk factors, getting evaluated for your overall health, getting all recommended preventative tests, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all drastically reduce your risk.
Factors of a Healthy Lifestyle
While seeing your doctor regularly for the best chance of early detection is crucial, taking care of your body is also going to have a major impact on your risk for developing diseases. Consider how you’re measuring up in the following areas of a healthy lifestyle:
Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy diet prevents excess weight as well as preventing disease. Focus on eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. As a woman, you should also make sure you’re getting the proper amounts of calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis, while avoiding the following in your diet:
- Unhealthy fats (trans fat and saturated fat)
- Sodium
- Added sugars
- Red meat
- Processed meat
- Overly processed foods
- Alcohol
Exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of “moderate-intensity aerobic activity” every week. Regular exercise can lessen poor sleep, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of anxiety, all while reducing the risk of the following conditions:
- Several forms of cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Hypertension
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Quality Sleep
The CDC recommends that adults get at least seven hours of quality sleep per day. Quality sleep is when you’re able to fall asleep easily, sleep through the night, and wake up feeling refreshed. Getting regular quality sleep is associated with:
- Less frequent illness
- Easier time maintaining a healthy weight
- Improved heart health
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Less risk of type 2 diabetes
- Less risk of hypertension
- Less risk of stroke or heart disease
Vaccinations
Seeing your doctor at least once a year to ensure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations reduces your risk of illness and disease.
Early Detection
The CDC recommends regular screenings for breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancers, regardless of whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms. Cancer screenings can find cancer when it is most treatable, before it even causes symptoms. For example, regular colonoscopies can prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps before they even become cancerous.
Preventative Scans Available in Las Vegas
Preventative Diagnostic Center offers the following low-dose CT scans:
Why Choose the Preventative Diagnostic Center?
Preventative Diagnostic Center offers convenient, confidential preventative scans at affordable prices. The SOMATOM go.All CT scanner used here allows for the lowest dose of radiation with the best images. At Preventive Diagnostic Center, you can expect:
- Compassionate care
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Fast, non-invasive scans
- Low-radiation CT scans
- Scans not requiring a doctor’s referral
- Comprehensive report on scans from a board-certified radiologist
Paying for Treatment
Preventative Diagnostic Center does not accept health insurance plans. However, we do have financing options available. To learn more, you can contact us for detailed information. While insurance isn’t a payment option, in most cases, we will accept HSA and FSA payments (be sure to check with your plan to ensure this is the case for you).
During this National Women’s Health Month, celebrate by making an appointment with your doctor to make sure you’re up to date on your preventative care. If you’re having trouble getting approval for a scan you need, consider taking control of your health and scheduling the scan with the Preventative Diagnostic Center.
Book your CT scan.
Sources:
About Sleep. (2024).
About Women and Heart Disease. (2024).
Cancer Screening Tests. (2025).
Key Statistics for Breast Cancer. (2025).
Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. (2025).
National Women’s Health Week. (2025).
Osteoporosis. (2023).
Physical Activity and Your Weight and Health. (2023).
Women’s Health Month. (n.d.).
