Women's Health Week May 9-15
Date: 05/06/21
Buckeye Helps Moms Put Their Health First
Mother’s Day Kicks-off National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15
(Columbus, OH) – In celebration of Mother’s Day and National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15, Buckeye Health Plan is spotlighting the need for moms to put their own health first, by staying up-to-date on important health screenings and preventative care appointments.
It’s no secret that moms are busy. Endless diapers, tending to school-aged children and managing the household often cause moms to put things for themselves last, including their health. 78 percent of moms put their family’s health before their own, according to a study conducted by HealthyWomen and Working Mother magazine.[1] About Ohio 1 in 4 women, age 25 to 44 are behind on their wellness checks[2] and thousands are behind on their routine cancer screenings like mammograms and pap tests. Delay in care can lead to serious health challenges.
Health challenges don’t delay. Women shouldn’t either.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts saw a dramatic decline in the number of Ohio women delaying preventive care. Compared to 2019 data, breast cancer screenings across the country dropped 29 percent during the pandemic.[3] Cervical cancer screening rates decreased by 78 percent among women aged 21–29 years and 82 percent among women aged 30–65 years.[4]
Moms juggled a lot over the last year, often serving as the teacher, friend and parent for children remaining at home. In addition to their overall schedule challenges, overall health and safety were a concern amid the pandemic. Health experts warn that delays in preventative screenings could lead to prolonged diagnosis and more advanced, difficult cancers to treat. Now that doctors’ offices are open, Ohio mothers should make time to get caught up.
Importance of Screenings and Well Visits
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women[5] and cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death. However, deaths have declined by 75 percent over the last 50 years because women are getting preventative screenings leading to early detection and treatment.[6] Furthermore, screenings have led to greater survival rates. Women should talk to their doctors about these and other important screenings.
Many preventive screenings can be completed or prescribed at an annual well visit. These visits are just as important in adulthood as they are during your childhood. In addition to screening for serious cancers, they also detect risk factors for chronic conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults in the U.S. have chronic health conditions, like heart disease, cancer, lung disease, diabetes, etc. Four in ten adults have two or more. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Heart disease, like other health challenges, is preventable and can be detected early through well visits.
“As your guide to better health, Buckeye helps members get to important health appointments and screenings,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye’s Chief Medical Officer. “We help moms plan for their appointments and understand why these appointments are critical to their overall health and wellness. In honor of National Women’s Health Week, we want all women to remember that by being your healthiest self, you can best support your family and community.”
Buckeye encourages preventative health efforts to help detect health challenges early. Buckeye covers and offers $0 copays for preventive screenings like mammograms and cervical cancer exams. In addition, Buckeye rewards members for making healthy choices like getting a flu shot, or a well visit, a diabetes screening, breast cancer screening, or regular prenatal and postpartum care. Rewards add up quickly and can be used to buy things like personal care items, diapers, healthy food or on necessities like rent, utilities and childcare. Learn more about women’s health preventative care at BuckeyeHealthPlan.com.
About Buckeye Health Plan (www.buckeyehealthplan.com)
Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeHealthPlan. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.
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[1] HealthyWomen, New Survey: Moms are Putting Themselves Last. Retrieved April 23 from: https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/new-survey-moms-are-putting-their-health-last
[2] https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/health-of-women-and-children/measure/well_women_visit_women/state/OH
[3]https://www.ehrn.org/delayed-cancer-screenings-a-second-look/
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7004a1.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20the%202019%20baseline,person%2Dmonths%20decreased%2082%25.
[5] Susan G. Komen. Breast Cancer Fact Sheet. 2019. Retrieved from: http://sgk.mn/2nSm5X7
[6] https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/crchd/about-health-disparities/resources/excess-cervical-cancer-mortality.pdf