In-Office Services: Women's Health

Women and men share many health problems, but women also have unique health issues which deserve special consideration.

Today women's health is coming to be viewed as a distinctive area. Why should it be separate from the rest of health? The answer is twofold. An area devoted to women's health makes finding information about women's health matters faster; and it focuses directly on topics that are major health concerns for women.

Women's lives have changed over the centuries. Historically, life was particularly difficult for most women. Aside from the numerous dangers and diseases, women became wives and mothers often when they were just emerging from their own childhood. Many women had a multitude of pregnancies which may or may not have been wanted. In the past, childbirth itself was risky and not infrequently led to the death of the mother. Most women in the past did not live long enough to be concerned about their menopause or old age.

In 1900, a woman's life span was about 50 years. Now, at the new millennium, life expectancy for American women is 82 years and continuing to rise. Not only are women living longer, but they also have the possibility of enjoying a better quality of life throughout their span of years. To do this it is essential that women take charge of their own bodies and comprehend how they can maximize their health. It is also helpful that men understand and are supportive of the health concerns of the women.

-American Academy of Family Physicians