Women's Health: Make This Your Best Era Yet

​​​​Women make up nearly half of the global population and 47 percent of the workforce. They are often primary caregivers for family and loved ones, yet many women neglect their own health due to career and family demands.

In a recent webinar—the first in a four-part women’s health webinar series titled “The Women’s Wellness Tour”—The Christ Hospital Health Network physicians Monika Moni, MD and Lauren Ord, MD, along with licensed clinical social worker Michelle Box, MSW and certified health and wellness coach Deanna Rowe, discussed the importance of prioritizing women’s health.

The four experts shared health tips and answered questions about routine checkups, nutrition, gynecological care, and mental and emotional wellness.

Here’s what they say women at every age can do to make 2025 their best “era.”

The state of women’s health

“Between family and careers, women often neglect our health because we are too busy taking care of others, and this has led to a steep decline in our health in the last decade especially,” says Dr. Moni.

She shared these facts about the state of women’s health:

  • One in five women will die of heart disease.

  • One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

  • Uterine cancer diagnoses have risen by 12 percent since 1999.

  • Women are twice as likely as men to receive a depression diagnosis.

  • Approximately one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

  • Forty percent of U.S. women are considered clinically obese.

Regular checkups and screenings, Dr. Moni says, are critical for disease prevention and early detection.

“Preventive health is about identifying potential health problems before they become major concerns,” Dr. Moni says. “This includes regular health checkups and screenings, which can detect problems earlier so they can address them right away.”

But appointments and tests aren’t the only things women can do to achieve wellness. Dr. Moni suggests the following strategies for women to stay in control of their health:

  • Avoid smoking and substance use

  • Eat a balanced diet

  • Get regular exercise

  • Sleep seven to nine hours each night

  • Stay hydrated

  • Take steps to manage stress

Wellness tips for women of all ages

Women have different health needs at various life stages. Dr. Moni and Dr. Ord offer these tips for women who want to take better care of themselves from their teen years through each decade.

Teen years

The teen years are a good time to establish relationships with healthcare providers and learn to manage menstrual health.

“Your teen years often mark your first visit to an adult primary care provider or a gynecologist,” Dr. Ord says. “Some people are really nervous and anxious, but there’s no reason to be.”

Dr. Ord says pelvic exams at this age are rare unless there’s pain or other concerns. She uses teen visits to discuss safe sex and reproductive health and ask if they’ve received a cervical cancer vaccination.

Doctors should screen sexually active teens for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Ord also focuses on menstrual cycle concerns like cramps, heavy periods and acne.

20s and 30s

Menstrual and reproductive health remain an important topic for women in their 20s and 30s. Beginning at age 21 and continuing until age 65, women should get a cervical cancer screening (a Pap smear) every three to five years.

Women with an abnormal test result may need more frequent screening.

Women should continue getting STI screenings in their 20s and 30s. It’s also important they talk to their doctor about menstrual irregularities and begin discussions around family planning.

Other important health considerations for women in 20s and 30s include:

  • Diet

  • Metabolic health

  • Self-care

  • Skincare

Dr. Moni and Dr. Ord say this stage of a woman’s life is also a good time to build a trusting relationship with a primary care physician.

The middle years: 40s

Turning 40 is a significant milestone for many women. It’s a time to pay more attention to their health with regular screenings, vaccinations, routine blood tests and chronic disease management—especially for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Women can also expect new and essential health screenings, including mammograms and colon cancer screenings.

Women should talk to their doctor if they experience urine leakage. A physician can recommend physical therapy or refer them to a urogynecologist for support.

The mid- to late-40s also mark the transition into menopause for most women. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and weight changes. Some women may need to make lifestyle changes or begin hormone therapy to manage symptoms.

Dr. Moni says this mid-life stage is an important time to add strength training to any exercise routine.

“Menopause is the time we start losing muscle mass, so adding weight training can help maintain our metabolism and strengthen our muscles to prevent osteoporosis,” Dr. Moni says. “This is a great time to start cleaning up the diet and paying more attention to your physical strength.”​​

50s and beyond

Chronic disease management and routine vaccinations continue for women into their 50s and beyond. Many health screenings also continue, and there are some new ones to add.

Women should continue to receive Pap smears until age 65. Guidelines on routine mammograms vary, but most women will continue this screening until age 75. Doctors recommend colon cancer screening through at least age 75.

Bone health becomes even more important as women age. Bone density screenings (DEXA scan) begin at age 65, but doctors may recommend earlier screenings for women at higher risk for osteoporosis.

Women can take action to improve their bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Weight training and moderate-intensity exercise can help. So can a diet with the recommended daily calcium and vitamin D intake.

Women over 50 need 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day and 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D. Your vitamin D requirements go up to 800 (IU) at age 70.

Make mental health a priority at every age

Stress can significantly impact the body. Box, a clinical social worker, says women—who often fulfill multiple roles at work, home and in social settings—tend to internalize stress.

“We kind of have these mental lists, and we don’t necessarily ask for or receive help with those things [on our list],” Box says.

According to Box, physical responses to stress, such as a racing heart, muscle tension and difficulty taking a deep breath, can activate the fight-or-flight stress response.

“In that process, our parasympathetic nervous system shuts down, and this is the side of our body that supports things like healing, immunity, reproduction and digestion,” Box adds. “That’s why some people often experience stomach aches whenever they experience a stress response.”

5 ways to prevent or reduce stress

Box says that, regardless of age, race, gender, culture or religion, everyone can take five basic steps to keep stress at bay. These steps include:​

  1. Exercise to burn extra energy and release brain chemicals to reduce depression

  2. Find activities that bring a sense of joy and happiness

  3. Get regular, consistent sleep

  4. Participate in activities that offer a sense of accomplishment

  5. Prioritize proper nutrition that’s high in protein and low in sugar

Relax with mindfulness

Box says mindfulness is being present and “experiencing whatever it is that we’re doing in that moment as if it were for the first time.”

It’s also a way to deactivate the fight-or-flight response and promote relaxation.

“Mindfulness is not about fixing yourself or other people,” Box says. “It’s not about stopping unforgettable thoughts or ruminating on them. It’s not an escape, and you can’t achieve it through watching TV or scrolling through social media.”

There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including:

  • Deep breathing

  • Grounding techniques

  • Guided mediation or guided imagery

Box suggests subscribing to certain apps or finding free videos online to help with mindfulness practices.

‘AIM’ for good health

Rowe, a health coach with The Christ Hospital Health Network AIM for Wellbeing Integrative and Functional Medicine program, looks for the root causes of health concerns.

She works alongside physicians and other providers to offer functional testing and complementary and alternative medicine solutions to address body, mind and spiritual health.

Women can benefit from an integrative and functional medicine approach to care for several health concerns, including:

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Heart health

  • Hormone imbalances

  • Infertility

  • Menopause

  • Pre-conception care

Functional testing, Rowe says, can help identify causes of health concerns. Some standard functional tests include:

  • Dutch Hormone Testing—An analysis of sex and neuro-adrenal hormones to detect imbalances

  • GI Mapping—A stool test to evaluate gut health, inflammation and microbiome imbalances

  • Neuro-Adrenal Testing—A test to identify disruptions in neurotransmitters that affect cognition, mood, fatigue and sleep

  • Organic Acid Testing—A test to assess nutritional and enzyme deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth and yeast imbalances

The benefits of health coaching

Functional testing and traditional medical tests can tell women a lot about their health concerns, but it can be tough to make necessary changes to improve health. That’s where health coaching can help.

“We all have a pretty good idea of where we want to be, or maybe we’ve been told by many providers or friends or families what we should be doing,” Rowe says. “But many of us have a hard time identifying where to start to make changes.”

Health coaches like Rowe can be part of a woman’s healthcare team without replacing their physician or primary care provider. They can help women find the right tools and techniques to make better health choices that become everyday habits.

Prioritize health at every age

Women can make their health a priority through routine checkups, proper nutrition, regular gynecological care, and a focus on mental and emotional wellness.

Need help finding the right care? Call our free ezCare Concierge at 513-647-5572. Our ezCare Concierge nurse navigator can answer your questions and help you find the perfect match.


Women's Health: Make This Your Best Era Yet A woman’s overall wellness can depend on many factors from preventative care, to nutrition, to mental wellbeing, and more. Women’s Health experts from The Christ Hospital Health Network offer these practical tips to help you feel your best.

​​​​Women make up nearly half of the global population and 47 percent of the workforce. They are often primary caregivers for family and loved ones, yet many women neglect their own health due to career and family demands.

In a recent webinar—the first in a four-part women’s health webinar series titled “The Women’s Wellness Tour”—The Christ Hospital Health Network physicians Monika Moni, MD and Lauren Ord, MD, along with licensed clinical social worker Michelle Box, MSW and certified health and wellness coach Deanna Rowe, discussed the importance of prioritizing women’s health.

The four experts shared health tips and answered questions about routine checkups, nutrition, gynecological care, and mental and emotional wellness.

Here’s what they say women at every age can do to make 2025 their best “era.”

The state of women’s health

“Between family and careers, women often neglect our health because we are too busy taking care of others, and this has led to a steep decline in our health in the last decade especially,” says Dr. Moni.

She shared these facts about the state of women’s health:

  • One in five women will die of heart disease.

  • One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

  • Uterine cancer diagnoses have risen by 12 percent since 1999.

  • Women are twice as likely as men to receive a depression diagnosis.

  • Approximately one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

  • Forty percent of U.S. women are considered clinically obese.

Regular checkups and screenings, Dr. Moni says, are critical for disease prevention and early detection.

“Preventive health is about identifying potential health problems before they become major concerns,” Dr. Moni says. “This includes regular health checkups and screenings, which can detect problems earlier so they can address them right away.”

But appointments and tests aren’t the only things women can do to achieve wellness. Dr. Moni suggests the following strategies for women to stay in control of their health:

  • Avoid smoking and substance use

  • Eat a balanced diet

  • Get regular exercise

  • Sleep seven to nine hours each night

  • Stay hydrated

  • Take steps to manage stress

Wellness tips for women of all ages

Women have different health needs at various life stages. Dr. Moni and Dr. Ord offer these tips for women who want to take better care of themselves from their teen years through each decade.

Teen years

The teen years are a good time to establish relationships with healthcare providers and learn to manage menstrual health.

“Your teen years often mark your first visit to an adult primary care provider or a gynecologist,” Dr. Ord says. “Some people are really nervous and anxious, but there’s no reason to be.”

Dr. Ord says pelvic exams at this age are rare unless there’s pain or other concerns. She uses teen visits to discuss safe sex and reproductive health and ask if they’ve received a cervical cancer vaccination.

Doctors should screen sexually active teens for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Ord also focuses on menstrual cycle concerns like cramps, heavy periods and acne.

20s and 30s

Menstrual and reproductive health remain an important topic for women in their 20s and 30s. Beginning at age 21 and continuing until age 65, women should get a cervical cancer screening (a Pap smear) every three to five years.

Women with an abnormal test result may need more frequent screening.

Women should continue getting STI screenings in their 20s and 30s. It’s also important they talk to their doctor about menstrual irregularities and begin discussions around family planning.

Other important health considerations for women in 20s and 30s include:

  • Diet

  • Metabolic health

  • Self-care

  • Skincare

Dr. Moni and Dr. Ord say this stage of a woman’s life is also a good time to build a trusting relationship with a primary care physician.

The middle years: 40s

Turning 40 is a significant milestone for many women. It’s a time to pay more attention to their health with regular screenings, vaccinations, routine blood tests and chronic disease management—especially for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Women can also expect new and essential health screenings, including mammograms and colon cancer screenings.

Women should talk to their doctor if they experience urine leakage. A physician can recommend physical therapy or refer them to a urogynecologist for support.

The mid- to late-40s also mark the transition into menopause for most women. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and weight changes. Some women may need to make lifestyle changes or begin hormone therapy to manage symptoms.

Dr. Moni says this mid-life stage is an important time to add strength training to any exercise routine.

“Menopause is the time we start losing muscle mass, so adding weight training can help maintain our metabolism and strengthen our muscles to prevent osteoporosis,” Dr. Moni says. “This is a great time to start cleaning up the diet and paying more attention to your physical strength.”​​

50s and beyond

Chronic disease management and routine vaccinations continue for women into their 50s and beyond. Many health screenings also continue, and there are some new ones to add.

Women should continue to receive Pap smears until age 65. Guidelines on routine mammograms vary, but most women will continue this screening until age 75. Doctors recommend colon cancer screening through at least age 75.

Bone health becomes even more important as women age. Bone density screenings (DEXA scan) begin at age 65, but doctors may recommend earlier screenings for women at higher risk for osteoporosis.

Women can take action to improve their bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Weight training and moderate-intensity exercise can help. So can a diet with the recommended daily calcium and vitamin D intake.

Women over 50 need 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day and 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D. Your vitamin D requirements go up to 800 (IU) at age 70.

Make mental health a priority at every age

Stress can significantly impact the body. Box, a clinical social worker, says women—who often fulfill multiple roles at work, home and in social settings—tend to internalize stress.

“We kind of have these mental lists, and we don’t necessarily ask for or receive help with those things [on our list],” Box says.

According to Box, physical responses to stress, such as a racing heart, muscle tension and difficulty taking a deep breath, can activate the fight-or-flight stress response.

“In that process, our parasympathetic nervous system shuts down, and this is the side of our body that supports things like healing, immunity, reproduction and digestion,” Box adds. “That’s why some people often experience stomach aches whenever they experience a stress response.”

5 ways to prevent or reduce stress

Box says that, regardless of age, race, gender, culture or religion, everyone can take five basic steps to keep stress at bay. These steps include:​

  1. Exercise to burn extra energy and release brain chemicals to reduce depression

  2. Find activities that bring a sense of joy and happiness

  3. Get regular, consistent sleep

  4. Participate in activities that offer a sense of accomplishment

  5. Prioritize proper nutrition that’s high in protein and low in sugar

Relax with mindfulness

Box says mindfulness is being present and “experiencing whatever it is that we’re doing in that moment as if it were for the first time.”

It’s also a way to deactivate the fight-or-flight response and promote relaxation.

“Mindfulness is not about fixing yourself or other people,” Box says. “It’s not about stopping unforgettable thoughts or ruminating on them. It’s not an escape, and you can’t achieve it through watching TV or scrolling through social media.”

There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including:

  • Deep breathing

  • Grounding techniques

  • Guided mediation or guided imagery

Box suggests subscribing to certain apps or finding free videos online to help with mindfulness practices.

‘AIM’ for good health

Rowe, a health coach with The Christ Hospital Health Network AIM for Wellbeing Integrative and Functional Medicine program, looks for the root causes of health concerns.

She works alongside physicians and other providers to offer functional testing and complementary and alternative medicine solutions to address body, mind and spiritual health.

Women can benefit from an integrative and functional medicine approach to care for several health concerns, including:

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Heart health

  • Hormone imbalances

  • Infertility

  • Menopause

  • Pre-conception care

Functional testing, Rowe says, can help identify causes of health concerns. Some standard functional tests include:

  • Dutch Hormone Testing—An analysis of sex and neuro-adrenal hormones to detect imbalances

  • GI Mapping—A stool test to evaluate gut health, inflammation and microbiome imbalances

  • Neuro-Adrenal Testing—A test to identify disruptions in neurotransmitters that affect cognition, mood, fatigue and sleep

  • Organic Acid Testing—A test to assess nutritional and enzyme deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth and yeast imbalances

The benefits of health coaching

Functional testing and traditional medical tests can tell women a lot about their health concerns, but it can be tough to make necessary changes to improve health. That’s where health coaching can help.

“We all have a pretty good idea of where we want to be, or maybe we’ve been told by many providers or friends or families what we should be doing,” Rowe says. “But many of us have a hard time identifying where to start to make changes.”

Health coaches like Rowe can be part of a woman’s healthcare team without replacing their physician or primary care provider. They can help women find the right tools and techniques to make better health choices that become everyday habits.

Prioritize health at every age

Women can make their health a priority through routine checkups, proper nutrition, regular gynecological care, and a focus on mental and emotional wellness.

Need help finding the right care? Call our free ezCare Concierge at 513-647-5572. Our ezCare Concierge nurse navigator can answer your questions and help you find the perfect match.


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