What Women Need To Know: Navigating Healthcare As A Woman Today

Founder of Trust Women’s Healthcare and Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Peggy Roberts, shares crucial tips on what women should know about staying healthy, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

The reality of women’s health in our society is stark, with Black women facing alarming disparities across various stages of life.

From significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths to experiencing more severe and prolonged menopause symptoms, these inequities highlight the urgent need for greater attention and action to address the unique challenges Black women endure in healthcare.

Despite these disparities, there are proactive steps every woman can take to advocate for her health and well-being. With the right knowledge, regular screenings, and assertive advocacy, women can improve their health outcomes and live fuller, healthier lives.

Get Your Well-Woman Checkup Yearly

Preventive care begins with consistency. Scheduling an annual well-woman checkup is an essential opportunity to evaluate your overall health, address any concerns, and discuss changes you may be experiencing.

These yearly visits can help spot potential health issues before they become serious, and they offer a vital chance to build a strong relationship with your healthcare provider. Establishing a comfortable, open dialogue means you’re more likely to feel heard and understood — a critical aspect of good care, especially for women of color who too often face dismissive attitudes within healthcare settings.

Preventive Screenings Are Important

Early detection is key. Preventive screenings such as mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopy, and bone density tests can be instrumental in catching diseases at an early stage, when they are more easily treatable.

For Black women, who statistically face a higher risk for aggressive breast cancers, staying vigilant with screenings can quite literally be life-saving.

Women should work with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate screenings based on their age, family history, and specific health needs.

Know Your Numbers

Many chronic health issues can go unnoticed until they’ve already caused significant damage. Knowing your key health numbers — such as blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and indicators of diabetes risk— allows you to stay proactive about your health.

Women should work with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate screenings based on their age, family history, and specific health needs.

Embrace Menopause

Every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, and understanding that can make the transition easier. Whether it’s consulting with a menopause specialist or seeking support groups, it’s important for women to know they aren’t alone.

There are healthcare providers ready to help women navigate this period with individualized care plans.

It’s Not in Your Head! Advocate for Your Health

Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of healthcare today, especially for Black women, is to understand that your concerns are valid, and your voice matters.

For many women, especially those in underserved communities, getting the care they need can mean pushing past systemic obstacles—getting second, third, or even fourth opinions if necessary.

A Trusted Space For Women’s Healthcare

Trust Women’s Healthcare is a practice dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, and individualized care. It was born out of the recognition that women, particularly women of color, need a healthcare environment that genuinely listens and acts on their needs.The practice offers a wide range of services, from gynecology and sexual health to menopause management and fertility services, all under one roof. Dr. Roberts and her team are devoted to delivering outstanding care through every phase of a woman’s life, from adolescence to post-menopausal years.

Meet Dr Peggy Roberts

Dr. Peggy Roberts is a pioneering figure in the field of women’s health, demonstrating a profound commitment to addressing the unique healthcare needs of women and revolutionizing the landscape of gynecology and obstetrics in the New York tri-state area.

As a Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York, Dr. Peggy has dedicated over a decade to providing care for women of all ages. Her expertise spans in preventive medicine for women, high-risk pregnancies, and various gynecological conditions including PCOS, menopause and sexual health.

In her role as the Founder and CEO of Trust Women’s Healthcare, Dr. Peggy is a visionary force propelling positive change. Recognizing the urgent need for tailored care for women of color, she has made it her life’s mission to bridge the gap and provide her patients with the highest level of medical care. Driven by extensive expertise and unwavering dedication, Dr. Peggy has become a beacon of hope for countless women whose voices have been overlooked for far too long.

Dr. Peggy holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree. Dr. Peggy serves on various boards and has worked with universities to create a Maternal Health Certificate program to enhance maternal healthcare for new mothers. She frequently speaks at events, offering her knowledge and experience on the challenges women encounter regarding their health.

For more details visit: www.trustwomenshealthcare.com