Women's Health Month: A Reminder to Care for Yourself

You're juggling kids' soccer schedules in Temple, squeezing in Zoom calls between school pickups in Waco, keeping your household afloat in San Marcos — and somewhere in all of that, your own health quietly slipped off the list.

That’s why during Women’s Health Month, Premier ER + Urgent Care is sharing an important reminder: YOU and YOUR health matter, too.

Heart Health: Protect Your Engine

Women face a variety of health concerns, but a common reason patients visit the emergency department is for chest pain.

This is particularly concerning, as heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 women.

A few things you can do this week:

• Call your primary care doctor and ask specifically about your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Take stock of your family history — heart disease runs in families more than most people realize.
• You can also protect your heart by eating healthy foods, staying active, not smoking and finding ways to manage stress.

It’s also important to note that women's heart attack symptoms often don't look like what most people expect. Unlike men, who typically experience sudden, intense chest pain, women are more likely to experience subtler symptoms like jaw pain, unusual fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath.

If you think something is off or that you're having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Don't drive yourself.

UTIs & Gynecological Health

It’s also common for doctors at Premier to see patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other gynecological issues, as well as pregnancy-related concerns.

Let’s start with UTIs, which can cause burning with urination, pressure, frequent urges to go and discomfort in the lower abdomen. If left untreated, a UTI can spread and become more serious.

The good news is that simple habits can help lower your risk.

What you can do:

• Do not hold your urine for long periods of time.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Talk to your doctor if you get UTIs often.
• Urinate after sexual activity.
• Wipe front to back when you use the restroom.

For gynecological health, symptoms like severe pelvic pain, heavy or unusual bleeding, or even signs of infection (think fever or unusual discharge) can feel scary.

The good news is that many of these situations may be prevented with a little proactive care.

Regular visits to your gynecologist can catch potential issues early. Be sure to note any heavy periods, unusual discharge or bleeding between cycles, any cramping outside of your period, or pain during sex.

If you’re pregnant, staying on top of your prenatal appointments is crucial. Be mindful of signs like decreased fetal movement, cramping or fluid leakage, as these could indicate something needs attention. Your body has ways of signaling when something isn’t right, so trust your instincts and reach out to your doctor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Whether you’re dealing with sadness, exhaustion, irritability or feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission this Women's Health Month to slow down where you can. Helpful stress-management habits may include:

• Get outside for fresh air. A walk through your neighborhood, a bike ride with the kids, or a workout class can all help you stay active.
• Reach out for professional mental health support when you need extra help managing stress.
• Set boundaries around your time to avoid feeling overwhelmed or overcommitted.
• Talk with a trusted friend or loved one to share your thoughts and feelings.

The goal is consistency, not perfection. Find something you enjoy and make space for it when you can.

We are Here for Women, Day and Night

When women prioritize their health, they protect their energy, their peace of mind and their ability to care for the people they love. Because women face some serious health challenges, it’s also about building healthy habits, paying attention to changes and speaking up when something feels off.

This Women's Health Month, take the reminder to heart: make the appointment, go for the walk, manage the stress and learn the signs your body may be trying to send you.

And when symptoms start, you feel sick or you get hurt and are not sure where to go for care, Premier ER + Urgent Care are here for women across Central Texas 24/7. Because the person who takes care of everyone else deserves trusted care, too. Find a location near you at Premier.Care.