Wonder woman: Why you need a primary care provider

Not all superheroes wear capes - they come in many different shapes and sizes all around us. They are our moms, our wives, our sisters and our friends who juggle so many tasks and jobs, while still keeping others organized around them.

From running kids to different sports practices to taking care of aging parents, women have many different jobs that require them to care for others in their lives.

Because of how busy a woman’s life can become, she can sometimes forget to take care of herself. However, it is important for all of our superheroes to remember their sidekick to help keep them safe and healthy. Batman needed Robin, just like women need their primary care provider.

Here are just a few reasons why women need a primary care provider: 

• Your primary care provider will be your friend, partner and coach for a healthier lifestyle at all stages of your life. They will develop a comprehensive care plan for you, and work with you to not only help you when you are sick, but to prevent diseases and illnesses from beginning.
• Women are many times the caretaker in their family, so their health affects not only themselves, but also those around them. It is important to keep yourself healthy, so you can continue to be the superhero for your family.
• Women go through many different stages in their lives. From early childhood and adolescent years to motherhood and post-menopausal phase, a woman’s body goes through a variety of changes. A primary care provider can help you navigate through every stage of your life.
• Preventative screenings are needed at different stages of life in order to ensure early detection of certain diseases. From a mammogram to a colonoscopy, your primary care provider will follow your medical history and recommend screenings when you need them.
• Some disorders and diseases present differently in women and men. For example, men experience chest pains during a heart attack, however, women may experience chest pains, indigestion, shortness of breath or back pain. It is important to know these signs and get an early detection evaluation.