There is nothing wrong with you'
It was my last year of massage therapy school and I was under a lot of stress. That was nothing new. What was new was my hair loss, 40 pound weight gain, and missing periods. It took considerable time and effort to get to my doctors office for an appointment and to get the testing that was ordered. I waited in a state of full- fledged anxiety to hear some answers about what was going wrong, only to be told that it was all in my head. I was furious.... This experience (among many others that I experienced or that were shared with me) laid the foundation of my future mission as a health care provider and business owner. I know that this experience is all too common for women and a change has to be made. For everyone's sake.....
Women continue to experience many issues when seeking care for health issues and often experience disparities in health outcomes for several reasons. Women face numerous disparities in healthcare that can significantly impact their health outcomes. These disparities arise from a combination of socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic factors. Here are some key reasons why these disparities manifest for us :
Bias and Discrimination: Women, especially women of color, often experience bias and discrimination in healthcare settings. This can result in their symptoms being dismissed or not taken seriously, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Social Roles: Women are more likely to be caregivers for family members, which can negatively impact their own health and access to care.
Underrepresentation in Studies: Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on men. Women were often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about hormonal fluctuations and potential impacts on pregnancy. This has led to a lack of data on how various conditions and treatments specifically affect women.
Male-Dominated Medical Models: Many medical models and treatment protocols were developed based on male physiology, leading to gaps in understanding female-specific health issues.
Many of our clients express how a lack of understanding and effective treatments impacts their overall health. It can be daunting to try and navigate a system that does not have a full picture of how women differ in their needs and treatment. But yet, the same system relies heavily on the expertise and knowledge of women. Women take on the roles of maintaining and improving health outcomes. We play a crucial role in impacting the health of others in various ways, including through caregiving, education, and community leadership. Our influence spans across family, community, and societal levels, contributing significantly to the overall health and well-being of those around us. Here are some key ways in which women impact the health of others:
Family Health : Women often serve as the primary caregivers for children, elderly family members, and other dependents. They manage health appointments, medication schedules, and day-to-day care, ensuring that their family members receive necessary medical attention and support.
Women also frequently make decisions about meal planning and nutrition for their families. By promoting healthy eating habits and providing balanced meals, they contribute to the long-term health of their family members.
Health Education: Women often play a key role in health education within their families and communities. They pass on important health knowledge, wellness strategies, where to seek services and how to access community resources
Economic Impact: Women’s health significantly impacts their economic productivity and stability. Healthy women can contribute more effectively to the workforce, supporting their families financially and ensuring better access to healthcare and education for their children. By managing their own health and that of their families, women help to reduce healthcare costs associated with preventable diseases and conditions, benefiting the broader healthcare system.
Community Building: Women often engage in community-building activities that address social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and social services. Their efforts can create healthier environments and improve overall community health.
When we look at what women provide in terms of health supports for others, it just made sense for us to provide services for the people who impact the health of individuals and community in such a profound way. It is also clear to us that there is a clear need for focused, comprehensive and compassionate care that truly listens and supports the unsung heroes of health.
In my situation, it took a referral for an appointment with a OB/GYN that never got booked, a family doctor change, 6 months, and a mental rabbit hole to discover that I had a benign brain tumor that was impacting my hormones. I felt lucky to finally have answers, but I was angry. My hope is that the services that we provide can be useful to someone to help their health picture to come in to focus sooner and with more clarity..
Best Wishes in Health
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