This Women’s Health Week, we’re embracing the call to prioritize our well-being, support one another, and consciously make space for the pillars of a healthy life: rest, movement, and dedicated self-care. It’s a time to celebrate our inherent strength—mind, body, and spirit. In the spirit of this celebration, our Functional Medicine doctor, Valerie Pershad, recently shared some thoughtful words of wisdom on a topic close to her heart and central to our mission at OptumMD: Women’s Health.
Dr. Pershad offers a powerful reminder that she instills in every patient visit: “treat your health as a foundation”. This perspective is crucial in shifting how we approach our well-being.
Beyond Luxury: Health as a Necessity
Often, as Dr. Pershad points out, “health gets this bad rep of being luxurious or high-end, or, only the elite can really ensure their health or support it”. But she quickly dispels this myth, emphasizing, “It doesn’t have to look like that”. True health isn’t about extravagant measures; it’s about consistently listening to and caring for your body.
Don’t Push Through: Recognizing Your Body’s Signals
It’s a common narrative for many women: juggling work, family, and numerous other active roles, we often find ourselves pushing through symptoms. Dr. Pershad notes that women frequently power through “symptoms of fatigue… mood swings… abdominal issues,” and a whole gamut of other concerns. She underscores a critical principle: “all of them lead down to this one principle of, these are signals that your body are saying, I need help”.
These symptoms aren’t signs of weakness; they are important communications from your body, indicating a need for attention and support.
Carving Out Time: A Requirement for Longevity
With so many demands, the thought of scheduling another appointment can feel overwhelming. Dr. Pershad addresses this directly: “as I’m juggling through work, through family, and any other active role in my life, do I have the time to carve out to see my doctor?”. Her answer is unequivocal: “I would say, Do it. It’s totally, I would say, a requirement to ensure your longevity”.
Prioritizing these check-ins, whether it’s with your primary doctor or your OB/GYN, isn’t an indulgence—it’s a fundamental aspect of long-term health and vitality.
The Bottom Line: Listen to Your Body, Act Promptly
The core message from Dr. Pershad is a clear and actionable reminder: “Don’t wait till things feel bad or at your worst”. If you notice something that “feels out of place, go and see your doctor”. This proactive stance is key to catching potential issues early and maintaining your foundational health.
At OptumMD, we champion this proactive, foundational approach to women’s health. We understand the unique challenges women face and are committed to providing a supportive environment where your concerns are heard, and your health is prioritized. Dr. Pershad’s insights remind us all, including herself, of the importance of heeding these principles.
Let this Women’s Health Week be a catalyst to not just celebrate your strength, but to actively invest in the foundation that supports it all—your health.