Women's Health Month: Prioritize Your Health, Because You Matter

In homes across Ohio, women are the heartbeat of their families, keeping everything running smoothly.

From booking health appointments and packing lunches, to managing school schedules while balancing work, or juggling grocery lists while caring for aging parents, finding time for yourself often feels impossible.

This May, during Women’s Health Month, ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is encouraging you to take charge of your health and well-being—because you matter, too.

Heart Health: The Silent Threat Women Can’t Ignore

Women face a wide range of health concerns, but one of the most common reasons patients visit the emergency department is chest pain.

This is especially concerning because heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 women. Yet, many women remain unaware of their risk.

Your heart works hard for you every day. Protect it by:

• Scheduling regular check-ups with your primary care physician.
• Learning your family’s health history.
• Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Choosing heart-healthy foods, staying active, avoiding smoking and managing stress.

If you think you may be having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Never attempt to drive yourself.

Gynecological Health

Emergency and urgent care providers at ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care often see women for gynecological concerns including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pregnancy-related concerns.

Symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, heavy or unusual bleeding or signs of infection — fever or unusual discharge — can feel alarming. The good news is many gynecological concerns can be prevented or managed with proactive care.

What You Can Do

• Schedule routine visits with your gynecologist.
• Track symptoms such as heavy periods, unusual discharge or pain during sex.
• If you’re pregnant, attend all prenatal appointments and watch for warning signs like decreased fetal movement, cramping or fluid leakage.

UTIs are one of the most common reasons women seek urgent care. Symptoms may include burning during urination, pressure, frequent urges to go and lower abdominal discomfort. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications.

To reduce your risk of UTIs, stay hydrated, avoid holding your urine for long periods, use the restroom after engaging in sexual activity and wipe front to back. If UTIs become frequent, Talk to your health care provider.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or irritable may be a sign that it’s time to slow down.

This Women’s Health Month, consider small ways to care for your emotional well-being:

• Get outside for fresh air by taking a walk, bike ride or by visiting the Toledo Zoo.
• Share your thoughts with a trusted friend or loved one.
• Set boundaries to avoid overcommitting.
• Seek professional mental health support when needed.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Find what helps you recharge and make space for it.

We’re Here for You, Day and Night

When women prioritize their health, they protect their energy, peace of mind and ability to care for others.

Let this be your reminder to make the appointment, take the walk, manage the stress and listen to your body.

And when symptoms arise or you’re unsure where to go for care, ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is here for you 24/7. Because the person who takes care of everyone else deserves trusted care, too.