Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, grandmas, aunts, and mother figures in our Community Health Choice family! Today, we celebrate you and all that you do. You are the heart of our families and communities. Your love and care make the world a better place.

On this special day, we want to remind you how important it is to take care of yourself, just like you take care of others. Sometimes, in the busy lives we lead, we forget to put ourselves first. But remember, when you take care of your health, you can be there for your loved ones even longer!

Why Health Screenings Matter

As a woman, regular health screenings are essential for staying healthy and catching any problems early. These screenings can help find issues before they become big health concerns. Here are a few key screenings that every woman should know about:

• Mammograms: These are special X-rays of the breast. They help detect breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Women should start getting mammograms at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.
• Pap Tests and HPV Tests: These tests screen for cervical cancer. Women should start getting Pap tests at age 21 and continue every three years until age 29. If you are ages 30 to 65, you should have either a Pap test every three years, an HPV testing every five years, or a Pap test combined with an HPV test (co-testing) every five years.
• Bone Density Tests: As women age, they are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and more likely to break. Getting a bone density test can help check your bone health, especially after age 65 (earlier if you have certain risk factors).
• Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Checks: It is important to check your cholesterol and blood pressure regularly to prevent heart disease and stroke. Women should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20 (as long as the risk remains low).  Blood pressure should be checked every 2-5 years for ages 18-39, and then at least yearly beginning at age 40.
• Diabetes Screening: If you have risk factors for diabetes, like being overweight or having high blood pressure, it’s important to get screened. This can help catch diabetes early, which can make management much easier.
• Colorectal cancer screening: It is important to take care of your digestive health. A colonoscopy looks at the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer. It is typically recommended starting at age 45 (in average risk persons). There are other options such as stool studies are available in some cases when a colonoscopy is not an option.
• Lung cancer screening: If you smoke, of course stopping is the best thing for your overall health. In addition, your doctor may recommend a special x-ray (CT scan) to check your lung health.

Setting Up Your Screenings

Scheduling your screenings is simple! You can contact your doctor or health care provider to set up an appointment. If you don’t have a doctor, you can find one using our online Find a Provider tool. We encourage you to take this step for your health today!

Remember to Self-Care

As you celebrate Mother’s Day this year, take a moment for yourself. Whether it’s treating yourself to your favorite snack, going for a walk, or reading a book, self-care is vital! When you give yourself love and care, you can better support your family and community.

Share the Love

Share this message with the women in your life. Help your friends and family remember how important health screenings are. You never know who might need a little extra encouragement to book their appointment.

We’re Here for You

At Community Health Choice, our mission is to support your health and wellness. We’re committed to ensuring you and your family have access to the care you need. If you have questions about your health, your benefits, or need help finding a provider, reach out to our Member Services team. We are here for you!

Happy Mother’s Day once again! We are grateful for you and everything you do. Make sure to take care of yourself – because you deserve it!