Women's Health
Women's Night Out Health Series
A series of evening events to inspire, inform, and improve women's health and well-being. The events are free, open to the community and are held at Kaiser. Read More National Women's Health WeekNational Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day each year. National Women's Health Week empowers women across the country to get healthy by taking action. The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH), encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children and parents and forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. When women take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone benefits. Kaiser Permanente celebrates Women's Health in May by offering events and special services to our members and our communities. We strongly advocate active living and healthy eating and offer our members information about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, such as:
Please take time to read the following information on women's health, and consider sharing it with your female friends and co-workers. Facts Every Woman Should KnowWith the many roles you play as a woman (mother, wife, partner, daughter, sister, friend, homemaker, breadwinner etc), it's not always easy to find the time and energy to take care of your own health needs. But no matter how busy you are, you can still achieve your personal health goals. These resources can help you do just that. You may be surprised to know that heart disease kills more women than men, yet it is still mistakenly thought of as a "man's disease." Or that women who've never had diabetes can develop gestational diabetes while they're pregnant. Women face major health risks that men don't, such as cervical cancer, and certain illnesses, such as depression, affect women differently than men. That's why it's important to learn about these conditions and find out what you can do to protect your health. Breast Care
The Kira Skidmore Breast Care Center opened in 1994 and is part of the Kaiser Santa Rosa surgery department. Our goal is to provide the highest quality breast care services for our patients through skillful evaluation of breast problems, education and support. Read More
Common Health Concerns and ConditionsSome of the most common reasons our female members call us to make appointments and ask for advice include: |
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Birth Control Did you know that in this country half of all pregnancies are unplanned? Whether you're a young adult or almost in menopause, if you don't want to have a baby right now, choose a birth control method that's right for you. If you're reviewing your birth control options for the first time, or you need to re-evaluate your choices, there are many methods to consider. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)A safe and effective backup birth control method, emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex to prevent a pregnancy from starting. It is most effective when it is used as soon as possible after intercourse. It is not necessary to take a pregnancy test before using emergency contraception.
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Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)The Silent Disease Chlamydia is the most common STD in the U.S. About 75% of women with the disease have no symptoms. Get tested once a year. Condom use is the only method of birth control that also provides protection from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Learn more about safe sex and other ways to prevent the following STDs: |
Reproductive Health and Preconception Even if you're not planning to get pregnant any time soon, taking care of yourself now can help make it easier for you to get pregnant when the time comes and may decrease the risk of certain birth defects. Read our Healthy Beginnings newsletter on preconception to get the information you need to improve your health before you get pregnant. Learn about your birth control options and how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases. |
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Midlife Health and Menopause Menopause, also called "the change of life," is a major turning point for women. It marks the time when menstrual periods end and a new phase of life begins. While the average age of menopause is around 50, every woman's body has its own unique timeline. Some women stop menstruating in their mid-40s, and others continue well into their mid-50s. Read More Emotional Wellness and Beating StressBecause mind and body are closely connected, good physical health helps your mental health too.
On top of everything else they do, women are often the caregivers for their families—which may include children, spouses or partners, and aging parents. It should come as no surprise that stress and "wanting more time for myself" are among women's top health concerns. Read More Body ImageLooking your best doesn't mean trying to look like someone else
What's a positive body image? It's when you have a realistic view of your size and shape and feel comfortable with your body. Nurturing a positive body image—feeling good about the way you look—can be vital to your health and happiness. When a woman has a negative body image, she has a distorted view of her shape and size, compares her body negatively to others, and may feel unsatisfied, awkward, and anxious about her body. Read More |
Keeping Yourself Healthy Prevention works! Do all that you can to promote good health and well-being. Practice preventive care by following a healthy lifestyle and staying up-to-date with recommended screening tests and immunizations. Breathe Easier. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and the health of those you care about.Read more about quitting smoking. Afraid of gaining weight if you quit smoking? Find out more by reading what Ruth Shaber, MD, our women's health leader in Northern California has to say. Exercise for Health Benefits. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days. The more active you are, the greater the health benefits. Read More Manage Your Weight. If you're overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can make a big difference in how healthy you are and how you feel. Read More Nourish Yourself. HealthMedia Nourish® gives you personalized strategies for making smart and delicious food choices to increase energy, manage weight, and live a longer, healthier life. Find the Time to Unwind. HealthMedia Relax® gives you personalized strategies for relieving and preventing stress. Or read through our relaxation page where you will find a guided meditation, quick tension relief and information on affirmations among others. Calcium Counts. Find out how to keep your bones strong. Play it Safe. Practice safe sex to avoid STDs. Alcohol—the Amount Matters. Limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day or less. (One drink is a 12 ounce bottle of beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2 ounce shot of hard liquor.) Read more about alcohol abuse and dependence. |
Skin Care and Cosmetic ProceduresNot smoking, good nutrition, regular exercise, restful sleep, and a positive self-image are some of your most important beauty "rituals." They help you feel great from the inside out, but sometimes you need to pamper yourself by paying special attention to your outward appearance, too. Read More |
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