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Happiness

Helping Women Find Happiness

Women often find themselves under immense pressure as homemakers, mothers, caregivers, educators, nurturers, etc. By giving so much of themselves, they rarely have time to address their own emotional needs.

However, happiness is an essential aspect of our lives, and every woman deserves to feel joy and fulfillment. Still, life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and happiness may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are simple things women can do to help themselves feel happier, both mentally and physically:

  • Prioritize self-care — Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. That includes prioritizing self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in physical activity. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better and reduce stress levels.
  • Connect with others — Social connections are essential for happiness and well-being. Connecting with friends, family, and community can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social connections can also provide emotional support and help you feel more engaged with the world around you.
  • Practice gratitude Gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing happiness. The CDC suggests focusing on the things you are thankful for, whether it's a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset, or a supportive friend. Practicing gratitude can help you cultivate a more positive outlook and reduce stress levels.
  • Engage in mindfulness exercises Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or yoga, can help you feel more centered and focused. Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. There are many resources available online for practicing mindfulness, such as guided meditations or online yoga classes.
  • Set goals and work toward them — Setting and achieving realistic goals can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it's expanding your skills, starting a new hobby, or working toward a career move, setting goals can help you feel more motivated and confident.
  • Volunteer Volunteering can be a great way to feel connected to your community and make a positive impact. It provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. It also gets you moving and releases dopamine which helps relieve stress. At the same time, you’re increasing social interaction and building a support system with people who have common interests.
  • Practice self-compassion Self-compassion is the practice of treating yourself with kindness and understanding. This is incredibly important, especially during difficult times. Instead of being self-critical or judgmental, try to be understanding and supportive of yourself.
  • Seek professional help If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's essential to seek professional help. There are many resources available for mental health treatment, such as therapy, medication, or support groups.

Your Happiness Matters

AltaMed is committed to your mental, as well as physical well-being. Our experienced staff of diverse mental health professionals can provide culturally relevant care in your language. They can help you with everything from stress relief to referrals for more serious mental health or substance abuse issues. Call (855) 425-1777 to learn more about our Behavioral Health Services.

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See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.

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Woman Hero

Our Unwavering Commitment to Women’s Health Care

After the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that established the constitutional right to have an abortion, reproductive freedoms in the United States are now under attack. Since the reversal on June 24, 17 states have banned abortion entirely, while a further seven intend to enact a ban. In Texas, a trigger law will allow abortion providers to be sued for “no less” than $100,000.

In California, along with 21 other often liberal-leaning states, abortion rights remain protected for now. As a response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order prohibiting patient data from being shared with out-of-state entities seeking to prevent or punish abortions. In November, California voters will have the chance to add abortion as a state constitutional right, ensuring the procedure remains legal. That’s just one reason why it’s so important to vote this year.

AltaMed believes all women deserve the right to safe and equitable health care of their choosing. We remain committed to delivering the very best access to reproductive resources and information. Here’s what’s available for you.

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Family Planning

Family planning services are essential to the health of women, and their children. AltaMed offers birth control, pregnancy testing, and referrals to a fertility specialist, so you can determine if and when you want to start a family. Contraceptive services extend to teens and young adults, and are always confidential.

If you do choose to become a parent, we’re here for you with prenatal care and pediatric services. For over 50 years, we’ve helped families grow healthy.

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Health Education

When it comes to women’s health, access to easy information makes a huge difference. Knowing where to begin can be challenging. AltaMed offers resources on a variety of important health topics, so you can stay informed about your unique health needs.

Learn about:

We also offer community health classes. These lessons cover general health topics including stress management, healthy living for seniors, and more.

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Essential Screenings

As we age, our health needs change and become more complex. Staying current with recommended screenings is an important part of your overall well-being.

Health experts recommend scheduling routine well-woman exams as you reach certain milestones:

  • Age 13-15: Girls have their first Gynecologist appointment
  • Age 21: Women should begin getting Pap tests no less than every three years
  • Age 30: Women should receive HPV-testing Pap Smears once every five years
  • Age 50: Women should have a mammogram every two years (Age 40 for those with a family history of breast cancer)

Early detection of serious diseases is vital. An estimated 12% of women, for example, will develop breast cancer in their lives. Luckily, the 5-year survival rate is 99% when detected early. If you or a loved one has been delaying routine checkups because of the pandemic, now is the time to makean appointment.

Our Commitment to You

Despite a time of serious upheaval around our country, AltaMed remains committed to empowering women on their terms. No matter your health needs, you can find easy, culturally sensitive care close to home. Interested in becoming a patient? Call (888) 499-9303 or click here to get started.

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The Essential Health Screenings that Women Need

Over the last few years, we've focused so much of our attention on protecting our families and ourselves from COVID-19 that we may have neglected the vital screenings necessary to protect us from these other potentially deadly diseases.

Breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are common health problems that impact millions of women, and diagnosing them early is essential. That's why AltaMed is going above and beyond to protect your health, including telehealth visits and keeping facilities clean and sterilized according to the highest standards put forth by the CDC.

While some common conditions and issues can be taken care of with a telephone or video chat with your doctor, there are still many preventive treatments and services for women that need to happen in person including routine mammograms, Pap tests, blood pressure screenings, and evaluations to determine if you are taking the right dosage of medication.

Many of these visits are covered at no charge by your health plan, so call us for details and to schedule!

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Why You Need a Mammogram

Women have about a 1 in 8 chance that they’ll develop breast cancer in their lifetime. A mammogram — an X-ray picture of the breast — is the best way to spot potential breast cancer early.

Your unique family history and personal risk factors will determine when you should start getting mammograms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends healthy women of average risk, get a mammogram once every two years from age 50 to 74. Your doctor could recommend getting a mammogram as early as age 40 if you have a parent, sibling, or child who has had breast cancer.

It is also recommended that you become familiar with what your breasts normally look and feel like. If this changes, make an appointment to see your doctor.

How Often to Screen for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of death for women in the United States. Advances in Pap tests, including increased usage, cut cervical cancer deaths dramatically.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends:

  • Get a Pap test every three years if you are between the ages of 21 and 29.
  • APap smear with specific HPV testing every five years is routine if you are between the ages of 30 and 65.

Your doctor will make recommendations based on your own unique health history and your family history.

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Schedule Your Well-Woman Visit

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the first visit happen at age 13 – 15. Well-woman visits are essential and should be scheduled in addition to your mammograms and Pap tests.

Because well-woman visits focus on preventive care, each visit may be slightly different based on your age and unique health needs. Your visit may include:

  • Age-appropriate immunizations (for example, the flu vaccine or a TD shot, if needed)
  • Age-appropriate health screenings, which could include checking your blood pressure or a pelvic floor exam
  • Recommendations for additional testing to screen for cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or depression, as needed

Your doctor will likely ask about your health history and any health goals. They will offer recommendations to help you achieve those goals. To make the most of these visits, come prepared: think about any health questions you have, in advance, and take notes.

We’re Here for Every Age and Every Stage of Your Life

Trust AltaMed to support your unique health needs. From primary care and specialists to dentistry, behavioral health services, and pharmacy, we are dedicated to caring for women and those they love. Schedule an appointment today through MyAltaMed.

Helping Women Find Happiness