PPHP Marks National Women’s Health Week by Emphasizing Importance of Wellness Visits and Preventive Care

During National Women’s Health Week (May 15-21), Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) is highlighting the need for regular wellness visits and preventive health care as a critical part of staying healthy for women of all ages. Regular checkups and screenings are essential to good health and early detection and treatment of illnesses could save your life. A survey released last year, however, found that the vast majority of women do not know when or how frequently they should be screened for breast and cervical cancer, and many, especially women of color, aren’t getting screened often enough.

“As the nation’s leading provider and advocate of women’s health care, Planned Parenthood encourages all women to make their health a top priority by scheduling a checkup and getting regular screenings,” said Vincent Russell, Interim President/CEO, PPHP. “Annual well-woman visits help providers learn more about your health and family history to help you stay healthy, and are an opportunity to make sure that you’re getting the screenings you need, as well as using the birth control method that best fits your needs.”

For those who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a well-woman visit, Planned Parenthood’s online resources walk through the process and provide a clear sense of what to expect.

One in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life for affordable, high-quality health care and compassionate, confidential information and advice. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act strengthened women’s preventive health coverage; the ACA requires 100 percent coverage of cancer screening costs, with no copay for insured women.

“At PPHP, we are proud to be an expert source of preventive care for women in our community, and to answer any questions they may have about their health,” said Mr. Russell. “Nothing is off-limits. We’re here to give you accurate, reliable information and quality care. Whether you have insurance or not, you can come to Planned Parenthood for care.”

Planned Parenthood health centers provide high-quality, confidential, affordable health care and our doors are open to everyone. PPHP has four health centers in Westchester County, one in Rockland County, and five in Suffolk County. Visit plannedparenthood.org to find a health center and make an appointment today.