Why Women Are Not Satisfied With Healthcare in America!
Why Women Are Not Satisfied With Healthcare in America!
Hello, my marvelous menopause mavens! I recently read a great article in Time 100 Voices written by Pete Anevski, CEO of Progyny. His powerful insights struck a chord with me, and I wanted to share and summarize some of the key information he highlighted about the epic failures of the U.S. healthcare system when it comes to women’s health. So, grab your fan, sip on some iced tea, and let’s dive in!
Women: The Unsung Medical Officers
Did you know that women are often the chief medical officers of their households? Yup, we’re juggling kids’ boo-boos, partners’ hypochondria, careers, elderly parent care, and pets’ mysterious ailments. But the system often gives us a big, fat shrug when it comes to our health.
Despite our superhero status in the home, U.S. women have more chronic illnesses, struggle with medical bills, and are less likely to have a regular doctor than women in other high-income countries. It’s as if the system forgot that women existed until…drum roll…1993! Before then, women weren’t even required to be part of drug trials. It is time that ALL drug trials for women be done on women!!!!!!!!!!!
Black Women Bear the Brunt
Let’s talk about a particularly unjust issue—Black women face three times the risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts. This is more than a “whoopsie”—a glaring injustice that needs immediate action.
Why Women’s Health is Stuck in Silos
As someone who has spent years educating and advocating for women’s health, I’ve seen firsthand how our healthcare system often treats women’s health like an afterthought. Too many women are left scratching their heads, trying to understand their health care needs from fertility care through perimenopause and post-menopause. Remember, perimenopause can sneak up on you as early as your 30s! It’s like playing a game of health whack-a-mole without the instructions.
Why do these issues persist? Because women’s health is often addressed reactively instead of proactively. We’re not just a pair of ovaries with legs; we’re complex beings that need comprehensive care.
Employers: The Secret Agents of Change
Guess what? Employers can be the secret agents in the mission to revolutionize women’s health care. Here’s how they can channel their inner 007:
- Female-Forward Benefits: Offer comprehensive fertility care, childcare support, pregnancy loss leave, menopause support, and paid parental leave. It’s like giving women a healthcare safety net!
- Smash the Gender Pay Gap: Working women in the U.S. pay an estimated $15 billion more annually on health care than their male counterparts. Employers need to bridge this gap with benefits that cater to women’s unique health needs.
- Create Open Conversations: Foster a workplace culture where discussing women’s health isn’t taboo. I have conducted Menopause Corporate Wellness events across the country, and we do precisely that!
- Advocate for Change: Encourage other companies to follow suit. This is not just good for women; it’s good for business. Healthier employees are happier and more productive.
Time to Raise Our Voices
Whether you’re an executive or the new kid on the block, every woman can be a catalyst for change. Find your work tribe, raise your voice, and advocate for the changes you and your colleagues need.
Wrapping it Up with a Bow (or Maybe a Hot Flash)
Ladies, the time for change is now. The failures of the U.S. healthcare system to address women’s health are unacceptable. But we can push for better. Let’s use our collective power to ensure every woman receives the care she deserves. After all, we’ve been the superheroes all along; it’s time the system recognized it!
Until next time, stay informed, and remember, we’re all in this together!
Stay fearless, fabulous, and informed!
