Celebrate Women’s Equality Day and take charge of your health

On Aug. 26, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, marking the pivotal moment in history which granted women the right to vote. In honor of this important day, we turn our focus to another critical aspect of equality—women’s health. 

Women face unique health concerns and challenges that require dedicated attention and resources. Among the top health conditions affecting women are heart disease, breast and gynecological cancers, infertility, and depression. Over the past several years, women have experienced heightened levels of stress and burnout often attributed to increased family and home, responsibilities and financial hardships. Additionally, women are at greater risk for autoimmune disease and hormone imbalances as they navigate fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. 

Understanding these conditions and their effect on women’s well-being is the first step toward making informed choices for your health. Regular preventive care and screenings are vital to maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Plus, building a relationship with your health care provider can help you better advocate for your health needs throughout your life. 

Stay healthy with regular screenings

Your Stanford medical plan provides 100% coverage for an annual physical and well-woman visit with an in-network provider. A well-woman visit includes measuring your blood pressure, height, and weight, reviewing your medical history, performing a pelvic exam and breast exam, and screening for depression. This is also the ideal time to talk to your doctor about any concerns related to your reproductive health, such as changes to your menstrual cycle or questions about contraception options. Make it a habit to receive preventive care annually. Learn more by reading  “Your new summer habit: Scheduling essential health screenings” on Cardinal at Work.

Additional recommended screenings for women include cervical cancer screenings every two to five years starting at age 20 and mammograms every one to two years starting at age 40. You can find a full list of recommended screenings according to your age on Cardinal at Work. 

Stanford benefits that promote good health

In addition to your medical coverage, Stanford offers programs that support your physical, emotional, and mental health.

If you are age 35 or over, you can access Midi Health for help in navigating perimenopause, menopause, and more. Convenient video visits connect you to providers who offer personalized treatments, including hormonal or non-hormonal prescriptions, supplements, and lifestyle coaching. To learn how to access Midi’s services through your health plan, visit Cardinal at Work. 

All benefits-eligible employees have access to Inflection (formerly known as FertilityIQ), a free service that provides support and education about hormones, family planning, reproductive diagnoses, perimenopause, and menopause. 

Caring for a child, supporting an elderly family member, or tending to a pet are all responsibilities that can cause stress. Women are more likely to provide this care, significantly impacting their overall well-being. You have access to resources to help you and your loved ones. Visit the Children and Family Resources or Elder Care and Caregiving page on Cardinal at Work or read “Make back-to-school planning as easy as A-B-C”  to discover what's available.

Taking care of your mental and emotional wellness is equally important, especially as women are more prone to depression and anxiety. Meru Health is a 12-week online mental wellness program that uses a mind-body approach to help reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and long-term burnout. This program includes access to a licensed therapist, ensuring you receive professional guidance and support throughout your journey toward improved mental health. 

You can also access mental health support from the Faculty Staff Help Center, which offers confidential counseling, workshops, discussion groups, department consultations, and facilitated conversations. For employees living outside of California, SupportLinc helps you deal with life’s challenges and the demands of integrating home and work. To learn more about mental health resources available to you and how you can access them, visit Cardinal at Work.

Thrive in your well-being

Explore all the benefits and employee programs that Stanford provides to help you feel and be your best at each stage of life and throughout your career. Discover all the options on Cardinal at Work.