Patient Resource Center

Why It Matters:

Let’s take a closer look at why preventive care matters for women as they age.

• Women Live Longer, So Preventive Care Matters More

  Women tend to live longer than men, but they’re more likely to deal with chronic illnesses like osteoporosis, arthritis, and dementia. Preventive care helps women stay healthier as they age, so they can keep doing the things they love.

• Bone Loss Affects Women More Than Men

  After menopause, women lose bone strength faster. One in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. A bone density scan can help catch this early and prevent fractures.

• Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death for Women

  Heart disease isn’t just a men’s issue. It’s actually the leading cause of death in women. But 90% of women have at least one risk factor that can be treated early, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Women Are More Likely to Be Caregivers, But Often Skip Their Own Care

  Many women over 60 care for others, like spouses, grandkids, or aging parents. This can cause them to delay their own check-ups and screenings, even though they’re just as important.

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Can Still Happen After 60

  Even after years of good health, older women can still get breast and cervical cancer. Screenings like mammograms and pelvic exams help find these cancers early when they are easier to treat.

• Women Are at Higher Risk for Dementia—Early Checks Help

  Nearly two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s are women. Memory checks during annual wellness visits help catch early signs so women and their families can plan ahead.

Catching health concerns early, like memory changes or high blood pressure, can make a big difference in how well they’re treated. One of the best ways to stay ahead is by keeping up with regular screenings and vaccines. They help you and your provider find issues early, often before you notice symptoms.

What’s the Difference Between an Annual Wellness Visit and a Physical?

Both an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) and a routine physical are important for staying healthy, but they do different things.

• Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

  Who: Anyone with Medicare

  When: Once a year. Extra tests might have a cost.

  Why: To catch problems early and build a plan to stay healthy

  What: Focuses on preventing future health problems. Your provider will:

  • Go over your health and family history

  • Review your current medications and conditions

  • Take basic measurements like your height, weight, and blood pressure

  • Use a tool called a Health Risk Assessment to create a personalized plan

  • Talk with you about memory, mood, fall risk, and preventive needs like cancer screenings and vaccines

  • Provide a physical exam as part of the visit (at Herself Health)

  Note: The physical exam is included in the AWV at Herself Health. If you don’t have Medicare and have commercial insurance, it’s important to schedule a yearly routine physical to stay on top of your health.

• Routine Physical

  Routine Physical

  Who: Anyone

  When: Once a year, usually covered by insurance. Some extra tests may cost more.

  Why: To check in on how your body is doing right now and treat any issues

  What: Focuses on your current health. Your provider will:

  • Do a full head-to-toe exam

  • Talk about any health concerns

  • Take measurements and may order labs or give referrals

  Both visits matter.
  The AWV helps with long-term planning, while a physical helps you manage today’s health needs. Together, they’rea strong foundation for staying healthy as you age.