Helen Schnase, MD, MBA, FAAFP, Vice President of Care Delivery Operations, Transcarent  

May is Women’s Health Month, a time to pause, reflect and prioritize the many dimensions of women’s health. It’s a chance to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and most importantly, create space for care that supports the whole person—body and mind.

As a family physician and a clinical leader at Transcarent, I’ve spent years caring for women through every stage of life, from delivering babies to walking with them through menopause and beyond. One constant throughout that journey has been this: women often carry so much – bearing the weight of others. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in their communities— their focus on caring for others often means that their own health gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.

But here’s the thing: well-being isn’t a luxury. It’s essential, and it’s a lifelong commitment. So, with both Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Month drawing to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on the milestones we’ve reached in advancing care for women, but on the everyday ways we can keep showing up for ourselves.

I want to offer a few reminders, not as a to-do list, but as an invitation to prioritize your health in ways that feel achievable, sustainable, and empowering.

Here are five simple, actionable tips to carry with you.

1. Schedule Screenings 

If there’s one thing I hope every woman hears loud and clear, it’s this: schedule your screenings.

Too often, we put off care for ourselves while making sure everyone else is cared for; but recommended screenings are not something to postpone. They’re an important way to build a strong foundation and protect your long-term health.

Routine screenings—like annual checkups, mammograms, colon cancer screenings, pap smears, and diabetes checks— can detect issues early, when they’re easier to treat. Many insurance plans fully cover preventive examinations, so don’t leave those benefits on the table.

Consider this your nudge: If you haven’t already, take a moment to schedule that appointment you’ve been meaning to make. You’re worth the time. Your future self will thank you.

2. Mental Health Deserves Real Space

In my clinical work I’ve seen time and again how mental and physical health go hand in hand. Women often show up with symptoms like fatigue, racing hearts, or trouble sleeping—and underneath those symptoms, we find things like mental strain, burnout, and anxiety.

Mental health challenges are real, valid, and treatable. Whether it’s stress, emotional exhaustion, or something deeper like postpartum depression or menopause-related changes, your emotional wellness matters.

Even taking 10 minutes a day to unplug and breathe can make a meaningful difference.

Take the time to be intentional about your mental well-being. Rest is productive. Boundaries are healthy. Your peace of mind matters.


3. Be Your Own Advocate

One of the most impactful things women can do for their health is to speak up. Bring a list of questions to your next doctor’s appointment. Ask about screenings based on your age or family history. And if something doesn’t feel right, say so.

Healthcare works best when it’s a partnership—and that means knowing your body, understanding your options, and feeling confident asking for what you need.

That also includes understanding the benefits available through your employer and tapping into resources like expert second opinions, virtual care, or condition-specific support. If you’re unsure what resources are available to you through your job or plan, it’s the perfect time to ask. HR teams and benefits partners are there to help guide you through your tools, from understanding coverage to finding in-network providers. 

You don’t have to navigate it all alone—but you do have the right to be heard.


4. Your Health Is a Journey—Not a Sprint 

One thing I always remind people is that care isn’t about fixing everything overnight. You didn’t get here in a day. Instead of a finish line, think of your health as an ongoing journey. 

Remember that preventive care isn’t just about identifying problems. It’s also about building a relationship with your provider, tracking changes over time, and having a partner in your long-term wellness.  

And don’t forget that small, deliberate, sustainable changes over time—better sleep, more movement—can add up. One step at a time is still progress.


5. Take Advantage of On-Demand Support 

As someone deeply invested in digital health, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can meet women where they are. Whether it's an on-demand chat with a provider, personalized health reminders, or integrated care navigation, these tools remove barriers to care and help you take action without sacrificing convenience or care quality. Our lives are full. Care should fit into your life—not compete for your time.

• • • 

Final thought? Don’t wait for another awareness month to prioritize yourself. 

Women’s Health Month is a great catalyst and a time to celebrate women’s strength, resilience, and welfare. But let’s make that celebration a year-round priority, because your health matters every month. 

Take the time. Ask the questions. Use the tools. Build your team. You deserve it.