Welcome Dow Members!
Welcome Members!
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Shining a spotlight on body and mind at every age and stage of life.

When it comes to women’s health there is a lot to discuss:

Heart disease, breast cancer, PMS, birth control, fertility, mental health, menopause … the list keeps going, and so do our busy days. Are you taking the time to focus on you first?

Click the images below to learn more about three areas of women’s health

“Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we are scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don’t have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list.”

LEARN MORE

We’re here to support you with resources to make informed decisions, advocate for yourself, and prioritize your health and wellness. We have trusted experts who know the unique needs of women and people born with female anatomy at all stages of life. Explore topics below and if you haven’t scheduled your annual exam yet, reach out to your provider right away.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Are you taking the steps you need to be healthy? Check in with your:

MENTAL HEALTH

Are you putting yourself on the back burner? Check in with how you prioritize your:

SEXUAL HEALTH

Are you asking the right questions? Check in with your provider about your:

Take this survey for a quick check on your health!

AGES & STAGES

A checklist for all of life’s milestones

Women, at any age, need to have an annual exam to check blood pressure, general health, review preventative health topics and screenings and discuss lifestyle habits with their provider. It’s a good reminder to schedule vision and dental checkups yearly or biannually as well. Here are a few other tests and topics to keep on your radar based on your age group.

"When women take care of their health, they become their own best friend."

PHYSICAL Health

Exercise and daily activity are vital for body and mind. Being active helps improve your overall health and fitness, maintain a healthy weight, promote good mental health, and can reduce or prevent your risk for many chronic diseases.

Women of all ages and abilities can benefit from physical activity. Being active for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

  • Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Lower your risk of dying early
  • Lose weight or keep your weight where it is as you get older
  • Improve depression
  • Decrease pain from arthritis
  • Decrease anxiety
  • Improve sleep
  • Lower your risk of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and stroke
  • Keep bones strong

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

Mental Health

Mental disorders can affect women and men differently. Some disorders are more common in women such as depression and anxiety. There are also certain types of disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women may experience mental health symptoms at times of hormone change, such as perinatal depression (postpartum blues or depression), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression.

Warning Signs

  • Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
  • Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Excessive fear or worry
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there
  • Extremely high and low moods
  • Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
  • Irritability
  • Social withdrawal
  • Suicidal thoughts

Mental disorders can be treated: If you are unsure where to go for help, reach out to your doctor or primary care provider to get started. Open communication between you and your doctor can improve your care plan and can lead to better health.

MENTAL HEALTH AT EVERY AGE

Each stage of your life can create different challenges to good mental health. The events that worry you as a 20year-old probably won’t be the same as what causes you stress when you’re 50. Eating right, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and having healthy relationships will help support good physical and mental health throughout life.

What You Need to Know

  • Most mental health conditions start by age 25
  • In your 20s, you may be dealing with stressful life situations (finding a job, finishing college, moving)

What You Can Do

  • Know the signs of common mental conditions
  • Get help if you feel hopeless or not in control
  • Talk to a medical provider about medicine and/or a counselor
  • Start building healthy habits

What You Need to Know

  • Women in their 30s and 40s may be juggling a lot of responsibilities (career, family, etc.) that can lead to stress or exhaustion
  • Menstrual cycles, or pregnancy, can impact mood and mental health
  • Perimenopause begins in your late 40s and can cause sudden ups and downs

What You Can Do

  • Schedule your “well-woman” visit annually
  • If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, follow your provider’s advice
  • Build habits like eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying connected socially

What You Need to Know

  • Menopause often begins in your early 50s and has an impact on your emotions
  • Relationships, roles, and sexual health often change at this age
  • By your 60s, retirement and chronic illness may impact daily life and mood

What You Can Do

  • If you’re a caregiver, don’t forget to prioritize your own health too
  • Stay active (find new hobbies, volunteer, spend time socially) to cope with the emotional effects of aging

What You Need to Know

  • Retirement can be a fun time, however your 70s and beyond are when you may experience serious health problems, loss, or financial concerns
  • Older adults, especially with physical conditions, are more likely to develop depression or trouble sleeping

What You Can Do

  • Maintain strong relationships to limit isolation
  • Volunteer and stay connected
  • Eat well and stay active for your bone health, heart, and mood
  • Stay aware of community resources

Take this survey for a quick self-check on your mental health!

Answer a few questions about your current mental health goals to help you prepare for your next provider visit – it’s completely confidential.

“Remember this, whoever you are, however you are, you are equally valid, equally justified, and equally beautiful.”

SEXUAL HEALTH

Women’s sexual health, like men’s, is important to emotional and physical wellbeing. It’s a broad spectrum – from reproductive health to relationships, STDs, fertility, and menopause – and it can sometimes be difficult to talk about. 

What are common sexual problems women can experience?

“Female sexual dysfunction” can be a lack of interest in sex or a lack of response to sexual activity. Sexual problems fall into four groups, which often overlap:

  1. Desire and arousal problems
  2. Orgasmic problems
  3. Sexual pain
  4. Sexual problems caused by medication or substances
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Low desire (sex drive)
  • Prior sexual or relationship trauma that triggers anxiety or a shutdown in intimacy
  • Pain during sex (can be caused by vaginal dryness, endometriosis, or use of certain medications and contraception)
  • Troubles with arousal and orgasms (can be related to hormonal changes, such as menopause, anxiety, certain medications, and inadequate foreplay)

.

  • Your sexual history
  • Your gender identity
  • When your pain or other symptoms started
  • Any self-help methods you have tried
  • Any experience with sexual abuse or violence

Each type of female sexual dysfunction is treated differently. Recommendations may depend on your symptoms.

Sexual dysfunction can be frustrating, but it’s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Sex may look different at age 25 than it does at 55 or even 85, but sexual intimacy is a basic human drive and essential to wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Talk openly with your partner and don’t hesitate to reach out to your health care provider for help.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOU

Whatever your age or stage in life, there are likely questions or concerns you have about your physical, mental, or sexual health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

MyChart allows you to schedule and start a virtual visit with a QuadMed health care provider. It also provides additional features that help you to manage your health completely online.

Click the buttons below to log in or to sign up
if you don’t already have an account.

Download the MyChart app!

QuadMed Everywhere is not currently available in your state, but is coming soon!

We’re working to bring QuadMed Everywhere to all 50 states.
Check back soon to see if your state has access
.

Good news! QuadMed Everywhere is available in your state!

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Established patients can also reach a provider 24/7
for follow-up questions from a previous visit.

There are two ways to schedule.

Call 1.800.888.8932

Call 1.800.888.8932 to
speak with a QuadMed representative.

Online With MyChart

Visit myquadmed.com 
or download the
MyChart app.

Looking to learn more or need help getting started?
Call us to schedule a no-cost virtual orientation!

1.800.888.8932

QuadMed Everywhere will be available
in your state beginning Friday, March 1!

Scheduling and patient care will open on March 1.
Check back in February to schedule your first appointment!

In the meantime, Live Health Online powered by Anthem provides eligible Quad employees and families with access to 24/7 virtual care services.

QuadMed Everywhere will be available in your state beginning Friday, September 1!

Scheduling and patient care will open on Friday, September 1.
Check back then to schedule your first appointment!

In the meantime, Live Health Online powered by Anthem provides eligible Quad employees and families with access to 24/7 virtual care services.

Good news! There’s a QuadMed licensed therapist in your state!

Call the Emotional Support Connection to schedule an appointment.

Carrie Hofstad, LSC
Licensed Therapist

QuadMed Everywhere is not currently available in your state, but is coming soon!

We’re working to bring QuadMed Everywhere to all 50 states.
Check back soon to see if your state has access
.

In the meantime, Live Health Online powered by Anthem provides eligible Quad employees and families with access to 24/7 virtual care services.

Good news! QuadMed Everywhere is available in your state!

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Established patients can also reach a provider 24/7
for follow-up questions from a previous visit.

There are two ways to schedule.

Call 1.800.888.8932

Call 1.800.888.8932 to
speak with a QuadMed representative.

Online With MyChart

Visit myquadmed.com 
or download the
MyChart app.

Looking to learn more or need help getting started?
Call us to schedule a no-cost virtual orientation!

1.800.888.8932

Powered by Anthem, Live Health Online is also available
for any new, after-hour virtual care needs.