A Tribute to Mothers and the Power of Preventive Care

By Alison Broyles, MD

St. Vincent Health Primary Care

719-486-0230

Each May, we recognize Women’s Health Month. It’s also a season that brings us Mother’s Day, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the women who nurture, support, and shape our lives. These two observances naturally intersect, reminding us that caring for the health of women is one of the most important investments we can make in our families and communities.

Why Women’s Health Deserves Special Attention

Women often juggle multiple roles: caregivers, professionals, partners, and community members. In doing so, their own health can sometimes take a back seat. Women’s Health Month serves as a reminder that prioritizing personal well-being is not a luxury—it’s essential.

From heart disease (the leading cause of death among women) to osteoporosis, breast cancer, and mental health concerns, women face a range of health risks that can be better managed—or even prevented—through regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention.

The Role of Preventive Care

Preventive care is the cornerstone of long-term health. Annual check-ups, routine screenings, and open communication with your primary care provider can detect issues before they become serious. Depending on age and individual risk factors, this may include:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
• Mammograms and cervical cancer screenings
• Bone density testing
• Mental health evaluations
• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

At our clinic in Leadville, we emphasize a personalized approach. Every woman’s health journey is different, and care should reflect that.

A Message to Women This Month

This Women’s Health Month, take a moment to check in with yourself. Schedule that appointment you’ve been putting off. Talk openly about your health concerns. And if you’re a mother, remember: taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful ways to take care of those you love.

And for those celebrating mothers this May—consider giving a gift that supports wellness, whether it’s time, encouragement, or simply a reminder that their health matters too.

At St. Vincent Health, our team is here to support the physical and emotional well-being of our community and help patients find practical ways to feel healthier, more balanced, and more resilient.  If you would like to talk about any medical concern with a provider, call 719-486-0230.