Women's health

Jackson Care Connect’s benefits cover physical, dental and mental health care and substance use treatment that helps women be and stay healthy. The most common health matters for women are listed here:

• Heart disease. Heart disease is the top cause of death for women. Eight out of 10 women ages 40-60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. (See the CDC’s webpage on heart disease signs and symptoms.)
• Breast cancer. Schedule a regular mammogram to be screened for breast cancer. Mammograms are a covered benefit.
• Autoimmune diseases, ovarian and cervical cancer. It’s important to receive regular health screenings for these common diseases.
• Pregnancy. It’s not an illness, of course. It’s your new baby! Jackson Care Connect provides full coverage during and after your pregnancy. We support you and your baby in many ways. Learn more about our Starting Strong program here.
• Respiratory diseases. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lung cancer and other respiratory diseases are common for women. Quitting tobacco can greatly reduce the risk of these illnesses.
• Depression and anxiety. Taking care of your mental health is vital. It’s also a covered Jackson Care Connect benefit.
• Diabetes. Diet and other factors can lead to various types of diabetes, particular Type 2 diabetes.
• Osteoporosis. Jackson Care Connect can help you cope with chronic conditions like osteoporosis, and we make sure you get the medical care you need.
• Flu/pneumonia. Particularly as women get older, the risk of serious flu or pneumonia increases. Get your free, easy flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine.

Make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) if you want to discuss any of these issues, or if you think you’re at risk of them. Schedule a yearly visit with your PCP. It’s a free appointment. Your well-woman visit is a time to talk with your PCP about:

• Your health habits and family history.
• Your future health plans. Are you planning to become pregnant? Thinking about losing weight or starting an exercise program? Quitting smoking? Your PCP can give helpful and supportive advice for reaching your health goals.
• Health screenings or vaccines you need.
• Your mental health. Mental and physical health care are connected. Ask for tips on how to manage stress.

There are many things you can do to improve your health and prevent illness:

• Quit smoking. It’s never too late. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. It improves your health and lowers your risk of heart disease, lung disease and more. Click here to learn more.
• Increase physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderately intense activity every week is recommended. If your activity also strengthens major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms), that’s an added benefit. Spread your activity out during the week and break it into smaller amounts of time.
• Eat well. A variety of fruit and vegetables every day gets you vitamins and minerals that help protect you from disease. Avoid food and drinks with a lot of calories, sugar, salt, fat or alcohol.
• Lower your stress. Feeling overwhelmed and out of control is unhealthy. Find support. Stay connected to your friends and family. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Maintain your physical activity.
• Avoid processed foods. About 75% of the salt in our diet comes from processed and restaurant foods. Read labels on frozen foods, bread and pasta. Choose whole, fresh fruits and vegetables when you can.
• Get your shots. Everyone needs vaccines to stay healthy, at every age. You might need a tetanus shot or shingles vaccine. Your doctor will know. Get your flu shot every fall to avoid getting sick.

The federal Office on Women’s Health has put together ideas for how to be as healthy as you can be, at every stage of life.

Other resources

• The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Your Annual Health Care Visit
• Health in Aging: What to Ask: Women’s Health
• Go Red for Women: Heart-healthy exercise
• American Heart Association: Preventing Heart Disease at Any Age

Let us help you

Send us a secure message through our Member Portal at jacksoncareconnect.org/portal or call us at 541-500-0567, toll-free 855-722-8208 or TTY 711. We can help you get started with your benefits.