Written by Keynote Contributor Professor Joyce Harper, Head of the Reproductive Science and Society Group at UCL’s Institute for Women’s Health, a leading expert in women’s health with a focus on holistic approaches and education.
There is an increasing recognition that a holistic approach to health—one that considers emotional, mental, lifestyle, and educational factors—plays a crucial role in disease prevention and overall well-being. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.1
For women, particularly in reproductive health, adopting this holistic perspective requires greater attention and specialized care.
As policymakers and women’s health organizations advocate for comprehensive approaches, it’s important to acknowledge that the responsibility for educating and implementing such practices cannot solely lie with GPs and frontline healthcare workers. Given the growing strain on the healthcare system, a broader coalition is necessary.2
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Looking beyond physical health
Emotional and mental health are central to women’s reproductive health and overall well-being.3 Research highlights that the disruption of hormonal balance from mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can affect health outcomes, leading to issues like menstrual irregularities and infertility.3
The Hologic Global Women’s Health Index (HGWHI) reports that nearly 40% of women in the UK experience daily stress, with higher rates of sadness and worry compared to global averages.4 This research underlines the urgent need for better mental health support for women and girls as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
Equally important is addressing menstrual and menopausal health with the attention it deserves. Both are life stages that carry significant physical and emotional changes, yet they are often underrepresented in public health strategies. Including these aspects in a holistic care model is vital for improving long-term outcomes for women.
Empowering women through education and access
Empowering women with knowledge and resources is key to improving health outcomes. Comprehensive health education, starting from a young age, equips individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions. When people understand their bodies better, they are more likely to adopt health-promoting behaviors that lead to healthier lifestyles and improved health outcomes.5
Access to reliable and comprehensive healthcare is equally important. Establishing more accessible women’s healthcare hubs ensures that critical services like screenings, diagnostics, and preventive care are within reach for all women. Such hubs can play a crucial role in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.6
Data is essential in identifying gaps in healthcare. The HGWHI shows that preventive care in the UK lags behind the EU in several key areas, including blood pressure testing, cancer screening, and STI testing. 4
This data drives home the need for enhanced health education and expanded access to care. Improving women’s health education should involve schools, policymakers, community health workers, women’s health organizations, and digital platforms. All are well-positioned to share the responsibility for delivering accessible and accurate health information.
Daily choices have a lasting impact
Lifestyle choices can also play a significant role in preventive healthcare. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social interaction all contribute to overall well-being and reproductive health for women. 7
A nutrient-rich diet supports hormonal balance, while regular physical activity and adequate sleep create an environment for the body to thrive.7-9 Avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol is equally critical. Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding disease; it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports long-term health and well-being.
Holistic empowerment for women's health
A holistic approach to women’s health that integrates emotional, mental, and physical well-being is essential. Preventive care extends beyond merely avoiding illness; it’s about fostering overall health and creating an environment where women can thrive, particularly in the complex area of reproductive health. To truly empower women and improve health outcomes, we must rethink how we approach education and preventive care.
By broadening the network of those responsible for delivering health education and adopting a holistic view of well-being, we can better support women in leading healthier, more fulfilling lives.
References
- World Health Organization. Health and Well-Being. Available at: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/major-themes/health-and-well-being. Accessed 28 August 2024
- NHS. The future of NHS human resources and organisational development report. 2021. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/future-of-human-resources-and-organisational-development/the-future-of-nhs-human-resources-and-organisational-development-report/evolving-to-meet-a-changing-world/. Accessed 28 August 2024
- Szkodziak F, Krzyżanowski J, Szkodziak P. Psychological aspects of infertility. A systematic review. J Int Med Res, 2020;(48(6):300060520932403.
- Hologic. Hologic Global Women’s Health Index. United Kingdom Year 3 Results. 2022. MISC-09031. https://hologic.womenshealthindex.com/en?atr=false Accessed 28 August 2024.
- Nutbeam, D. Health literacy as a public health goal: A challenge for contemporary health education and communication strategies into the 21st century. Health Promotion International, 2000;15(3):259-267.
- NHS Providers. Health Hubs: A Community-Centred Prevention Initiative to Address Health Inequalities. 2024. Available at: https://nhsproviders.org/health-hubs-a-community-centred-prevention-initiative-to-address-health-inequalities Accessed: 4 September 2024
- Stephenson J, Heslehurst N, Hall J, et al. Before the beginning: nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period and its importance for future health. The Lancet, 2018;391(10132):1830-1841.
- Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Stagi S, et al. How the intricate relationship between nutrition and hormonal equilibrium significantly influences endocrine and reproductive health in adolescent girls. Front Nutr, 2024;11:13373284.
- Mahindru, A, Patil, P, Agrawal, V. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus 2023;15(1): e33475.
About Professor Joyce Harper
Professor Joyce Harper, Head of the Reproductive Science and Society Group at UCL, Institute for Women’s Health, is an expert in women’s health and focuses on holistic health approaches and education.
Disclaimer: This article has not been subjected to peer review and is presented as the personal views of a qualified expert in the subject in accordance with the general terms and conditions of use of the News-Medical.Net website.