28 May — the day when the world reminds us: women's health is not just about childbirth and gynecology. It's about the heart, bones, hormones, stress, violence, nutrition. The International Day of Action for Women's Health has been celebrated since 1987. It's not a red day on the calendar, but it's very important. Because women get sick differently than men. And they often keep silent.

Why do we need this day

The goal is to draw attention to the problems that are not talked about. Breast cancer, endometriosis, cervical cancer, postpartum depression, menopause, domestic violence. Women are embarrassed, afraid, put off visiting the doctor. As a result, diseases start to develop.

Second — inequality in medicine. Until recently, all drugs were tested on men, and then given to women in smaller doses. And women have a different metabolism. A heart attack in a woman is not like a man — not chest pain, but nausea, fatigue, jaw pain. Doctors often do not recognize.

Third — accessibility. In poor countries, women cannot afford tampons, pads, contraception, examinations. The International Day of Action for Women's Health is lobbying for free medicine, health education, combating child marriage and mutilating operations (female circumcision).

Main threats to women's health

According to WHO data, the main killers of women aged 30-70 are: cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes), breast cancer, lung cancer (smoking), type 2 diabetes (obesity), depression and suicide. In poor countries — complications of pregnancy and childbirth, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). But it can be prevented by vaccinating adolescent girls and regular Pap smears (Pap test). In many countries, vaccination is free. In Russia, it is paid, but from 2024 it has been included in the vaccination calendar in some regions.

Endometriosis is a disease when the cells of the uterine mucosa grow outside its boundaries. One in ten women suffer from it, but the diagnosis is made on average after 7 years. Symptoms: pain during menstruation, infertility. Treatment is expensive. The International Day of Action for Women's Health aims to break the myth of "endure, you're a woman".

Mental health: a hidden epidemic

Women are 2-3 times more likely than men to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Causes: hormonal fluctuations (PMS, pregnancy, menopause), double burden (work + home), violence, discrimination, perfectionism. Postpartum depression affects one in five mothers. But many are afraid to admit it, think they "have gone mad".

Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) are also women's diseases. The imposition of beauty, perfect bodies on Instagram, diets since the age of 12. The International Day of Action for Women's Health reminds us: thinness is not always healthy. Normal weight and good relationships with food are the goal.

It is important: do not be ashamed to go to a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist. Women should know that this is not a shame.

What a woman can do for her health

Rule #1: regularly undergo preventive examinations. Once a year — gynecologist, mammologist (from 40 years old mammography), therapist. Take a blood test, check the thyroid (TSH), vitamin D, ferritin (iron). Do a Pap smear.

Rule #2: listen to your body. Do not endure pain. Do not attribute fatigue to "everyone lives like that". If your periods have become heavier, there are pains — do not wait, go to the doctor.

Rule #3: physical activity. 150 minutes a week — walking, swimming, yoga, dancing. This reduces the risk of breast cancer by 20%, depression by 30%.

Rule #4: healthy eating. More vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish. Less sugar, trans fats, red meat. Do not starve and do not overeat.

Rule #5: sleep 7-8 hours. The female body is particularly sensitive to lack of sleep — hormonal imbalance, weight gain, memory deterioration.

How the world celebrates 28 May

In different countries — actions. In India: free breast cancer screening camps. Mobile mammograms travel to villages. In Kenya: distributing contraceptives and teaching girls to use pads. In Brazil: flash mobs in parks — women do Kegel exercises together (fun and useful).

In Europe and the US: rallies for reproductive rights — access to abortion, contraception, decent maternity leave. In Russia: charity runs in pink T-shirts (in support of breast cancer patients). Online lectures by doctors on women's health.

On social media, a flash mob with hashtags #WomensHealthDay, #ЗдоровьеЖенщин. Women share their stories of illness so that others do not fear.

Especially for mothers

Mothers of young children often forget about themselves. The International Day of Action for Women's Health is a reminder: fatigue, irritability, hair loss, nail cracks, dental problems are not normal. Check your thyroid, hemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin D. Postpartum depression is not a shame, it is treatable.

Do not refuse help. A husband, grandmother, friend can sit with the child. Set aside an hour a week for yourself — the gym, a book, a bath. This is not egotism, this is an investment in health.

And remember: a woman's health is the health of the whole family. Children imitate their mother's habits.

Legal aspects: protection from violence

Domestic violence is also health. Bruises, broken bones, constant fear, post-traumatic stress disorder. The International Day of Action for Women's Health calls on states to adopt laws against domestic violence. There is no such law in Russia yet. But there is a criminal article for battery (Article 116 of the Criminal Code) and for torture (Article 117). If you are beaten, do not keep silent. Call 112. Document the injuries at the trauma center. File a complaint with the police.

Female circumcision is a barbaric practice in Africa and Asia. It maims millions of girls. WHO is fighting against it. 28 May is the day of information about this.

Child marriage: girls are married off at 10-12 years old, they start having children early, there is a high risk of death. The International Day of Action for Women's Health calls for an end to this practice.

Medical myths about women's health

Myth 1: Taking hormonal contraceptives is harmful, they make you fat. Truth: modern pills with low doses of hormones do not cause weight gain. Moreover, they reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Myth 2: You can feel breast cancer yourself. Truth: self-examination is ineffective. You need a mammogram after 40 years and an ultrasound before 40.

Myth 3: You have to give birth before 25, otherwise it's too late. Truth: modern medicine allows you to give birth at 40. The main thing is a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 4: Sex is not needed after menopause. Truth: it is needed and useful. Moisturizing agents and hormonal creams solve the problem of dryness.

Myth 5: Pregnant women cannot go to the dentist. Truth: they can and should. Teeth are treated from the second trimester with safe anesthetics.

How men can support

The International Day of Action for Women's Health is not just about women. Men, you can: take on some of the household chores so that your wife can sleep. Do not belittle her pain ("you're just tired"). Help with making an appointment with the doctor, allocate money for examinations. Read about the signs of a woman's heart attack and tell your wife.

If you have daughters, teach them to take care of their bodies from childhood. Do not be ashamed of menstruation, do not forbid them to talk about sex, vaccinate against HPV (after consulting with a doctor). Do not joke about "female diseases".

A partner can undergo a check-up together with his wife — this is support.

What can I do on 28 May

Make an appointment with a gynecologist or mammologist if it's been a long time. Get a chest X-ray. Take tests. Buy tampons at the pharmacy and donate them to a women's crisis center. Share a post about women's health on social media. Call your mother or friend and ask: "How's your health? Have you been to the doctor lately?".

If you are able, transfer money to a fund that helps women with breast cancer. For example, "Give Life" or "Women's Health".

If you are a doctor, conduct a free lecture or webinar. Or at least do not keep silent about the problems.

And most importantly: stop enduring. Stop thinking "it will pass by itself". Your health is in your hands.

Conclusion: do not keep silent, do not be afraid

The International Day of Action for Women's Health is not just another formal day. It's an opportunity to stop and ask yourself: "Am I okay?". Take a deep breath. Breathe out. And go to the doctor. Not tomorrow, not on Monday, but on 28 May or the week after. Because a woman is not just a mother, wife, worker. She is a person who has the right to a healthy life. Without pain, without fear, without shame.

Take care of yourself. And let 28 May be the day when you start a new, more caring chapter of your life.

Permanent link to this publication: