Too often, women put their health on hold juggling work, family, caregiving, and everyday life. Annual checkups get pushed back. Preventive screenings are delayed. And warning signs go unnoticed until something becomes urgent.
National Women’s Checkup Day is a chance to press pause and put yourself first. Observed each year on the Monday of National Women’s Health Week, this day is a reminder that preventive care matters not just once something feels wrong, but as a regular part of staying well.
Whether it’s your first physical in years or a follow-up to keep an existing condition in check, a women’s health visit can catch issues early, track important changes, and offer peace of mind. And with walk-in access and compassionate care, +MEDRITE Urgent Care makes it easier than ever to take that step.
This National Women’s Health Week, let’s make time for ourselves, our wellness, and the care we deserve.
What Is National Women’s Checkup Day?
National Women’s Checkup Day was launched in 2003 as part of National Women’s Health Week, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal? Encourage women to prioritize their health through regular checkups, screenings, and preventive care.
Over time, this day has become more than just a calendar observance it’s a call to action. It’s about scheduling that overdue appointment, reviewing your wellness goals, and addressing health concerns before they become serious.
Whether it’s a blood pressure check, a conversation about menopause, a pap test, or lab work for diabetes, National Women’s Health Day encourages women of all ages to take control of their health journey.
It’s also a powerful reminder that care doesn’t have to be complicated. With local options like +MEDRITE, you can receive high-quality checkups without long waits or referral hoops just thoughtful, expert care when you need it.
Key Components of a Women’s Preventive Visit
Preventive care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It evolves with age, life stage, and personal health needs. That’s why understanding what to expect during a women’s wellness visit helps reduce anxiety and encourages proactive care. From routine vitals to specific screenings, each part of the exam is designed to protect your long-term health and well-being.
What Is a Well Woman Exam?
A well woman exam is a yearly visit that focuses specifically on a woman’s reproductive and overall health. Unlike a general physical, it includes screenings tailored to female anatomy, hormones, and risk factors. These visits help with early detection and provide space for important conversations about birth control, menstruation, fertility, or menopause.
What is included in a well woman exam?
- Blood pressure, height, and weight measurements
- Medical and family history review
- Contraceptive counseling and pregnancy planning
- Breast exam or referral for mammogram (age-dependent)
- Pap test and pelvic exam (based on age and health history)
- STI testing and education
- Immunizations or boosters, as needed
What Happens at a Physical for a Woman?
An annual physical exam checklist for females includes broader health screenings, beyond reproductive care. This exam supports disease prevention and tracks how your health is changing over time.
Here’s what a standard female physical may include:
- Vital signs check (blood pressure, heart rate, respiration)
- Full-body exam: lungs, heart, abdomen, reflexes, skin
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- Bone density scan (age 50+)
- Mental health screening (e.g., for anxiety or depression)
- Review of lifestyle habits like sleep, nutrition, and exercise
Annual Gynecological Exams
Gynecological exams focus on reproductive health and often occur as part of a well woman visit. These exams are essential for detecting early signs of cervical, uterine, or breast conditions.
Typical components include:
- Pap smear (every 3 years starting at age 21, or more often based on risk)
- Pelvic exam to assess reproductive organs for abnormalities
- Breast exam to check for lumps, discharge, or changes in tissue
These visits also provide time to discuss menstrual irregularities, hormonal changes, and concerns about pain or sexual health.
Where Can I Get a Physical Done Near Me?
If you’re wondering where to schedule your next physical or women’s health visit, the good news is that help may be closer than you think. +MEDRITE Urgent Care provides convenient, walk-in access to preventive care services at locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
While well woman exams are currently offered only at our 5th Avenue (Thursdays) and Astoria location, our medical teams across all clinics are experienced in women’s health and can assist with a variety of services, including routine annual physicals, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and more.
Whether you’re in New York, New Jersey, or Florida, you can still visit a nearby +MEDRITE for general checkups and discuss next steps for more specialized care. Our goal is to make staying on top of your health easy and accessible wherever you are.
By making checkups easy to access, we help ensure you don’t have to delay care even when life gets busy.
How to Prepare for Your Next Annual Visit
Walking into your annual women’s health appointment with a little preparation can help you get the most out of your time with your provider.
Here’s how to get ready:
- Bring a list of medications you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements).
- Know your family health history, especially regarding heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
- Prepare questions about symptoms, menstrual changes, birth control, or mental health.
- Track your wellness goals, such as sleep, weight, exercise, or mood patterns.
- Bring insurance and ID, and make note of the date of your last Pap smear, mammogram, or bloodwork.
Still wondering what a well-woman exam includes? In short, it’s a personalized checkup focused on your full-body and reproductive health. It’s designed to keep you informed, protected, and in control of your long-term wellness.
Take Action: Celebrate Women’s Health Today
National Women’s Checkup Day is a chance to turn awareness into action for yourself and others. Make a plan to check in on your health, encourage a friend to do the same, or share information to support a loved one who might be putting their care on hold.
Small steps matter. A single visit can lead to early detection, peace of mind, or support you didn’t know you needed.
Make your health a priority this National Women’s Checkup Day. Visit +MEDRITE’s 5th Avenue (Thursdays) or Astoria location for a well woman exam or stop by any of our other clinics across NY, NJ, and FL for a routine physical. No appointment needed, just walk in when it works for you.