Paul Thomas MD Speaking at Women’s Health in the Workplace Conference

I have the honor of speaking on an upcoming panel about women’s health screenings — and wow, I have a lot of thoughts!

First, health isn’t just “not being sick.” The WHO defines it as complete physical, mental, and social well-being — and that good health lets you live fully, productively, and joyfully.

The building blocks? 🧱

📌 Healthy environments – clean air/water, safe housing, good transit
📌 Social & economic supports – education, income, community safety
📌 Clinical care – access + quality
📌 Healthy habits – no smoking, moderate alcohol, good nutrition, exercise

Here’s the big shocker:

The #1 cause of death in adult women is cardiovascular disease ❤️ (heart attacks + strokes) — not breast cancer.

In fact, cardiovascular disease ❤️ kills 14x more women than breast cancer.

High blood pressure is the top risk factor.

What to do:
✅ Yearly checkup with your primary care doctor
✅ Annual BP + cholesterol checks
✅ 30 min of vigorous exercise daily
✅ Low-salt, whole-food diet

Screenings still matter:

⚕️ Mammogram yearly starting at 40
⚕️ Pap smear every 3–5 yrs from 21–65
💉 HPV vaccine series
🦴 DEXA at 65+ (or earlier if needed)
⚕️ Colonoscopy from 40–75 every 5–10 yrs
🫁 Low-dose CT if long smoking history

Ladies — your heart health is your greatest asset. Protect it. 💪❤️

— Your Primary Care Doctor