Why Women's Health Matters to Me
- zoeziegler32
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Written by Zoe Ziegler
Sources linked at bottom of page
last updated: 3/17/26
How women's health is integrated in my life
Women's health is something thats always been in my life. Growing up, I've watched my mom come home from work from her hospital after helping women deliver babies, working in the NICU all day. I always imagined myself working at her hospital one day, I've always been interested in medicine. Always naturally leaned towards learning more about medicine, whether that meant wellness to me or a deep dive on different diseases. I was the kind of kid who watched all of the medical shows I could find... ER, Good Doctor, Chicago Med, The Pitt- the list goes on.
My interest in medicine hasn't just come from TV though. It came from watching the women in my life navigate their own health adversity. My mom has faced hereditary ovarian health issues with so much grace, including endometriosis- and seeing her continue to care for others while even needing surgery to help her with the debilitating pain inspired me so much. I also remember visiting my Momom when I was younger. At the time I didn’t fully understand what her body was going through. She did not like talking about her diagnosis of breast and brain cancer, but experiencing visiting her with my dad became very meaningful moments to me that I will carry forever.
Ive always had to be aware of women's health since I was younger. When I experienced my first episode with ovarian cysts in middle school, it was a lot of pain and confusion. And it was a struggle getting a diagnosis for it months later. Im lucky to have had resources like a family filled with healthworkers, access to treatment, and knowledge. Without this awareness and people in my life able to advocate for me- these episodes would have continued to happen and get in the way of my daily life and the hobbies I enjoy since my body would pass out from the pain.
What this means for Herscreen
All of these combined experiences taught me so many things, but most importantly how scary it is to see you and other women in your life experience women's health issues. How frightening it is to not understand whats happening in your own body, or how to support the women in your life facing it around you. It makes me feel so upset how so many women around the world feel ashamed about their menstrual cycles, their breast health, reproductive conditions, and how there are so many other women's health issues that are so common- but none given the proper awareness because of how the 'macho' elements in society make these subjects seem "taboo", even though they affect millions of women. No matter what age, I want to help all women advocate for themselves and educate themselves the way they deserved since the start.
Losing my Mommom to breast and brain cancer made me realize how important early awareness and education can be. Herscreen is here as a gateway to this information and awareness that is long overdue for many women especially those in undeserved communities or anyone whos older that hasn't had the opportunity to begin her awareness journey. There is no age prerequisite for learning about your breast health and women's health overall and feeling comfortable in your health, because awareness should not start at screening age. It should start at 16.
Comments