Women and Children's Health

Well-Woman Visit

A well-woman visit is an annual appointment focused on preventive care and counseling for women. During this visit you may receive:

Services, like vaccines, that improve overall health by preventing diseases and other problems
Screenings to check for diseases early while they may be easier to treat
Education and counseling to help you make informed decisions

Breast Cancer

No matter your age, know your breast cancer risk.

For 2024 the American Cancer Society estimates:

About 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women
About 42,250 women will die from breast cancer

Fast Facts About Breast Cancer (PDF)

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

Mammography is an X-ray exam of your breast tissue. The image it makes is called a mammogram. It can help find problems with your breasts, such as cysts or cancer. It is the best breast cancer screening tool available.

The science behind the new breast cancer screening guideline

Early detection and improvements in treatment have helped millions of women survive breast cancer.

Learn how you can earn Healthy Rewards for completing your breast cancer screening.

Cervical Cancer

For 2024 the American Cancer Society estimates:

About 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed
About 4,360 women will die from cervical cancer

More than 20% of cervical cancers are found in women over 65. However, these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65.

Fast Facts About Cervical Cancer (PDF)

Cervical cancer screening: What is it?

A Pap test looks for abnormal cells
A human papillomavirus test looks for infection with the types of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer

Learn how you can earn Healthy Rewards for completing your Pap test.

Chlamydia

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates:

1 in 20 sexually active women, aged 14-24, has Chlamydia
Most people with the infection show no symptoms or unusual physical exam findings

The CDC recommends all sexually active women get tested every year if they are:

Under the age of 25 years old
25 years and older with the following risk factors:
- New or multiple sex partners
- A partner who has tested positive for Chlamydia

CDC Detailed Fact Sheet

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by an infection. It can cause cervicitis, urethritis, and proctitis.

Chlamydia Facts from Meridian

Most people don't have symptoms. Because of this, chlamydia may not be noticed until it's passed to someone else or it causes severe problems. Left untreated, this infection may make it hard or impossible to have children.

For Teens: Understanding Chlamydia

Chlamydia infection is most common in sexually active people 24 or younger. In females, it can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

Learn how you can earn Healthy Rewards for completing your Chlamydia screening.

HPV (Human papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for the following:

Everyone through 26 years of age, starting as early as the age of 9 years, with the vaccine being most effective at ages 11-12 years.
Adults ages 27-45 years can consider discussing with their provider, whether the vaccine will benefit them or not.

HPV Vaccine: What You Need to Know

The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV.

For Teens: Understanding HPV

HPV is passed from person to person through contact with infected skin and through sexual contact. It can be hard to find. Many people never even know they have it.

Osteoporosis Management

Mayo Clinic Minute: What Women Should Know About Osteoporosis Risk

According to the CDC:

Osteoporosis is more common in women
It affects almost 1 in 5 women aged 50 and over

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones. Weakened bones are more likely to break (fracture).

Preventing Osteoporosis: Meeting Your Calcium Needs

Your body needs calcium to build and repair bones. But it can't make calcium on its own. That's why it's important to eat calcium-rich foods.

Screening for Bone Loss

Bone density testing is safe, quick, easy, and painless. It can find osteoporosis before a fracture happens. It can also measure how well treatment works.

Living with Osteoporosis: Regular Exercise

If you have osteoporosis, exercise is vital for your health. It can prevent bone fractures and spine changes. And it will slow bone loss.

Does Osteoporosis Run in Your Family?

Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 years old or older. Or for women who are 50 to 64 and have certain risk factors, which include having a parent who has broken a hip.

Ovarian Cancer

A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 87. For 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates:

About 19,680 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer
About 12,740 women will die from ovarian cancer
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)
Currently, there are no tests that diagnose ovarian cancer. That’s why it is important to listen to your body. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

These symptoms can relate to other conditions. But if they don’t go away or are new to you, contact your provider.

More information can be found on the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website.

Additional Links & References

Susan G. Komen Foundation

Foundation for Women's Cancer

It is important to keep your child’s health and growth on track. Children need a well-child visit, even when they are not sick. These visits can help uncover possible problems before they become serious.

Well-child visits are a chance to focus on your child’s wellness and growth.

Your child may be eligible for rewards for a well visit.

What to Expect at a Well-Child Visit

Talk about ways to keep your child healthy
Measure your child’s growth and development
Get information on screenings. These include vision, hearing, and dental
Education on childhood illnesses and immunizations
1 or more blood lead screenings are needed for children before their 2nd birthday

Dental visits are recommended for the first time at 1 year of age, then every 6 months after that.

Your child should have a wellness visit with the doctor at the following ages:

Birth
3 to 5 days
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months / 1 year
15 months / 1 year and 3 months
18 months / 1 year and 6 months
24 months / 2 years
30 months / 2 years and 6 months
3 years – 21 years: At least once per year

Need help finding a doctor or scheduling a visit? Use our Find a Provider tool or call our Member Services Team at 866-606-3700 (TTY: 711) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

Meridian can also help you find a ride to your child’s visit. To use this benefit, just call our transportation line at 866-796-1165. Learn more about Meridian’s transportation services.

HELPFUL LINKS

At Meridian we want your child to have the healthiest future possible. That starts with an annual visit with their doctor. During the visit their doctor will:

Give them a physical exam. This includes height, weight, vision, hearing, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure
Assess and educate your child about proper nutrition and physical activity
Make sure that they are current on their shots. They will also give booster shots for tetanus and polio, if needed. All Preteens/teenagers should also have vaccinations for human papillomavirus (HPV) starting at age nine and meningitis starting at age 11
Have a discussion with your child about growth and sexuality. The doctor’s office is a safe place to discuss their physical, emotional, and sexual health

Schedule an annual visit with your doctor today! Your teen may be eligible for member rewards for a well visit.

Need help finding a doctor or scheduling a visit? Use our Find a Provider tool or call Member Services at 866-606-3700 (TTY: 711) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

Meridian can also help you find a ride to your child’s visit. To use this benefit, just call our transportation line at 866-796-1165.