This week, we observe National Women’s Health Week (May 14–20) as an opportunity to encourage women to make their health a priority by staying active, eating healthy, taking care of their mental health, getting enough rest, and managing stress.

Women have health needs that expand beyond routine obstetric health and annual well-woman exams. Women’s health also encompasses adolescent care, reproductive health, infertility, high-risk and critical obstetric care, mental health, oncology, bone health, post-menopausal care, surgical care, and so much more.

At the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), we make women’s health a priority by providing a complete range of services for every stage of a woman’s life — from primary to prenatal care, from consults to reconstructive surgery, and from the simplest to the most complex of needs at any age. All aspects of women’s health are covered by highly-trained and experienced providers.

In some areas of our country, even women who recognize the importance of routine health care are unable to access such services because they lack the means. To improve access for women across our service areas, UTMB operates five Women’s HealthCare Clinics that allow for same-day appointments and quick referrals to subspecialties in women’s health. We also have a breast health and imaging center and a pelvic health and urogynecology location. In addition, through a partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, we plan to open an outpatient center to treat cancer — one of the leading causes of death in women — on the Health League City Campus in 2018.

This National Women’s Health Week, UTMB and other essential hospitals across the country will continue working to ensure women receive the health care they need. We urge women to schedule a well-woman visit to discuss their health habits with a doctor, schedule preventive screenings, and set health goals for the future. Make your health a priority — you’re worth the investment

Alvarez is an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UTMB Health.