Dr. DeFilippo on prioritizing women’s wellness

Listen to the full interview on Radio Catskill’s websiteMay marked National Women’s Health Month—a time dedicated to encouraging women to focus on their well-being through regular checkups, preventive screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.

To raise awareness, Dr. Caroline DeFilippo, Medical Director of Primary Care at Optum Medical, spoke with Radio Catskill about the unique health challenges women faced, including heart disease, maternal health, and menopause. She noted that many conditions, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, often went undetected without routine screenings.

Dr. DeFilippo emphasized the importance of holistic care, which included staying active, eating well, avoiding smoking, and prioritizing mental health. She acknowledged that many women juggled numerous responsibilities and often neglected their own needs.

“Please treat your body well. Treat it kindly and take care of it—it’s all we get, and we get one shot to do this right,” she said.

She also addressed barriers in the healthcare system, especially for underserved communities, and advocated for more accessible, streamlined care that made women feel safe and supported.