Why Women’s Health Needs to Be a Boardroom Priority, According to Liz Bradford

In a recent LinkedIn post, Liz Bradford discusses the critical need to elevate women’s health issues, particularly during midlife, to a central position in both personal awareness and corporate strategy. Bradford, highlighting her team’s presence at TEDxTinHau Women, observed that despite their prominent placement, many senior women still feel uncertain about their own bodies and health needs.

Bradford shared an anecdote from the event, stating:

“That second one [What do I still want to know?] stings. Smart, senior women. Running teams, budgets and households. Still guessing about their own bodies.”

This observation, Bradford argues, underscores a significant gap in understanding and addressing women’s health throughout their lives, a gap that has tangible economic and personal costs.

The High Cost of Neglected Women’s Health

Bradford points to compelling data to illustrate the impact of this oversight. She references findings from the McKinsey Health Institute, which indicate that women experience 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men. Furthermore, she highlights a Fawcett Society survey revealing that a substantial number of women who experience menopause symptoms have had to leave their jobs because of them.

According to Bradford, this situation represents a significant loss of talent and expertise:

“That’s talent walking out of the building.”

She contends that women’s health must therefore be a priority at every life stage and on every public platform, from boardrooms to major events.

Integrating Women’s Health into Corporate and Personal Planning

Bradford emphasizes that a holistic view of health is essential, noting the interconnectedness of bodily systems over time. She uses the analogy of building reserves:

“The muscle and bone you build in your 30s is the reserve you draw on in your 50s.”

This perspective suggests that proactive health management at earlier stages is crucial for well-being in later life. Bradford asserts that if women’s health is not actively discussed and planned for in professional environments, it will remain an afterthought.

Actionable Steps for Individuals

To empower women to take greater control of their health, Bradford suggests three practical steps individuals can implement within a week:

• Tracking personal metrics: Monitor menstrual cycles, sleep patterns, and mood for 30 days to gather data, even if immediate changes aren’t apparent.
• Strength training: Engage in lifting heavy objects twice a week, framing it as building essential ‘muscle and bone pension’.
• Understanding HR policies: Inquire with HR departments about the specifics of menopause support provided by the company.

Bradford frames these actions as ‘small moves’ that yield ‘real data’ and contribute to a ‘louder voice in the room’.

A Call for Broader Recognition

Concluding her post, Liz Bradford makes a powerful statement about the scope of women’s health, arguing that it is not a niche issue but a fundamental aspect of the population.

“Women’s health isn’t a niche. It’s half the room.”

She encourages readers to seek clarity on their health through resources like the Maia midlife clarity assessment and to follow her for evidence-based strategies on performance, recovery, and body composition.