In the month of May, women are celebrated for the many roles they play and are reminded to make time for their own health and wellbeing. If you have not already done so, women are urged to visit their health care professional for a check up and preventative screenings. The US Dept. of Health and Human Services offers an interactive health screening tool at www.womenshealth.gov. You can view the guidelines by age and area of health. Screenings include:
- General Health visit every 1 to 3 years unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. Have your height and weight checked to make sure that your body mass index (BMI) is within healthy limits. Thirty-five percent of women age 20 and older are obese. You can calculate your BMI at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.
- Blood pressure should be tested by a medical professional once every 1 to 2 years if your blood pressure is normal (less than 120/less than 80). If it is not, your doctor will recommend how often it should be checked. For a healthy heart, Cholesterol should also be checked. Start at age 20 and then, if normal, every 5 years after that.
- Blood Sugar should be measured every 3 years beginning at age 45. This is essential for early detection and treatment of diabetes.
- A Reproductive Health check-up, including a pap test and pelvic exam every 1 to 3 years, starting at age 18, or sooner if you are sexually active. Also during your check-up are tests for Chlamydia and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Have a breast exam yearly by a health care provider, and perform monthly self examinations. Most women have a baseline mammogram at age 40 and then every 1 to 2 years thereafter. If you have risk factors, such as family history or smoking, your doctor may suggest a baseline earlier. Early detection of breast cancer is critical!
- Thyroid tests help determine whether your thyroid may be under- or overactive. A baseline should be done at age 35 and, if the result is normal, every 5 years after that.
- Bone mineral density measures your risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Starting at age 40 you should discuss your risk factors with your doctor.
- Colorectal screenings usually begin at age 50. A colonoscopy usually begins between ages 50 and 64 and occurs every 10 years. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, after lung and breast cancer.
- Have a dental exam and cleaning at least yearly, preferably every 6 months, to prevent and detect cavities or other problems with your teeth, gums, tongue and mouth. Poor oral health is also associated with many diseases and conditions that affect women such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases, stroke and low birth-weight, and premature births.
- Vision exams, if you do not have vision problems, should occur every 2 to 4 years to check for glaucoma or other eye problems. Hearing tests should occur about every 10 years until age 50, when your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screening.
- Conduct a mole self-exam monthly. Report any changes in mole shape or color to your healthcare provider immediately. Starting at age 20, and every 3 years until age 40, and yearly after 40, have an examination by a doctor to screen for skin cancer.
- Speak with your doctor about immunizations for the flu, tetanus, and chickenpox.
Remember that these are general guidelines; if you have any specific health concerns you may need more frequent screenings. In addition, women should eat a nutritious diet and get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Also incorporate strength training for healthy bones. Avoid risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt. Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. In other words ladies, take care of your self; you deserve it!
Sources: US Dept. of Health and Human Services, LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.
