Most women are givers, meaning they nurture everyone else around them and leave very little energy for their own care. And if you want to be a good caregiver, make sure to put your own health and wellbeing first. Besides focusing on exercise, a good diet and stress management, it’s crucial to book regular health exams that will help you detect potential issues in advance, ensuring fast and easy treatment. Proper health screenings can save lives and spare you intense recovery and unnecessary expenses. So, woman to woman, here are some of the most important health screenings you must never skip:
Osteoporosis screenings
Women are more prone to osteoporosis or bone weakening with age. Ladies over the age of 65 should check their bone density regularly. This is a regular checkup that can put you in the right direction as early as possible and ensure bone breaking and deterioration later in life.
Cervical cancer screenings
Women’s healthcare providers always recommend regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. Pelvic exams are recommended once a year after you become sexually active, and Pap smears are recommended at least once every three years between 21 and 65 years of age. Both exams are relatively painless and involve the use of a speculum to examine the vulva and vagina, and take cells from the cervix to analyze. If there are some abnormal cells, you will catch reproductive organ diseases early and start therapy immediately.
Breast cancer exams
Regular breast exams have already saved millions of lives all over the world. Self-exams and regular mammograms are essential for patients with a family history of breast cancer. If you book an exam with your health provider, you will receive a tactile exam and lessons on how to perform a self-check at home when taking a shower or moisturizing. At least once a month, it’s crucial to check your breasts for any lumps, wounds and changes in shape. More comprehensive exams like mammograms are also necessary every two years for women over the age of 45.
A mammogram is an essential screening for breast cancer through x-ray imaging. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns might start their screenings earlier and more frequently. Surgery might be the only solution if the tumor is discovered in its later stage. But experts like dr Omar Rashid offer excellent breast-conserving surgery that will remove the issue while also conserving as much breast tissue as possible.
Skin checkups
As you perform your daily skincare, take a careful look at your skin. Examine your body for new moles, changes in known moles, any redness or wounds that won’t heal. All of these can be signs of something not being right. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family or if you practice regular prolonged sun exposure, make sure to book a yearly in-office exam.
Blood pressure checks
In most cases, women’s healthcare providers recommend all women to have their blood pressure taken every two to five years. This practice measures the strain on the heart and blood vessels, and it can be regulated with changes in habits and medication. In case your doctor discovers any changes in the blood pressure, you might need diet changes, exercise and meds. If left untreated, though, high blood pressure can put you at risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. Women older than 40, Black women and overweight women are usually at higher risk of hypertension so they might require more regular checkups.
Cholesterol analysis
Women over the age of 20 might want to have their blood cholesterol levels checked once every five years. Cholesterol is a good indicator of the risk of heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. In general, you want your cholesterol levels to be lower than 200 mg/dl. Women who are at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke might want to consult with their doctor and set up a good blood test schedule.
Dental checkups
Dental care is essential throughout one’s life, but some women are at bigger risk of dental issues. For instance, pregnant women and women in menopause often report issues with teeth and gums. With regular checkups once a year, your dentist can catch cavities, inflammations and other issues early on and ensure fast solutions.
As a woman, you need to take your health into your own hands and invest time into regular exams. This is the only way to ensure long-term health and stay happy and healthy long into the future.
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
