Healthy Women, Healthy World? embodies the fact that as custodians of family health, women play a critical role in maintaining the health and well being of their communities. Maternal conditions are leading causes of death and disability among women. But has someone ever broken it down into doable steps? Do women in person know which health services to avail and which test to get done when?
Here’s a ready guide for women’s health which includes which tests to get done and what aspects should be taken care of in order to prevent diseases in a long run :
In Your 20’s
Doctors to Visit
- Primary Care Physician :
- Blood pressure tests – every two years if normal, more often if abnormal.
- Cholesterol tests – every five years if normal, more often if abnormal.
- Fasting Glucose tests – every two to three years if normal, more often if abnormal.
- Gynaecologist :
- Pelvic Exams – every one to three years
- Pap Smears – every two to three years if normal, more often if abnormal, to screen for cervical cancer.
- STD screenings – every year that you’re sexually active with more than one partner.
- Dermatologist :
- Body Scan – once a year (more often if indicated by the doctor to detect signs of skin cancer.
- Dentist :
- Examination and cleaning – every six months
Continue these appointments in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
Diet
Discuss your diet with your primary care doctor, as well as tips on how to maintain a healthy weight.
Birth Control
If interested, ask your gynaecologist which method will best fit your lifestyle and what risks and side-effects are associated with each type.
In Your 30’s
Doctor’s to Visit
- Primary Care Physician :
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose tests – every two years if normal, more often if abnormal.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH) at age 35, then every few years after that, to check for an underactive or overactive thyroid.
- Gynaecologist :
- Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears – every three years now (if normal) as opposed to every two years in your 20s
Continue these appointments in your 40s and 50s.
Babies
If interested, ask your gynaecologist if you are in proper health to conceive, how to determine when you’re ovulating, and what your options are of your have trouble getting pregnant.
Vaccinations
Ask your primary care doctor if your immunizations are up-to-date. Every ten years, update your vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough.
In Your 40’s
Doctor’s to Visit
- Gynaecologist :
- Mammogram – once a year, your gynecologist will refer you for a mammogram for breast cancer screening.
- Dentist :
- Mouth Cancer Screening – an examination of your mouth for any signs of possible mouth cancer, which is more likely to strike after age 40.
Bone Loss
Discuss ways to guard against bone loss with your primary care doctor.
Cancer Screenings
Breast, cervical, ovarian, colon, and endometrial cancer risks rise at this age. So gynaecological exams every three years and yearly mammograms are essential. Ask your doctor about how to perform a breast self exam in between annual mammograms.
In Your 50’s
Doctors to Visit
- Gynaecologist :
- Bone Density Test – If recommended, your gynaecologist will refer you to a facility where bone density tests are administered by a radiological technician to check for osteoporosis.
- Gastroenterologist :
- Colonoscopy – every ten years, your primary care physician will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a rectal screening.
Osteoporosis
Discuss with your doctor whether you’re at a high risk for osteoporosis and should be tested earlier for bone loss.
Menopause
Discuss the signs of menopause with your doctor, and the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy and other treatments for your symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer
Women in their 50s face an increased risk of colorectal cancers. Discuss your diet and lifestyle with your doctor.
Hope these help. Share this information with women in your family and friends circle too.
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