7 Health Checks & Screenings That Women Need To Have Done Each Year
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Did you know that women are often more likely than men to experience certain health problems? This is due, in large part, to the fact that women go through so many changes in their bodies during their lifetime. Women are also more likely to experience symptoms of illness than men. So women need to know what screenings they need each year and which ones should be done more frequently.
Women's health issues can be a confusing and overwhelming subject. There are so many options and recommendations, so it's hard to know what's right for you. With that in mind, we've put together a short list of five women's health screenings that everyone should do at least once a year. If you are experiencing any symptoms or changes in your body that concern you, speak with your doctor about them immediately. Keep reading!
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The Top Preventive Screenings For Women’s Health
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01) Dental Exam
You use your teeth every day, and you probably brush your teeth at least once a day. While that will keep the risk of dental problems to a minimum, basic dental care isn't enough to keep your teeth in check. That's why scheduling an annual checkup with your friendly local dentist makes sense. Such yearly dental checks will identify gum disease and whether you need any work like fillings, crowns, or just basic cleansing from a dental hygienist.
02) Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure can increase the risk of medical conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes. It can also increase the heart's chances of weakening due to deteriorated artery walls. Similarly, low blood pressure can cause dizziness and falls and can be deadly if they occur while operating machinery at work, for instance. An annual blood pressure check will determine whether you need further diagnostic tests to identify the causes of high or low blood pressure and begin an appropriate treatment plan.
03) Diabetes Screening
Diabetes affects almost one-tenth of the U.S. population. While it's true that many people have Type 1 diabetes due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors, nine out of ten people with diabetes have Type 2 - a form of diabetes typically caused by obesity and lack of exercise. It makes sense to have an annual diabetes screening check as it will identify if you have a high blood sugar level in your body ("pre-diabetes"), and your doctor can recommend a diet and exercise plan to help you keep it down.
04) Cancer Screening
Sadly, cancer affects millions of adults and children in the United States each year. With such a high prevalence of cases, screening tests for high-risk individuals are always a good idea. For example, adult females aged 40+ should have tests to detect early signs of breast or ovarian cancer. Below are some more necessary screening tests that we highly recommend:
Colon cancer screening. This type of cancer is another common form of cancer among women. Still, it can be prevented by having regular colonoscopies starting at age 50 or 10 years before the age at which you were diagnosed with polyps or colonic inflammation (a condition called ulcerative colitis).
Breast cancer screening. This prevalent cancer accounts for 30 percent of all cancers among women. The screening includes a clinical breast exam (or breast self-exam), in which your doctor or nurse looks for any changes in your breasts. The test also consists of a mammogram (X-ray) of the breast tissue.
Skin check to detect skin cancer. A thorough skin examination is an important part of any routine physical exam. It can help detect skin cancers early and minimize damage to the patient's health. A dermatologist will check for suspicious moles and other conditions that can affect the skin, such as lupus and psoriasis.
05) Cholesterol Check
One final but very important annual health check to have done is a cholesterol test. High cholesterol levels in the blood can clog up arteries and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Thankfully, a simple blood test can check your cholesterol levels, and your doctor can help you decrease levels in your blood through simple lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise.
06) Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
These exams can help detect signs of cervical cancer — one of the most common forms of cancer among American women — as well as other abnormalities such as infections, abnormal cell growths, or pre-cancerous lesions on your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
Pap Smear. This test checks for cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It also checks for abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer later on down the line. The Pap test is one of the most important tests for women to have done regularly because it can help detect changes in the cervix before they turn into cancerous tumors, allowing doctors time to treat them before they become a problem.
Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam is one of the essential health screenings for women. It can be performed by a primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife during a gynecological exam. The American College of Obstetricians suggests women should get a pelvic exam once a year, starting at age 21. The pelvic exam checks for disease in the reproductive organs and urinary tract. These include: Cervical cancer (a common cause of death among women in developing countries) and Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths on the uterus.)
07) Bone Density Test
Bone density testing is a simple, painless test that measures the strength of your bones. It helps determine if you are at increased risk for fractures and may be used to screen for osteoporosis. The results can determine if you have osteopenia (deterioration) or osteoporosis (a severe condition that causes bones to become weak). It's recommended that women over 65 have this screening every two years. Women under 65 who are considered at high risk for developing osteoporosis should also have the test every two years as well as after menopause.
These seven health checks are crucial to a healthy lifestyle, and with them you can enjoy the years to come with more energy and vitality!
ABOUT FOUNDER & EDITOR
Je’Ana C. has been writing diverse content for clients and her own website for four years. She provides photography, ghostwriting, coaching, and content creation. Her educational background in the English Language & Humanities has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics. Her writing skills may be confirmed independently on shadesoftatiana.com.
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