National Women’s Check-Up Day is May 9th, and it’s important to understand the different exams that women should be doing on a regular basis. Some of these exams may seem routine, but they are vitally important in detecting health problems before they become serious. In this blog post, we will discuss the different exams that women should obtain as well as how frequently they should be done. So, mark National Women’s Check-Up Day on your calendar and make sure you schedule all of your necessary appointments!
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to get regular check-ups and screenings. These help to find problems early when they may be easier to treat. Below are some of the exams women should have on a routine basis.
Blood pressure checks: High blood pressure can precede heart attacks and strokes, so it’s important to get it checked regularly. You should have your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. For those age 40 or older or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, you should have it checked more often.
Cholesterol checks: All adults aged 20 or older should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. If your cholesterol levels are high, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of early heart disease, you may need to get it checked more often.
Mammograms: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It can find tumors that are too small to feel. All women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every one to two years. However, monthly women should perform self-breast exams, monitoring for lumps, bumps or any other changes.
Pap Smear: A Pap Smear Test is a way to find changes in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These changes can be early signs of cancer. All women aged 21 and older should have a Pap test at least every three years. If you are age 30 or older, you may be able to get a Pap test every five years if it is combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV).
Bone density test: A bone density test measures how much calcium is in your bones. It can find osteoporosis, which is when bones become thin and weak. Women aged 65 and older should have a bone density test. If you are younger than 65 and at high risk for osteoporosis, you may also need a test.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test to find cancer in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can also find polyps, which are growths that may become cancer. Starting at age 45, both men and women should have a colonoscopy every ten years. If you have other risk factors for colon cancer, you may need to get it more often.
As you can see, there are many different exams that women should be getting on a regular basis. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you and how often you should be getting them. And don’t forget to schedule your appointments on National Women’s Check-Up Day!
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