I am hopeful we women are attentive to our health during most months; however, May 11-17 is National Women’s Health Week. Let’s use this observation as motivation to continue our lifelong quest for health. And as we move through each age and stage of life, getting the screenings we need is our best first step.
Screening tests are designed to look for diseases before you have symptoms. Most screening tests are done at your doctor’s visits, but some may require special equipment, so you might need to go to a different office.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer: Ask your doctor whether a mammogram is right for you based on your age and family history. Cervical cancer screenings are done by a Pap smear, recommended for ages 21-65, every one to three years.
Colorectal cancer: Screening begins at age 50, or maybe earlier if you have a family history with the disease.
Depression: Talk to your doctor about being screened, especially if you have felt down, sad or hopeless for longer than two weeks.
Diabetes: Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80, you have a family history or if you experience a noticeable increase in thirst and urination.
High blood pressure: Beginning at age 18, check your blood pressure every two years.
High cholesterol: Beginning at age 20, check your cholesterol regularly, especially if you are obese, use tobacco, have diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
Osteoporosis: Screening test should be done around age 65.
Overweight/obesity: The best screening test is to monitor your BMI (Body Mass Index). Calculations for BMI can be found throughout the web. A BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates normal weight.
Steps to good health: The best way to stay healthy as a woman is to participate in a healthy lifestyle. Be physically active and try to get in 10,000 steps per day. Make healthy food choices by including plant-based foods as the majority of your diet. Make three quarters of your plate fruits, vegetables, grains and/or beans. The remaining portion can be meat or protein. Get to a healthy weight and stay there. Be tobacco free.
For further questions or concerns, please visit your health care provider and enjoy www.WomensHealth.gov.
Melanie Yunger is a woman trying to stay healthy at her age!