Health is a complex, multi-faceted issue. Women wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle have to juggle a number of factors – exercise, diet, and stress management. Getting regular screenings can help with keeping tabs on health. Routine preventative procedures can be vital for finding and treating illness early. Conditions that are treated early are less likely to be life threatening in the long run. There are ten simple procedures that all women should have.
Blood Pressure.
Women should have their blood pressure checked every two years. The ideal levels are 120/80 – in pressure of blood being pumped into and out of your heart. A high blood pressure can lead to other health problems like heart attack or stroke. Most insurers cover blood pressure screenings. If they do not, however, there are other options, such as free clinics.
Cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood and around organs that acts as a lubricant. Cholesterol can either be good or bad, the bad turning into a sturdy deposit in arteries that blocks proper blood flow. Testing should occur at least once every five years and requires nothing more than a blood sample. The optimal levels for cholesterol are 200 mg/dL.
Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams
Women aged 21, or those who have been sexually active at a younger age, should get tested every two years to check for anomalies in the reproductive system. A pap smear can find any irregular changes in cervical cells that can lead to cancer. Tests can also be done to determine the presence of STD’s.
Mammograms.
Starting at age 20, women should get a breast exam every three years. After 40, they should be examined every year. These tests are an essential part to the discovery of breast cancer. A doctor will manually examine the breasts for any lumps or growths in the tissue. Mammograms involve compression of the breasts in order to capture X-ray images. As mammary tissue is particularly susceptible to cancerous growth, early testing is suggested.
Bone Density.
After the age of 65, women should receive bone density screenings. During menopause, women lose a significant amount of their ability to produce calcium. The test involves X-rays that show the quality of bone structure.
Blood Glucose.
Glucose levels are a primary indicator of diabetes. It is suggested that women receive a test every three years starting at the age of 45. However, risk factors such as weight, sudden extreme weight loss, and family history can have an effect on frequency of testing. Normal blood sugar levels should be between 70-120 mg/dL.
Colon Exam.
These cancer screenings usually start at age 50 and conducted every 5 to 10 years thereafter. Depending on the type of exam, the procedure will happen either at a doctor’s office or in a hospital. Virtual exams are a viable option and are less invasive than more traditional methods.
Body Mass Index.
BMI indicates obesity, which can cause a number of health complications like diabetes and heart disease. BMI can be tested from home with an online BMI calculator.
Skin Exam.
Women should check their skin every month starting at age 18. After age 20, a doctor or dermatologist can check as part of a routine physical exam. The exam is used to detect any cancerous growth on the skin.
Dental Check.
Dental health is important for both adults and children. Recently, the presence of gingivitis has been linked to serious health issues like heart disease. Maintaining dental health can prevent such issues from developing and usually involves either a visual examination or an X-ray for more advanced analysis.
These ten exams are foundational to staying healthy and are considered preventative care. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you might have regarding exams or any other health issue. The more question you ask, the better a doctor can take care of you.
Also, to find out more about getting cancer screenings paid for with cancer insurance check out http://www.cancerinsuranceinfo.com
Tags: blood pressure screenings, breast cancer, breast exam, cancer tests, cervical cells, fatty substance, pap smear, pap smears, pressure women, proper blood flow