Healthy Moms : What Exams Should You Have and When You Should Have Them
Compiled by Jeanne Coates
“ In the event of an emergency , please put on your oxygen mask before assisting others .”
We have all heard this warning , but I know so many women who do not put their health in the forefront . It is hard – there are lunches to make and carpools to drive , work to get completed and groceries to buy . But it is important that you take care of yourself by making sure you get these milestone exams in addition or at your annual wellness exam .
Age 20 : Annual Exam to include a heart workup . Heart health should be checked every 4-6 years starting at age 20 . Cholesterol should be checked and be monitored and remedied as quickly as possible if it is high . This annual exam will also allow doctors to keep an eye on your blood pressure and weight .
Age 21 : It is recommended that all women get pap smears starting at this age . Sure , it ’ s a little uncomfortable , but this cervical cancer screening is vital . This is recommended every 3 years ( or 5 years after age 30 ) until you are 65 . You should also discuss the HPV test with your doctor or nurse . If you are sexually active , ask your doctor if you should be screened for sexually transmitted infections . talk with your doctor or nurse about your family history . Women with a strong family history of certain cancers may benefit from genetic counseling and BRCA testing .
Depression Screening : Talk to your health care team if during the last 2 weeks you have felt down , sad or hopeless and have little interest and don ’ t feel pleasure in doing things .
Diabetes : Get screened for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or take medication for high blood pressure . If left unchecked , high blood sugar can cause problems with your heart , brain , eyes , feet , kidneys , nerves and other other body parts .
Hepatits C Virus ( HCV ): Get screened one time for HCV infection if you were born between 1945 and 1965 , you have ever injected drugs or if you received a blood transfusion before 1992 .
Age 40 : Starting in your 40 ’ s , your healthcare provider will perform yearly breast exams – visually and manually . This usually happens at your annual obgyn exam . Talk to your doctor about when and how frequently you should have mammograms .
Age 50 : At 50 , you should talk to your doctor about a colon cancer screening . There are several new ways of screening , and you may not be required to have a colonoscopy .
Age 65 : This is a good time to be screened for osteoporosis , which is usually done by a Bone Density Tests . This is a painless exam .
Additional Screenings to be Aware of :
BRCA 1 and 2 Genes : If you have family history of breast , ovarian or peritoneal cancer ,
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