Celebrate Women’s Health Week by making your health and well-being a top priority! This year, National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day, May 10th, and runs through May 16th. The focus of this health week is on empowering women to prioritize their physical and mental health through screenings and healthy habits.
Annual appointments with your primary care doctor are important. Yearly exams and tests are vital because they can help doctors detect diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Finding problems early can often be the key to successful treatment of many health conditions.
Prioritize Health Screenings
Here is a list of 7 important health screenings for women.
- Clinical Breast Exam – This simple test, performed by your family doctor, nurse, or PA, may be able to detect lumps or other signs of breast cancer. Breast exams improve the chances of finding breast cancer early, and the earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
- Blood Pressure Tests – Check Your Blood Pressure – High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. You can get your blood pressure checked at your family medical office, a pharmacy with a digital measurement machine, or at home with a personal BP monitoring kit.
- Mammogram – A mammogram is an essential screening test for women over 40. This radiological test is used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms offer the best chance of finding breast cancer early, sometimes long before a lump can be felt.
- Pelvic Exam & PAP Smear – A pelvic exam is performed once a year to check the cervix, vulva, and vagina for signs of infection, disease, fibroids, or cysts. Often, a PAP smear – cervical cancer screening – will be done at the time of your annual pelvic exam. This test is used to detect any signs of cervical cancer so that your doctor can possibly prevent or treat the cancer from developing.
- Skin Cancer Check – Changes in moles or the appearance of new growths may be signs of skin cancer. During a skin cancer exam, a healthcare professional will check your skin for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in size, color, shape, or texture.
- Colonoscopy or FIT test – This test is recommended once every ten years for women over 45. Colonoscopies are used to detect colon cancer, polyps, and other growths.
- Cholesterol Tests – Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. It’s estimated that about 1 in 16 women age 20 and older has coronary heart disease. Knowing your cholesterol levels can help you stay in control of your heart health. You should get your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years.
Health screening recommendations from your primary care provider may vary based on your family medical history, age, and overall health status. Your family doctor will review all your risk factors and recommend the screenings they find appropriate for you.
Prioritize Prevention
They say “Prevention is the best medicine,” and it’s true! Focusing on preventive healthcare through healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise, healthy eating, getting vaccinated, and getting health screenings, can make a big impact on your health.
Exercise! Go for a walk, play a physical game, exercise along with your favorite YouTuber, or whatever moves you! Studies show that getting 30 minutes of exercise a day can improve your mood and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean meats and maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Vaccinations are not just for kids! Staying current with routine vaccinations is the best way to prevent many diseases that were once common. Immunization helps prevent catching and spreading serious illnesses that could result in poor health, medical bills, missed work, and not being able to care for your family. You should talk to your primary care physician to make sure you are current with all the recommended vaccinations for your age group.
Prioritize your Emotional and Mental Health
Staying mentally active by learning new skills. Keeping a positive frame of mind is important. Engaging in social activities and maintaining social connections can all contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Invite family or friends over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Participate in community activities or take a class that interests you. Seek professional therapy for issues you are struggling with.
It’s never too late to start working towards being the healthiest you! Women’s Health Week is the perfect time to take steps to take control of your health. Whether you have health concerns or it’s just time for your annual visit, contact the caring professionals at River Bend Medical Associates for an appointment today. At River Bend Medical Associates, we care about women’s health, and as part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our medical practice, or to make an appointment, contact River Bend Medical Associates or call 916-392-4000.
