Women's Essential Health Screenings

There is that familiar old saying "A woman works is never done."  As women we have so many things to do, take care of the family, full time job, part-time job, some us go to school, and the list goes on and on.

We get so busy with all these tasks that we forget about ourselves.  One thing to remember is that there is NO reason why we should feel guilty if we think about ourselves first.

So, no matter how busy, every woman should make time for healthy habits, and that's not just exercising and eating right. There are seven routine health screenings that are essential for women.

The seven screenings are:

1. Heart Disease -Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States.  Get your blood pressure test and lab test for cholesterol and glucose.
2.  Mammogram - The National Cancer Institute recommends that women age 40 or older should have screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years.  Earlier if there is family history.  Ask your health provider.
3. Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam - You need a Pap test if you are 21 years or older.  Women who have gone through menopause still need regular Pap tests.  Women ages 65 and older can talk to their doctor about stopping after at least 3 normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last 10 years.
4. Colonoscopy - Beginning at age 50, both men and women should have a colonoscopy to find colon polyps and cancer.  Earlier than 40 if there is family history.  Ask your health care provider. 
5. Thyroid Test -  Medical experts are now recommending thyroid screening for anyone over 35 years old. These kinds of tests may be done every five years according to regular guidelines to see if the thyroid is working properly. 
6. Bone Density Test - Doctors recommend that all women age 65 and older and people age 60 and over with risk factors for developing osteoporosis.
7. Skin Check for Melanoma -  Skin is the biggest organ in our body and most of the time we take it for granted. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self examination of  their skin,

This list might look long, but the majority of these test can be done by using one tube of blood, so that's one doctor's visit. You have to take care of yourself first to be able to take care of your family and everything else.  The motto we try to live by is:  Better Health ~ Better Life.

Stay Healthy Mujeres!!!