You understand how important it is to take care of your health and well-being. So you try to eat healthy, remain active, and take time to rest and relax while handling your daily duties at work and home. But there is still one more vital task that should be a part of your daily routine for health and well-being: keeping abreast of women’s preventive care and health tests.
Setting up a doctor’s appointment despite your busy schedule is essential, especially since it can be integral for your health in the long run. A preventive care plan made in light of the results of a women’s wellness exam is worthwhile because of the benefits to your health and peace of mind.
If you are still skeptical about whether or not to invest in preventive care, continue reading to learn more about preventive screenings for women of all ages and stages of life.
Why Is It Important for Women to Sign Up for Preventive Care Plans
The best way to treat conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers is to detect them early through preventive health care. Years of data gathering and research have shown that the risk of the number of ailments increases with age.
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor once a year. Typically, the clinic will send you a reminder a few weeks before your next yearly checkup. These preventive checkups/screenings will help you detect diseases early.
Additionally, most insurance plans cover preventive screenings and care, even if your deductible has not been met yet. To ensure that you are aware of what is covered, be sure to verify with your insurance company.
However, prevention and treatment becomes easier with the early diagnosis of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Naturally, taking care of health problems as soon as they arise reduces your risk of developing further health problems and helps in starting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Be Mindful of Your Preventive Care-Here’s How
Here are some of the most important things that you need to keep in mind if you want to practice preventive measures in your everyday life:
Know the Medicines You Take
Carefully read the labels, follow the instructions, and let your doctor or pharmacist know if you’re taking any other drugs or dietary supplements that could change how your current prescriptions work to protect you.
For example, to lower your risk of unpleasant side effects or prescription interactions, you should also inform your doctor if you take any illegal or recreational drugs. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions about possible side effects.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
While there is no universally accepted safe drinking limit for women, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has set a limit of one drink per day. Remember that the alcohol content of each type of beverage varies.
Monitor Calcium Intake
Consume a lot of calcium-rich foods like milk and other dairy products and beverages that have been fortified with minerals and contain Omega-3 to maintain strong bones. Speak to your physician before beginning calcium supplements.
Annual Preventive Screenings Every Woman Should Get
Let’s take a look at some critical preventive screenings every woman needs to schedule annually:
Well-Women Exams
At the well-women visit, it is appropriate to raise questions about irregular periods, infertility, and other obstetrics and gynecological issues. Complete physicals and a focus on women’s preventive care are necessary for well-women visits.
HPV Testing
The most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in Americans is the human papillomavirus. The HPV test looks for the virus thought to alter cervix cells in a manner that may result in cancer.
Birth Control or Contraceptives
Birth control is a part of family planning or contraception. It delays getting pregnant until you and your partner are ready to start a family. There are numerous birth control options. It is essential to discuss those options with your gynecologist.
Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure can cause a heart attack, stroke, eye problems, and renal problems if left unchecked. This is why you must get regular checkups for your blood pressure, even if you do not have a family history or underlying symptoms.
Depending on age and health status, women should have their blood pressure monitored at various intervals.
- Women over the age of 18 who have normal blood pressure and no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease should get their blood pressure checked at least once every two to five years.
- Women aged 40 and older, or younger with an elevated risk of hypertension should get their blood pressure checked annually. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing hypertension include being overweight and/or being African-American.
- Women with preexisting illnesses, including hypertension, hypotension, or cardiovascular disease should have their blood pressure checked more frequently.
Schedule a Wellness Exam With Us
Women should address any health concerns they have before they get out of hand because the goal is not just to live longer but also to do so comfortably. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a full-time student, or a hardworking professional, you need to take a keen interest in your preventive care.
If you stick to the advice of medical professionals, you’ll be able to detect and avoid many health problems affecting modern women. There is never a better time to take control of your health than right now.
To schedule a preventive screening, reach out to one of our health-care specialists at Imperial Center Family Medicine to learn how preventive care can help you.