MOMS HEALTH:
MEDICAL TESTS EVERY WOMAN NEEDS /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
AS A MOM, chances are your to-do list is longer than the Great Wall of China, so you may be tempted to let necessary medical tests slip by the wayside. Don’t let that happen… be proactive when it comes to your health. Aſter all, no one else can handle the nose wiping, homework checking, bath giving, dinner making and laundry folding with the finesse us moms do, so we must stay healthy! Here’s the low down on essential medical tests every woman needs.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// TEST
Full Gynecological Screening
Pelvic exam, Pap smear, breast exam and HPV test.
Heart Health Check-up
Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and if there is a family history, a high-sensitivity CRP Test which measures inflammation of your heart.
Tese tests help determine your level of risk for heart disease (the number-one killer of women) and stroke.
WHY
A pelvic exam is to check for any abnormalities. A breast exam is to check for suspicious lumps, rashes, dimpling and nipple discharge. Te Pap smear and HPV tests are important in the detection of cervical cancer.
HOW OFTEN
Ideally once a year but can skip a couple years if you have had 3 consecutive normal tests.
Blood Pressure, if normal - 120 over 80 or less, should be checked every 2 years. Cholesterol should be checked every 5 years, however aſter age 45 both tests (bp and cholesterol) should be done annu- ally since your risk rises with age.
Skin Cancer Screening
Your dermatologist will want to check you head to toe for any suspicious moles, growths or other abnormalities that could result in skin cancer.
Eye Exam
Te exam can catch signs of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, as well as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Once or twice a year depending on family history and any previous problems.
Every three years (every two aſter age 40), or more frequently if there’s a family history of eye disease or you have diabetes, high blood pres- sure, or are a contact lens wearer.
56 | AKA Mom | Winter 2011
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
health_fitness.indd 5
11/8/11 10:39:35 PM
YOUR 30’s
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76