6 Health Screenings to Help Women Prevent Disease
Don’t let heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions sneak up on you. Instead, prevent them by seeing your doctor for a yearly well-woman checkup.
According to Nina Hooshvar MD, OB/GYN at PIH Health, “During a well-woman checkup, your doctor will likely suggest health screenings. These tests can help spot potentially deadly conditions before they become life-threatening.”
Here are six screenings that can help you stay healthy:
1. Blood pressure
Nearly half of all Americans older than age 20 have chronic high blood pressure—130/80 mmHg or greater. “Getting your blood pressure checked, changing your lifestyle or using medication, if necessary, can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease,” says Dr. Hooshvar.
2. Cholesterol
This simple blood test—after an overnight fast—measures levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. These fats in your blood can affect your risk for heart disease and stroke.
3. Pap test
This test, as part of a pelvic exam, takes a sample of cells from the cervix to check for cervical cancer. “Women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years,” says Dr. Hooshvar. “From ages 30 to 65, women should get a Pap test as well as HPV testing every five years. Cervical cancer and the beginning stages of the disease are treatable if caught early.”
4. Mammogram
This breast X-ray can find breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages. If you are over 40, the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists recommends a yearly mammogram.
5. Blood glucose
This simple blood test helps detect type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which can increase the risk for heart disease and other complications. It’s recommended for adults ages 40 to 70 who are overweight.
6. Colonoscopy
During this test, the doctor will examine your colon, looking for signs of cancer and small growths that can become cancerous over time, which can be removed during the test. Experts recommend getting a colonoscopy starting at age 45.
To find an OB/GYN, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors
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