Earlier this month I wrote about my visit to the Carl Vogel Center during National Women’s Health Week in Washington D.C. I described my encounter with the dedicated staff, vibrant community of patients, and exciting health education workshop that the Center hosted. I also wrote about ways that women could extend their enthusiasm and commitment for health into the rest of the year.
At their celebration of National Women’s Checkup Day, the Carl Vogel Center provided attendees with a cheat-sheet of information on general screening and immunizations that women need at the unique ages and stages of their lives. In an effort to promote year-round health consciousness and utilize the resources that patient advocacy organizations like CVC provide, I am sharing their cheat-sheet with you. Take the time to become familiar with your needs throughout the life cycle – this information is not only empowering but also truly life-saving.
Please note that the timelines indicated are general guidelines. Your specific health conditions and needs may require alternative plans – a health professional can help you to personalize this long-term outline.
General Health
A full check-up or well-patient visit is recommended every one to two years. These appointments are an opportunity for you to raise issues about weight/obesity, tobacco or drug use, depression and mental health, general skin care and mole examination, thyroid testing and questions about medication. If you have other concerns, a general practitioner will be able to answer basic questions and direct you toward helpful specialists or resources.
Heart Health
Beginning at age 19, it is recommended that you get a blood pressure test at least every two years. If high blood pressure or high cholesterol runs in your family, you may want to be tested more frequently and discuss early prevention and treatment options with a health care professional.
Bone Health
By age 50, it is suggested that you begin to discuss issues of bone and joint health with your care provider and consider undergoing a bone mineral density test. Women of 65 years or older are strongly encouraged to get a bone mineral density test at least once. Young women (and children) should do their best to obtain the recommended daily allowance of calcium in order to promote strong bones later in life.
Diabetes
Starting at age 45, you should plan to get a blood glucose test every three years. This age and frequency may vary based on your weight and your family history of the condition.
Breast Health
Women over the age of 40 should receive a mammogram (X-ray of your breast) every one to two years. This age and frequency may also vary based on whether you have a family history of breast cancer. A mammogram is the most effective way to catch breast cancer at an early stage and thus allowing for successful treatment. Self-breast exams are also extremely effective and women of every age can learn to do them. Talk to your care provider if you are unclear on how to correctly perform a self-breast exam.
Reproductive Health
After becoming sexually active it is recommended that women receive pelvic exams on a yearly basis. This should include a Pap smear every two years until she is 30-35. Women older than 35 can decide to reduce their frequency of pap smears to every three years. Sexually active women should request yearly testing for sexually transmitted infections – specifically chlamydia (which is common but asymptomatic in women). If she has new or multiple partners, a woman may discuss more frequent screenings with her care provider. Every individual should obtain an HIV/AIDS test at least once in order to know his/her status.
I hope this cheat-sheet is as helpful to you as it has been to me. Thank you to the Carl Vogel Center for providing these resources to women in their immediate community, and now the world of EmpowHER. Please don’t hesitate to comment with any questions, concerns or clarifications.
sources:
http://www.carlvogelcenter.com/index.htm
http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/health-resources/screening-tool/
Reviewed May 26, 2011
Edited by Alison Stanton