It is said that women are the real architects of the society. If women are healthy, educated and have a free chance to work and earn as equal partners, their families and their country will flourish. Women health has become one of the most important subjects in today’s time. Women health issues, that were largely ignored till now, are coming to the fore. A nation that invests in women’s health, employment and education is likely to progress exponentially.
Every year we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March to acknowledge the difference women have made to our lives in various capacities. The day also makes a call to action for expediting gender parity. It is time that we talk of how women’s rights are fulfilled in the world – especially the right to good health. On the eve of International Women’s Day which is marked to commemorate women freedom and their achievements, we have come up with 6 important health screenings that every woman should go for so that potential problems, if any, can be spotted and addressed early:
Pap Smear and Pelvic Test
A pap test is a screening which is done to detect the potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous process in the cervix. It is recommended that beginning from the age of 21 till the age of 65 women should get the Pap smear test done after every 3 years to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive system. For those who have completed the age of 30 years, it is recommended to get a Pap test and HPV test done together every 5 years. Pap smears helps in identifying abnormal cells in the cervix that can be removed earlier before they turn cancerous.
Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam
Both of these screenings are done to detect breast cancer. Women should get a clinical breast exam done every three years from 2, until the age of 40. Women between the ages of 40 to 49 may have a mammogram test after every 1 to 2 years. Mammograms are done by standard X-ray to examine the breasts for any lumps or abnormalities. Ladies at the age of 50 or above should get mammogram test done after every 2 years.
Blood Pressure Test
It appears simple but getting your blood pressure checked regularly is the most important thing that can help in protecting your health. Starting from the age of 18, every woman should get her blood pressure checked at least once in two years if it is less than 120/80. If your blood pressure ranges between 120/80 and 139/89 get it tested once a year. A high blood pressure can lead to various other problems and if you are suffering from it, you should also get your screening test done for diabetes.
Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol is a wax like substance or fat found in all cells of human body. High blood cholesterol is a situation in which our body has too much cholesterol or fat stored in our blood that leads to blockage in arteries limiting the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart which causes heart attack. Women in the age group of 40-50 should pay close attention to cholesterol levels as it tends to rise after menopause. As recommended by the doctors, every woman above the age of 20 should get their cholesterol check done after every 5 years. Women with increased heart risk or hereditary concerns should get a cholesterol test regularly.
Bone Density Test
Nearly half the female population above the age of 40 faces the problem of osteoporosis which stands for thinning and weakening of bones due to leaching of minerals such as calcium from bones. A specialized X-ray popularly called as DXA or dual-energy X-ray screens preferably spine, hips, and wrists. Women at age 65 or above should get their bone density test done after every five years. Over the age of 50, all women with fractures should get a bone density test done.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
This screening is done to detect colorectal cancer before it occurs. Colorectal cancer is a cancer in the lower part of the intestines and is curable if caught earlier. One should get their first colonoscopy done at age 50 to detect colorectal cancer. If one had a family background of colon cancer or polyps, then one should get its first test done 10 years before they were diagnosed and repeat it after every five years.
To conclude we can say that the true beauty of woman is in her internal health. Do remember to get these screenings done and make the right lifestyle changes required to stay fit, healthy and live a stronger life. Here’s wishing you all a very happy International Women’s Day. Feel extraordinary, unique and special because you are. And you don’t need anyone else to make you feel that way. Choose to live a healthy life yourself and see how you change the lives of people around you for the better as well.
