8 Medical Tests Every Woman Needs
Make a mental checklist of all the things you do to keep
yourself healthy. It's a good bet you thought of your workouts, your
good-for-you diet and maybe even a daily vitamin. Great! But if keeping up with
medical tests isn't on your list of healthy behaviours, you're falling into the
mistake that many fit women make: thinking regular exercise plus smart
nutrition exempts you from getting routine exams. To truly keep your body
healthy, here's what you need to know.
TEST: Pap Smear
WHO TO SEE: Gynaecologist
WHY: Collecting cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam
is the best way to tell if your cervix is healthy -- cell changes can lead to
cervical cancer.
HOW OFTEN: Starting at age 21, most women need to be
screened every other year or less, according to the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Once you turn 30 -- and you've had three
consecutive negative tests and no abnormal history -- you can get it done once
every three years.
TEST: Clinical Breast Exam
WHO TO SEE: Gyno or general practitioner (GP)
WHY: She can feel or see abnormalities in breast tissue,
skin and nipples that can indicate cancer.
HOW OFTEN: At least once every three years in your twenties
and thirties. But if you want to be checked more frequently, simply ask. After
age 40, go yearly.
TEST: Skin Cancer Screening
WHO TO SEE: Dermatologist
WHY: She can ID weirdly shaped moles or other growths that
might be cancerous or precancerous.
HOW OFTEN: Get new or changed growths assessed ASAP. If
you're a current or recovering tanning-bed or sun lover, are fair or dotted
with moles or freckles or have a family history of skin cancer, see the derm
twice a year. If not, go annually.
FAST FACT: Dermatologists are better at diagnosing melanomas
than primary-care docs, finds a recent study. The result of better screening?
Higher survival rates.
TEST: Hearing Test
WHO TO SEE: Audiologist or certified speech-language
pathologist
WHY: Peppering conversations with "Say that
again?" is a real problem for the more than 12 percent of people in their
twenties and thirties who already have some form of hearing loss, according to
a recent study.
HOW OFTEN: Once every 10 years until age 50, then every
three years.
TEST: Immunization Check
WHO TO SEE: Your GP
WHY: Up-to-date vaccinations protect you from all sorts of
diseases, including some you thought went the way of the dinosaur, such as
whooping cough.
HOW OFTEN: At your next physical, have your M.D. review your
vaccination history. Some inoculations become less effective over time, so you
may need a booster. For example, tetanus shots are vital every 10 years, no
rusty nails required.
FAST FACT: One in eight U.S. adults surveyed say they are
too busy to get a vaccination, reports the National Foundation for Infectious
Diseases.
TEST: Blood Pressure
WHO TO SEE: Your GP
WHY: The higher it is, the greater your chance of having
heart disease, a stroke or kidney damage.
HOW OFTEN: Once every two years if it's 120/80 or below. If
you've already been diagnosed with hypertension -- or your doc says you're at
risk -- measure your BP at home regularly, too. (We like digital cuffs that do
all the work for you, like those from omronhealthcare.com.)
FAST FACT: In the U.S., about one in eight women ages 20 to
44 has high blood pressure. Taking the Pill, pregnancy and being overweight can
up your risk.
TEST: Cholesterol Panel
WHO TO SEE: Your GP
WHY: High cholesterol means higher risk for heart disease.
You want total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL; LDL (bad cholesterol) under 100
mg/dL; HDL (good stuff) 60 mg/dL or more; and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.
HOW OFTEN: At least once every five years, starting at age
20.
TEST: BMI / Weight
WHO TO SEE: Your GP
WHY: Pick a disease, any disease: Chances are, being
overweight puts you at an elevated risk. Your M.D. should weigh you and
calculate your body-mass index, the measurement of your weight relative to your
height.
HOW OFTEN: Yearly. And if you're looking to shed pounds,
weigh yourself once a week at home and visit your physician monthly to help
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