Here are 10 health checks that every woman should have. Image via Pixabay

Time for the doctor: 10 health checks every woman should have

With a long list of responsibilities, most women rarely make their health a priority. Here are some health checks to prioritise.

by Naledi de Wee

03-08-2022 20:29

in Health and Fitness

Here are 10 health checks that every woman should have. Image via Pixabay

As a woman, your health should always be a top priority. These days, women take on a long list of responsibilities and many neglect their own health. Nicole Jennings, the spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, notes that even though you feel healthy, you might not be.

Here are 10 health checks every woman should have.

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1. BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

High blood pressure is usually referred to as the “silent killer”. Although it doesn’t cause any symptoms, it can have a devastating impact on your health. A South African research project showed that high blood pressure has risen dramatically in the last two decades.

A high blood pressure screening should be done from 18 years old. A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg.

2. CHECKING YOUR CHOLESTEROL

A cholesterol level check needs to be done at least every five years from the age of 2020. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease in your family, or you suffer from it, you should have the check done regularly.

A normal cholesterol level should be less than 5 mmol/I.

3. BLOOD GLUCOSE

Women who are 45 and older should have their blood glucose levels checked every three years to check for their risk of diabetes. A fasting plasma glucose reading of 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/l and higher indicates that you are prediabetic. Anything over ≥ 7 mmol/l indicates diabetes.

4. HIV

In 2017, it was reported that more than seven million South Africans had HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that women are tested once every year.

5. PAP SMEAR

Nicole Jennings recommends a pap smear every three years from age 25 and 65. The doctor takes cells from the cervix with a small brush which gets sent to a lab to be analysed. The cells will be analysed for any abnormalities.

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6. MAMMOGRAMS

A mammogram is a screening that tests for breast cancer. As you get older, the risk for break cancer increases. Women should start having annual mammograms at 40 years old and then have biannual screenings at 55.

It is also important to do monthly self-examinations at home where you can check for lumps, bumps or anything unusual.

7. BONE DENSITY

An osteoporosis (a disease that weakens the bones) screening is recommended for women who are 65 years old, however, those who have suffered from fractures or low body weight should be screened earlier.

8. COLON SCREENING

The colon should be screened for cancer from 50 years old and repeated every 10 years depending on the person’s risk factors. It can either be done at a doctor’s office or in a hospital through a sigmoidoscopy.

9. SKIN CHECKS

In South Africa, approximately 20 000 cases of skin cancer are reported annually, which makes it the most common cancer in the country. Women can do self-examinations at home to check for any new moles or changes to existing moles. If there is anything unusual, you should consult your doctor.