Make a resolution to schedule a women full body checkup when you reach the age of 27. It is critical to detect any problems as soon as possible, and a check-up will help. Screening regularly may even save your life. A generation ago, people only went to their doctors when they were sick or terminally ill.
The primary goal of prevention and health promotion is to reduce the toll of major preventable diseases. The check-up includes a clinical history/physical examination and diagnostic tests.
Here are the ten most important screening tests that every woman should have during her yearly health check-up.
- Blood pressure screening – Obesity increases the risk of hypertension – A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg or less is considered normal.
- Cholesterol check – This tool determines your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
- Pap Smear – Your doctor uses a speculum to widen the vaginal canal, brushes a smear from the cervix, and examines the smear for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. HPV screening is also performed.
- Mammogram – Screening for breast cancer is included in women’s annual check-ups over 45 – Especially if you have a family history of breast cancer / uterine cancer – It is critical to speak with your doctor about beginning annual screening earlier.
- Bone density screening – Women, especially postmenopausal women, should begin getting screened for osteoporosis with a Bone Density Test to prevent bone fractures in old age.
- Blood glucose test – Aids in determining whether or not a person is prediabetic.
- Dental examination – to detect decay and other problems.
- Ultrasound of the pelvis – To assess the condition of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries – In a pre-menopausal or menopausal woman, an ultrasound of the pelvis or a simple scan of the uterus and adjacent structures can detect fibroid/endometrial polyps/cancers/ovarian cysts/masses early on.
Many insurance plans cover these women full body check-up tests because they are considered preventive. However, while they are necessary for your health, they can be costly — so check with your insurance company before scheduling appointments, and see if your community provides any of these tests for free. An annual complete medical check-up can allow you to see exactly what’s going on in your body. This is especially important for females because certain areas must be checked regularly.