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Last updated on July 24th, 2023 at 02:56 pm
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Women everywhere are traditionally the caretakers of the family, looking after everyone around them and often not taking time to care for their own well-being.
While nurturing others is admirable, it doesn’t help anyone to put yourself last, and you certainly shouldn’t skip your annual checkups.
Many health issues can become more serious when not addressed early on. One of the best ways to stay on top of your health, especially if you’re over 50, is to make sure you get a yearly check-up, along with any recommended annual screenings.
These once-a-year check-ups are the best way to help your doctor identify any changes in your health and treat any issues before they become a bigger problem.
Unfortunately, we often have so many demands on our time, that we end up letting small health issues go until they become painful or bothersome. That’s a mistake, since maintaining our health can help head off serious illness or injury.
Let’s talk about the essential annual checkups most, if not all, women over 50 need. These are the basics, but depending on your own health history, there may be others.
Maybe you need an eye exam and a new pair of glasses, you want to preserve your hearing with custom hearing protection, or you have a family history of diabetes, so you need to have your A1C or blood glucose tested. Your own unique circumstances will also determine what checkups or tests you might need.
However, there are a few essential annual checkups for women over 50 that you’ll want to prioritize.
Mammogram
First up, is a yearly mammogram. Sadly, over 40,000 women in the U.S. die from breast cancer each year. Over 40% of those cases could have been prevented if the cancer had been identified earlier.
Whether or not you have a family history, breast cancer is something that every woman must be screened for. Make an appointment once a year, and do weekly or monthly breast self-exams so that you don’t miss any changes that might be of concern.
Pelvic and PAP
All sexually active women should have an annual pelvic exam and PAP test. The female anatomy can make it impossible for many women to identify potential issues. An annual pelvic exam can assure you that you that there are no issues and that you’re in good health.
During your exam, you’ll have a PAP test that looks for abnormalities in the cervix, and you can request an STD test if necessary at that time.
Bone Density Scan
As we age, the density of our bones starts to wane. This is especially true for women. As bone mass decreases, many women live in fear of experiencing a fall that could be devastating to their health.
There are lifestyle changes and treatments available should you be diagnosed with osteoporosis, so catching any changes early is crucial.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is responsible for a variety of serious health concerns. When your heart needs to work harder to deliver life-giving nutrients and blood through your body, it can be dangerous for your overall health.
As we age, high blood pressure can become more common, so make sure you know what your blood pressure is, and follow your doctor’s advice if you do have high blood pressure. This can include making lifestyle changes and possibly taking medication.
Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol is another one of those sneaky health issues that can fly under the radar until it becomes a serious problem. With the right diet, exercise, and medications when necessary, you can get your cholesterol under control and keep your blood vessels and arteries clear.
As women, we often put our family’s health and happiness first, but we need to maintain our own health too. Taking care of these essential annual checkups and making time for daily self-care should be non-negotiable. So, if you haven’t already, schedule your checkups today!
Also read:
Self-Care Checklist Printable (Free)
Try One of These 11 Stress-Relieving Hobbies (& Why You Should)
Staying Healthy During Menopause: What to Know
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