Health Checkup for Women

Health Checkup for Women

Taking care of your health is equally important for both men and women. But females get so engrossed in taking care of kids and family that they often neglect their health. Now its high time women should realize that to take care of other family members she need to recognize the importance of her health and choose right foods to eat and practice regular exercise. She needs sound sleep for 7-9 hours and needs to practice meditation and yoga to live a stress-free life. Also, it is important to have routine health checkup so that ant potential; health issue can be spotted ear;y and necessary treatment can be taken well in time.

Health Checkup for Women

Health Checkup for Women

Regular health checkups and screening are very important, and it makes life healthier and simple. Even if you feel well and see no point in visiting your doctor still, you should see your doctor for regular health checkups. Timely intervention protects you from disease, ailments and unnecessary surgeries in future.

Now let me guide you what test and check-ups you need to take along at what frequency. We suggest you following test described below:

Health check for women

Blood pressure-

if you are a female above 18 years of age you should get your blood pressure measured at least two times in a year. Ideal blood pressure for a non-pregnant female above 18 years is 120/80. High blood pressure is termed as the silent killer as it eventually damages our arteries, heart and other vital organs of the body. Low blood pressure is also dangerous as severe low blood pressure deprives the brain of oxygen and damages brain and heart.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure

Get cholesterol check-

If you are above ag of 20 years get your cholesterol check at least every two years. Ideal cholesterol level is 200mg/dl. If the level of cholesterol in the blood is high, it may lead to plaque formation I the arteries causing the arteries to narrow. This causes angina and when an artery is completely blocked blood supply is to heart and brain is blocked leading to heart attack and stroke.

Pelvic exams and pap smear-

If you are above 21 years of age and sexually active you should have a pap smear done every two years along with pelvic examination to screen out cervical cancer. If you are 30 or above 30 years of age, you need to have pap smear test done every three years.

Pelvic exams and pap smear

Pelvic exams and pap smear

Mammogram and breast exams-

If you are 20 or above, then you should undergo clinical breast exam every three years, and after 40 you should take this test every year. Mammography test is a screening test for breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in early stages, then it can be treated, and also survival changes are more. Also, a woman needs to do a monthly breast self-exam (we have discussed it in one of our previous articles) and in case they notice any changes better see your doctor.

Bone density health checkup-

As female ages especially in late life after 60, she should be screened for osteoporosis. Due to the low level of the hormone estrogen, the females bone loses density and becomes prone to fracture. Bone density scan detects thinning of the bones at an early stage. How often you should have a bone scan done depends on the density of bone and risk factor.

Bone density health checkup

Bone density health checkup

Diabetes health checkup-

A women should get blood glucose test done after every two years after an age of 45. Blood glucose test is done to scree pre-diabetes and diabetes. Regular blood sugar should be within 140mg/dl. Fasting blood glucose should be in the range of 80-130mg/dl. If diabetes is unchecked, it leads to complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, Alzheimer’s, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes health checkup

Diabetes health checkup

Eye checkup-

If you have a vision problem you will see an ophthalmologist. But women above 40 years of age should visit an ophthalmologist at least once in a year to ensure she does not have a cataract. Also, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are some of the eye problems that do not show any symptoms in initial stages but with time as the disease progresses they cause irreversible damages or may also lead to total eye loss.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.