Making time for healthy habits in your life is really important. Whether that be cooking good meals from scratch or making sure that you walk at least 10,000 steps per day. Looking for ways to reduce your stress is good too, as well as managing your time well. But one other healthy habit that more women need to adopt is having regular health screenings and checkups to manage blood pressure and more. These things are there to help you to deal with any issues before they get too late; early detection is key.
But what are the checks that we as women should be having regularly? Here are some of them that could help to save your life.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
When we have high blood pressure, it can have a detrimental effect on various aspects of our lives. Blood pressure can impact our everyday lives and can lead to things like a heart attack or stroke if not dealt with in a timely way. So, knowing what your blood pressure is, and monitoring it regularly, is a good idea; you can often do this at home with a store-bought device. Cholesterol is something to speak to your doctor about. But high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure can be a dangerous combination.
Hearing
As we age, some of us may notice our hearing deteriorate and may even need to have a hearing aid fitting. It can be quite normal for many, especially women over a certain age, and it can be dealt with if you have hearing tests regularly. So, don’t forget to get your hearing checked, especially if you start to have to really focus on what people are saying or constantly ask people to repeat themselves.
Smear Test
Starting in your early twenties, you should start to have a smear test at your doctor’s office. They are then taken every three years to look for any abnormalities in your womb lining and cervix. This is especially important if you are sexually active, as an abnormality could lead to cervical cancer. Early detection is key, so don’t put off those appointments. It can take thirty seconds and save your life.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a screening tool for breast cancer, and, again, early detection is key. So, if you haven’t ever had one before or notice a change in your breasts then it is time to book one. If you have a family history of breast cancer, especially on your maternal side of the family, then it could be an indicator that you are a carrier of the cancer gene. In this case, then regular checks are essential.
If you haven’t had one of these checks in a while, then it is time to do something about it. Start to put your own health first. Speak to your doctor as soon as you can to get a checkup.
I never thought of this seriously. But now that I have entered the wee years of the twenties, I am acutely aware of the changes my body is going through. I can’t keep subjecting it to the same strain without looking after the wears and tears. A great check-list this is :)
I’m so glad you found it helpful – I want you healthy, dear friend :)
Wonderful reminders ! Now prevention is the order of the day !!
Excellent reminders Christy. So important we take care of ourselves. Now, I really must book my mammo as I’m a few months late. <3 xx
Great article!👍🏾nice kindly reminder 😉
Now that I’m older I get a bone density test every 3 years. This is a must for women 50+!
I don’t mind preventative tests at all! I also get a colonoscopy every 3 years. Hey, I’m due this year. Yay! Lol!
I know a lot of women dread having these tests done; they certainly are not my favorite things to do! However, not only is Christy correct in that they are important, they really don’t take much time or effort. Most of them can be done annually or even biannually. There really is nothing as important as your health.
I actually work healthcare and I completely agree with all of this! I also recommend getting your colonoscopy. With most health insurance companies in the U.S. they will pay for a colonoscopy starting at age 50. Definitely get your blood work done too. This all is preventative in my opinion even though the insurance companies don’t always see it that way. Prevention is the answer for sure. Thank you for the post. I hope you get a lot of viewings on this because I feel like this is so important! :)
Very important, health is wealth….nice one!
Very true, preventive measures are so important before it is too late , good reminders!
Excellent post, Christie! It’s better to know your test results and make any corrections to your lifestyle as needed. Love and hugs!
One doesn’t think of checking the hearing. Good list Christie.
Prevention is the key! Well done Cristy for raising awareness and giving value!
And thank you for being here!
Excellent post Christy and a reminder that us girls really do need to look after our health. I think we are very lucky here in the UK with our fabulous NHS. For the past few years I have been regularly called for a mammogram and I have had regular smear tests every three years since I was 18. I hate them, but five minutes discomfort which may save my life is worth it. Blood Pressure is so important to keep an eye on, your post is just so spot on. Thank you. A timely reminder for us all xx
You’re so right about the smear test being uncomfortable but a must-do, Dawn. It’s worth the discomfort. HUGS