Issues of Healthy Life for Women

                                                                               

Health issues can be complex and multifaceted. To maintain healthy lifestyle women have many factors to contend with – exercise, diet, and stress management. Going for regular screening can help with keeping tabs on health. Routine preventative procedures can also be vital to early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any illness. Conditions that are treated early are less likely to be life threatening in the long run.

Here are ten simple procedures that all women should have to aid early diagnosis of any underlying illness.

1. Women above 35 years should have their blood pressure checked every two years. The ideal levels of blood pressure are 120/70 – 130/80 mm in pressure of blood being pumped into and out of your heart. A high blood pressure can lead to other health problems like heart attack or stroke. Most insurers cover blood pressure screening. If they do not, however, there are other options, such as free clinics.

2. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood and around organs that acts as a lubricant. Cholesterol can either be good or bad, the bad turning into a sturdy deposit in arteries that blocks proper blood flow. Testing should be done at least once every year and requires nothing more than a blood sample. The optimal levels for cholesterol are 200 mg/dl.

3. Women aged 21, or those who have been sexually active at a younger age, should get tested every two years to check for anomalies in the reproductive system. A pap smear can find any irregular changes in cervical cells that can lead to cancer. Tests can also be done to determine the presence of STD's.

4. Starting at age 20, women should get a breast examination every two years. After 40, they should be examined every year. These tests are an essential part to the discovery of breast cancer. A doctor will manually examine the breasts for any lumps or growths in the tissue. Mammograms involve compression of the breasts in order to capture X-ray images. As mammary tissue is particularly susceptible to cancerous growth, early testing is suggested.

5. After the age of 65, women should receive bone density screening. During menopause, women lose a significant amount of their ability to produce calcium. The test involves X-rays that show the quality of bone structure.

6. Glucose levels are a primary indicator of diabetes. It is suggested that women receive a test every three years starting at the age of 45. However, risk factors such as weight, sudden extreme weight loss, and family history can have an effect on frequency of testing. Normal blood sugar levels should be between 70-120 mg/dl.

7. These cancers screening usually start at age 50 and conducted every 5 to 10 years thereafter. Depending on the type of examination, the procedure will happen either at a doctor's office or in a hospital. Virtual examinations are a viable option and are less invasive than more traditional methods.

8. BMI indicates obesity, which can cause a number of health complications like diabetes and heart disease. BMI can be tested from home with an online BMI calculator.

9. Women should check their skin every month starting at age 18. After age 20, a doctor or dermatologist can check as part of a routine physical examination. The examination is used to detect any cancerous growth on the skin.

10. Dental health is important for both adults and children. Recently, the presence of gingivitis has been linked to serious health issues like heart disease. Maintaining dental health can prevent such issues from developing and usually involves either a visual examination or an X-ray for more advanced analysis.

These ten examinations are foundational to staying healthy and are considered preventative care. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you might have regarding the examinations or any other health issue. The more questions you ask, the better a doctor can take care of you.