subject: 11 Key Preventative Tests of Every Woman [print this page] 11 Key Preventative Tests of Every Woman 11 Key Preventative Tests of Every Woman
"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." Mark Twain
Preventative health care is a key to good health. Unfortunately, many tests are not done in America. Taking responsibility to assure that you get proper tests is a team effort between the doctor and patient.
As a patient you have more to lose if one of these tests are missed take responsibility to assure that these tests are done. The best way to do this is to print off a copy of the preventative health care worksheet at (http://www.fastandeasyhealth.com/Communication.html ) and record the dates that each one of these tests or screens is done. Discuss each test that has not been done with your primary care doctor.
Below is a list of key preventative tests that each female should have or at least discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Future blog entries will discuss further details about each of the screens.
Cholesterol test - Every 5 years starting at age 45, some say start at 20
Diabetes screen Every 1-3 years after age 45, those with blood pressure more than 135/85 mm Hg or overweight individuals
Thyroid screen - At age 35 and then every five years
Cervical cancer screen - Within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity, have a Pap smear; than every 1-3 years between ages 21 and 65 or younger if sexually active. Every 1-3 years to 65-70
STD Screen - Screening for Chlamydia and gonorrhea if under 26 years-old and testing for syphilis and HIV in high risk people. Everyone should be screened for HIV at least once
Blood pressure every one to two years
Bone density test At age 65 or after menopause if at high risk.
Colon cancer at age 50. This can come in the form of checking for blood in the stool every year, a sigmoidoscopy every five years or colonoscopy every 10 years
Breast cancer screen Mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 40-50.
