They say prevention is far much better than cure and not many abide by this say, frequent checkups help avoid future health complications and below are some medical tests women should never miss.
1. Blood pressure.
While blood pressure is usually a routine check during hospital visits, women over the age of 40 or those with certain conditions such as obesity are encouraged to take the test more often. Equipment for home testing is available but for definite results, a doctor’s counsel would be wise.
2. Pap smears.
Every woman above the age of 21 years is encouraged to have a pap smear every three years. The pap smear is to test for the cancer-causing virus Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This help detects cancer in its early stages thus enable treatment.
3.Breast cancer screening.
While the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age, women from the age of 50 are encouraged to get mammograms every two years. If there is a family history of breast cancer, however, patients should seek a doctor’s advice. Cancer can only be cured when in its early stages, women are therefore encouraged to take tests more frequent.
4.Glucose tests
Women should make a point of getting their blood glucose checked from around the age of 45. Other factors such as family history, obesity or race should be considered when checking blood glucose. Frequent checks help the risk of being diabetic.
5.BMI (Body Mass Index).
Every woman above the age of 18 should ensure they regularly check their body mass index (BMI). The main purpose of BMI testing is to find out whether someone is overweight, underweight and that their weight correlates with their height. This is more important for married women since it helps find out if the woman is in her best form to get pregnant.
6.Cholesterol.
Cholesterol testing is important especially when it comes to assessing one’s risk of developing heart complications or a stroke. Every woman from age 20 and above to ensure they have their cholesterol checked. Cholesterol also results in other complications such as cancer.
7.Eye and dental checkup
They may seem minor but they are equally important. Dental check-ups help to identify any form of decay and any other teeth problems. Eye sight usually deteriorates as one grows older but there are other reasons for getting one’s eyes checked. They include reducing chances of having eye infections that might result to poor vision or even blindness.