Sound maintenance of health holds paramount significance for everybody, especially women with a wide array of gender-specific infections waiting to attack. Regular screening is one of the healthiest habits a woman can adopt, apart from exercising regularly, effectively managing stress, leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and opting for the right foods.
Scheduling routine health screening tests can root out potentially harmful medical complications right at the beginning, which can even prove life-saving in the long run. Detection of disease early in time prevents further complications from developing and improves the quality of life. People have changed the course of their life by adopting this habit, and you can do so too.
Let us take a look at ten essential lab tests that every woman should schedule regularly. All ten of these tests, including several others, are available at Cura4U at the lowest possible prices. Get more information at Cura4U and get yourself registered right now!
1. Blood Pressure Screening
The ideal blood pressure reading is said to be 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The American Heart Association states that an individual with blood pressure below the standard level should have it checked once every two years at the least (this applies to individuals aged 20 and older).
In contrast, people aged 40 or older are directly at high risk for hypertension or high blood pressure. They should get themselves tested twice every year, according to the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). People with African American lineage, obesity, high blood glucose, or a family history of hypertension are at an even higher risk of hypertension and require frequent testing.
2. Blood glucose screening tests
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an average fasting plasma glucose range of 100 mg/dl or higher indicates pre-diabetes. Women should get screened for blood glucose once every three years when they reach the age of 45. Those with a family history of elevated blood sugar should get screened more often.
3. Cholesterol Screening
The National Institute of Health recommends getting your cholesterol checked once every five years at the least if you are 20 or older. High blood cholesterol is one of the most common diseases prevalent, especially in women, and puts patients at high risk of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular diseases. The average cholesterol range is less than 200 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter), with a borderline high reading ranging between 200 and 239 mg/dl. It is pivotal to get tested for this ailment if you are at risk of heart diseases, stroke, or are overweight.
4. Mammograms
Mammograms are screening tests for breast cancer. The risks for breast cancer are known to increase with age, and thus mammograms help detect any related complications. The USPSTF recommends that women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every two years. On the contrary, the American Cancer Society believes that women should start screenings at age 45.
5. Pap smears testing
The United States Preventive Services Task Force calls for women to get a Pap smear every three years if they are between the ages of 21 to 65. This test includes an examination of the cervix cells, which are taken with the help of a small brush from the vaginal canal. Pap smear tests detect cervical cancer and hold paramount importance for female health.
6. Bone density screening tests
Screening tests for osteoporosis are a necessity for women aged 65 or older. This test is known as a DEXA scan and involves X-ray imaging to capture images of your bones to monitor bone density and other risk factors.
7. Colon cancer screening
Colon cancer is relatively common amongst women, and the USPSTF suggests screening start at age 50. Women are suggested to have a sigmoidoscopy every five years and a colonoscopy every ten years to remain on the safe side.
8. Body mass index screening
Obesity is known as the mother of all diseases, and women should start getting their BMI monitored and calculated beginning at the age of 18. Although there are no specific requirements on how frequently you should get it done, keeping your BMI in check is a necessary procedure that can minimize your risk of several common ailments.
9. Dermatological examination
The American Cancer Association suggests that women examine their skin at home every month and look for any moles or changes in existing moles as it may indicate the onset of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests regular checkups if you have a family history of skin cancer or are at an elevated risk of it.
10. Dental examination
Regular dental examinations involving the examination, cleaning, and X-rays of teeth are essential for all adult women nearly twice a year. Dental tests are typically considered preventive and are usually covered by most insurance plans. However, some of them can also be expensive, but that should not overshadow their medical significance. It is vital that you get your teeth checked for any signs of decay or other dental complications so that they can be detected while still in the curable stage.
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