As a woman, I know that taking care of oneself can seem overwhelming. With so much to fit into our schedules, our health sometimes slips onto the back burner. What we don’t realize is that if we break it down into manageable steps, we can make a real difference and stay ahead of the game! Here is a list of recommended shots and tests for women YOUR age. You can do it! Men, there are some tidbits for you here as well.
If you are planning to become pregnant or are a woman sexually active with men, you should be taking 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily. This helps prevent neural tube defects in your potential baby. By the time you know you are pregnant, it may be too late to prevent problems; this is why it is usually recommended that ALL women of childbearing age be on supplemental folic acid.
Remember, this list is not comprehensive. A simple and reliable way to keep up-to-date with health maintenance is to go for a checkup with your doctor. This helps ensure that the recommendations are tailored specifically to you based on your age, lifestyle, family medical history and personal medical history
Age 18 – 26
HPV (human papilloma virus) Vaccine. This is a series of 3 shots. Women AND men should have this vaccine. Some say start the vaccine series at age 11, this is also acceptable. HPV causes cancer of the cervix (the opening to the womb) in women. Protect yourself by getting your HPV shots. You could get a bonus – there is likely some protection from genital warts by getting these vaccines.
Age 21 – 65
Pap Smear. Depending on your results (if fully normal several years in a row), you may get a ‘pass’ from your doctor for the following 1-2 years.
Age 21 +
Hypertension Screen. Screening and treating high blood pressure should be done yearly and is very important; uncontrolled blood pressure causes kidney, heart, and blood vessel damage. It even causes strokes. This recommendation also applies to men
Age 50 +
Mammogram. Some doctors screen earlier; this is something to discuss one-on-one with your doctor, especially if you have a concern about your breasts or have a close family member with breast cancer.
Age 50 – 75
Colon Cancer Screening. Ask your doctor for details; it’s probably not as bad as you think. (Earlier if you have symptoms or a close relative has colon cancer.)
Age 60 – 75
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening. This is done with an abdominal ultrasound; ultrasounds are painless, noninvasive tests. Ask your doctor about this if you have a history of smoking.
Age 60 +
Shingles Vaccine. This vaccine reduces your risk of developing shingles, and if you do get shingles, it reduces your risk of chronic pain afterward.
Dr. Southwick’s TOP FIVE Health Recommendations for everyone:
Wear Your Seatbelt
This is a free and easy way to save your life, and it is so simple. Just buckle up every time you get in the car.
Get a Yearly Checkup
It’s a good idea to have a checkup with your own doctor every year whether you think you need it or not. For example, you might have a family history of diabetes and need to be screened yourself, because you feel fine. But diabetes gone unchecked has a multitude of negative health effects. You can bring up health concerns and questions, working as a team with your doctor to optimize your health.
Wash Your Hands
Do this after you use a bathroom and before you eat. This simple public health item decreases your risk of getting sick (flu, common cold, organisms that cause diarrhea and vomiting).
Go for a Walk
This is a simple, highly effective way to give yourself some ‘me’ time, improve your heart health, and did you know: Exercise is as effective for mild-moderate depression as a medication!
Stop Smoking
My partner and I quit smoking six years ago, and our health has never been better. Smoking cessation has innumerable health benefits. In one fell swoop, you can MARKEDLY decrease your risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, blood clot, multiple types of cancer, and bad teeth!
If you can accomplish these five things, your health benefits are limitless! And they are all FREE!
Always check with your doctor about your personal health recommendations.
