Well Women Care
Spring Into Good Health
With the coming of spring, we often think of getting our households in order-cleaning, reorganizing, weeding out clothes and generally sprucing things up. But spring is also a good time to get your health in order by making sure you are up to date on key checkups.
Here are some recommended checkups that are important for every woman’s health. However, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider as well; your individual health history may cause him or her to suggest other tests that might be worthwhile.
Mammogram: The American Cancer Society offers the following guidelines: Women ages 40 to 45 can have a mammogram every year if they wish or if their health history warrants one. For women ages 45 to 54, an annual mammogram is recommended every year. For ages 55 and up, mammograms every two years are recommended, unless your doctor advises that you have one annually due to a higher cancer risk. A mammogram is still the best tool for early detection of breast cancer. Depending on your cancer risk and breast density, your gynecologist may also recommend ultrasound or 3D mammography for better screening.
Annual physical: Every woman should see her gynecologist annually to have her breasts checked, and a physical exam. A Pap smear, which tests for cervical cancer, is recommended for women ages 21 to 65 every three years. (Women with higher risk factors for cervical cancer may be advised to have more frequent screenings by their provider.). Women over age 65 who have previously had regular screenings and are not otherwise at risk for cervical cancer, are no longer advised to have Pap smears, but should still see their physician for a checkup. Your physical is also a good time to talk about any symptoms or problems, ask about contraceptives or menopause, or anything else you have questions about.
Annual physical with Your General Practitioner: It is also good to see your regular doctor once a year for an overall physical. She may also suggest routine bloodwork or urine testing to get a complete picture of your health. While there, ask if you are up to date on important immunizations.
Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Check: If you see your GP, he or she will most likely recommend these tests, but you can also request them even if you do not have a visit scheduled. The cholesterol bloodwork gives a picture of your “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels. If your “bad” cholesterol is higher than recommended, it may be brought under control with simple diet changes, so it is good to have it checked annually. Left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Monitoring your blood sugar lets the doctor know if you are pre-diabetic. Catching blood sugar levels that are on the high side early means that this condition also may be able to be fixed with changes to diet and exercise.
Skin Cancer Checkup: With cases of skin cancer continuing to be on the rise, it is wise to see a dermatologist annually for a skin checkup. If caught early, skin cancer is among the most treatable cancers. Left unchecked, it can lead to painful surgeries and even death. No matter how vigilant you are with sunblock and covering up, skin cancer can still occur, so let a pro take a look.
See Your Dentist: Seeing the dentist is about more than keeping your pearly whites shiny and bright. Oral health is key to overall health. Infections of teeth and gums can lead to heart disease and other serious conditions. The American Dental Society recommends seeing your dentist twice per year for a cleaning and review.
The Eyes Have It: Our eyes change as we age and it is more than likely that we will need new prescriptions or glasses for different functions as time goes by. Even those who have previously had perfect vision may find that glasses are now needed for certain things. You may also see fine in the daytime, but less well at night and your eye doctor can help you find the right solution. Last, your eyes have their own set of health issues so seeing your eye doctor once a year to every two years depending on your age and existing conditions can make sure that any problems are detected early on. Your eye doctor can also advise you as to dietary changes that can aid in the fight against macular degeneration and other diseases (think more kale and leafy greens!).
Make 2018 the Year of Good Health. A few key appointments can help keep you healthy now and for the future.
For more information about Partners for Women’s Health, call (603) 778-0557.
Obstetrical Tips
To Breastfeed or Not?
Many pregnant women face this question. While the decision is a personal one, the following information may aid in your decision.
Benefits
* A mother’s milk has incredible nutritional benefits for her baby. While there are many good formulas, none quite replicate what nature provides.
* In addition to nutritional benefits, a mother’s milk aids her baby’s immune system, helping protect her infant until the baby’s own system is stronger.
* There is some evidence that along with this immunity protection, breastfeeding also reduces the chance of your baby developing allergies.
* Breastfeeding can build a special bond between mother and child. The physical act of nursing brings mother and baby close, and creates a warm, comforting atmosphere.
* Breastfeeding can actually help a new mother lose pregnancy weight faster. The production of milk burns calories.
* Breastfeeding helps reduce blood sugar and promotes good HDL cholesterol.
* There is some evidence that breastfeeding helps reduce the chance of a woman developing breast cancer later in life.
If you have questions about breastfeeding, ask your doctor or health care provider.
If you have any or all of these symptoms call your doctor:
* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Headache
* Body aches
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
If you have any of the following symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away:
* Problems breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure on the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness or confusion
* Severe or constant vomiting
* Decreased or no movement of your baby
* High fever that is not responding to Tylenol or another acetaminophen * (Do not treat a fever without first talking with your doctor)
If you have further questions about the flu or flu vaccine, talk to your doctor. You may also get additional information at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Portions of this information were provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
For more information about Partners for Women’s Health, call (603) 778-0557.