What should be women health check list after 40

Health checklist for women above 40 years:

Understanding Health Needs

As women grow and mature, their health needs also change according to their age. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Women's health is an issue which has been taken up by many feminists, especially where reproductive health is concerned. Even if you feel good and healthy, still it is important to have regular health checkups. Following are some specific tests that women above 40 should have in order to avoid future problems as health is wealth.

1) Bone mineral density test:

Ø  It is performed to check the strength of the bone and to check the risk of osteoporosis.

Ø  Osteoporosis is a problem in which there is loss of bone

Ø  It usually occurs at the age of 40 or above. Bones become fragile.

Ø  The lifetime risk of osteoporosis for women is almost 50%

So, eat healthy diet and do weight bearing exercises.

Early diagnosis is important and simple scan is recommended.

2) Blood Pressure Check:

Ø  Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.

Ø  Ask your doctor for blood pressure screening

Ø  If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, immediately contact to your doctor.

Ø  If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.

   3) Breast cancer examination:

Ø   Breast cancer is one of the most common problems in women. The majority of breast cancers (80 per cent) occur in women over the age of 50.

Ø  To be careful, women must perform breath self exam.

Ø   They should contact their doctor immediately if they notice a change in their breasts, whether or not they do self exams.

• Doctor should provide complete breast exam every year.

Ø  Mammograms: Women over age 40 should have at least one mammogram every 2 years

The main risk factors are gender, increasing age and familial link. If you have a first-degree relative – a mother or sister – with a history of breast cancer you should commence screening 10 years before the age your relative was diagnosed.

4)  Cervical cancer screening:

Ø Cervical cancer is the 11th most common cancer among women: commoner in developing countries

Ø Pap smears should be done once every 2 - 3 years

Ø A pelvic examination is usually performed when a woman undergoes a smear test or if she is experiencing irregular, heavy periods or abdominal pain

Ø Pap smear plus HPV DNA test and pelvic exam should be done at starting age of 30 yrs at every five years, or as recommended by your doctor.

Ø  Women who have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) may choose not to have Pap smears.

Ø  Women who are sexually active should be screened for Chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.

5) Blood cholesterol test:

Ø  Women over age 44 should be checked every 5 years.

Ø  If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.

Ø If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend cutting out fatty foods, especially animal fats, and will advise on ways to help you reduce your weight if you are overweight

Ø . Having a drink or yoghurt daily or using spreads that contain plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels.

 6)  Immunizations:

Ø  You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster at least once after the age of 35 and every 10 years.

Ø  You should receive a flu vaccine every year.

7)  Physical exams:

Ø  Have a physical exam every 1-5 years.

Ø  Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) every visit

Finally, being self-aware and doing self-health checks is vital.

'Know what is normal for you, take note of any changes and see a doctor if there has been any change in overall health, so that the symptoms can be fully assessed,'