During National Self-Check Month, we’re listing the checkups recommended for women.
If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? It’s important that women take time, however short, for their good health.
February is National Self-Check Month, and just because the month is short doesn’t mean women should come up short on their well-being.
There are several ways women should check in with their bodies to make sure everything is working as it should. Some checks take place at home, but others occur regularly in a physician’s office.
An important at-home self-check routine is the monthly breast self exam. Learn how to perform a breast self exam!
Women also want to regularly check their skin for abnormal moles and discolorations.
Other important health checks occur at doctor’s offices. Here’s a list of recommended regular check ups you should have with physicians. We hope this information will empower women to take their health into their own hands!
Well Woman Exam
The well woman exam is an integral part of making sure everything in a woman’s body is functioning as it should. These exams, usually performed at an OBGYN office, can include checking height and weight, blood pressure and other vitals; a breast exam, a pelvic exam and various health screenings, depending on your age. The well-woman visit is the time to bring up anything you want to talk to your physician about other than just physical health. Women can discuss:
- Depression and stress
- Birth control options
- Osteoporosis and bone density testing
- Sexual health
- Menopause
- Menstruation problems
- Weight management
- Preconception counseling
- And many more health topics
It’s your body, and the well-woman exam is your time to talk about whatever health topics are on your mind.
Dentist Visit
Some people love it, many people hate it, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Getting your teeth checked every six months does more than keep your teeth clean and pearly white. Regular dental check ups can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and other more serious oral health issues. Also, a dentist can identify symptoms of problems like diabetes, TMJ and oral cancer.
Eye Exam
Much like getting your teeth cleaned, the majority of people don’t get overly excited about an eye exam. But also much like a dentist, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can spot signs of serious health problems during an eye exam. Issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer can be detected during a routine eye exam. Many women experience headaches, and sometimes incorrect, or lack of, vision correction can be the cause.
Skin Exam
Going to the dermatologist might be something women are less likely to think of doing annually. But, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests having an annual exam to make sure you’re in the clear and, if you’re not, catch problems soon. Dermatologists check for skin abnormalities and can assist with the treatment of blemishes, dry skin and other skin issues. Tip from the dermatologists: Prepare for your appointment by removing nail polish so your doctor can see your nail beds clearly. And wear your hair down and loose so your scalp can easily be checked.
Remind the Men in Your Life to Get a Well Man Exam
The men in our lives sometimes take better care of their cars than themselves! According to a survey done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017, men are more than twice as likely to go more than two years without seeing a physician or any other health care professional. So, it is suggested that men have an annual physical exam. It is also suggested that men do a monthly self-examination to check for testicular cancer.
Conclusion
The moral of the story is: you get one body in this life, so take good care of it! Schedule an appointment with your physician today. Take great care of yourself!
