Remember that old saying about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure? It more than applies to the regular doctor’s visit. It is vital for women to get regular checkups because screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. Screenings and routine care can help women lower their risks of many health conditions, including heart disease.

For women, in addition to checking weight, high blood pressure, and other basics, a visit to your healthcare provider may specifically include:

A test for cervical cancer, called a Pap smear, every one to three years.

A clinical breast exam to check for any unusual lumps or bumps in your breasts.

Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a strong family history for breast cancer), a breast cancer screening with a mammogram every one to two years.

Starting at age 65, a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis, the disease that causes brittle, fragile bones and typically affects older women; women with more than one risk factor for osteoporosis may start earlier.

As a woman, you have a responsibility to maintain your health. Not just for you, but for the family you have or wish to have someday. Here are some guidelines to follow when considering your health and well-being:

Educate yourself. Know what it takes to promote a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. Ask your healthcare provider for specific information regarding your needs.

Be good to your bones. make sure you’re getting a healthy supply of calcium every day with plenty of foods such as milk and dairy products, tofu, leafy, green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium-fortified juices or breads. Speak with your healthcare provider about calcium supplements.

Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol. For women, the definition of moderate drinking stops at one glass. and, where illicit drugs are concerned, there is no such thing as “moderate” use.

Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully, and remind your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any other medicines or supplements you might be taking that could interact with your medication.

Safety first! Preventative maintenance is a must! Avoid injuries at home and in the workplace. Buckle up in vehicles. Wear a helmet when you’re on a bicycle or a motorcycle. Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Wear sunscreen, hats and UV protected sunglasses when outdoors. Use street smarts and common sense. Practice safe sex.

Get checked! See your healthcare provider for regular checkups, preventive examinations, and immunizations. Don’t forget self-examinations.

Don’t smoke! Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in our country.

Eating smart is the secret to good health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Enjoy a variety of foods, eat foods from each food group, and practice moderation.

Get moving! Did you know that just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can drastically improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally?

Be Happy! It’s important to take time for yourself. Stay connected with family and friends, and help out in the community. do things YOU enjoy!

Get the Screenings You Need

Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Blood pressure checks and mammograms are examples of screenings. Talk to your health care provider to find out which screening tests you may need. once you have received a screening test, it is important to discuss the results and possible lifestyle changes you may need to make.

Breast Cancer

Ask your health care provider whether a mammogram is right for you based on your age, family history, overall health, and personal concerns.

Cervical Cancer

Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you are 21 to 65 years old and have been sexually active. if you are older than 65 and recent Pap smears were normal, you do not need a Pap smear. if you have had a hysterectomy for a reason other than cancer, you do not need a Pap smear.

Chlamydia and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases can make it hard to get pregnant, may affect your baby, and can cause other health problems.

Have a screening test for Chlamydia if you are 24 or younger and sexually active. if you are older than 24, talk to your health care provider about being screened for Chlamydia.

Ask your provider whether you should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases.

Colorectal Cancer

Have a screening test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier. Several different tests can detect this cancer. Your health care provider can help you decide which is best for you.

Depression

Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Talk to your health care provider about being screened for depression, especially if during the last 2 weeks:

You have felt down, sad, or hopeless.

You have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things.

Diabetes

Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medication for high blood pressure.

Diabetes (high blood sugar) can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts.

High Blood Pressure

Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure.

High Cholesterol

Starting at age 20, have your cholesterol checked regularly if:

You use tobacco.

You are obese.

You have diabetes or high blood pressure.

You have a personal history of heart disease or blocked arteries.

A man in your family had a heart attack before age 50 or a woman before age 60.

HIV

Talk with your health care provider about HIV screening if any of these apply to you:

You have had unprotected sex with multiple partners.

You have injected drugs.

You exchange sex for money or drugs or have sex partners who do.

You have or had a sex partner who is HIV-infected, bisexual, or injects drugs.

You are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease.

You had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.

You have any other concerns.

Osteoporosis (Bone Thinning)Have a screening test at age 65 to make sure your bones are strong. if you are younger than 65, talk to your health care provider about whether or not you should be tested.

Overweight and Obesity

The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index (BMI). You can find your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator, such as the one available at: nhlbisupport.com/bmi/. a BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a normal weight. Persons with a BMI of 30 or higher may be obese. if you are obese, talk to your healthcare provider about seeking intensive counseling and help with changing your behaviors to lose weight. Overweight and obesity can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Aspirin

If you are 55 or older, ask your health care team if you should take aspirin to prevent strokes.

Breast Cancer Drugs

If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should take medicines to prevent breast cancer.

Estrogen for Menopause (Hormone Replacement Therapy)Do not use estrogen to prevent heart disease or other diseases. if you need relief from symptoms of menopause, talk with your health care team.

Immunizations

Get a flu shot every year.

If you are 65 or older, get a pneumonia shot.

Depending on health problems, you may need a pneumonia shot at a younger age or need shots to prevent diseases like whooping cough or shingles.

Talk with your health care team about whether you need vaccinations. You can also find which ones you need by going to: www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/.

It is up to you, as a woman, to take care of yourself. No one knows your body better than you do! do your self-examinations and make regular appointments with your health care provider to ensure that you are the healthiest YOU that you can be!