In observance of National Women's Health Week May 814, Lake Regional Health System encourages women to get their recommended health screenings.
"The goal of Women's Health Week is to empower women to make their health a priority," said Heidi Calipjo, M.D., a family medicine physician at Lake Regional Clinic in Osage Beach, in a news release from Lake Regional Health System. "One important step women can take to improve their health and live well is getting all of their recommended health screenings."
Insurance companies are required to cover many preventive services for women. Following is information on some of the screenings women should receive.
Osteoporosis screening Women between the ages of 50 and 64 should discuss their risk for osteoporosis with their health care provider. After age 65, women should get a bone mineral density test at least once and then talk to their provider about repeat testing, according to the news release.
Breast cancer screening Women between the ages of 40 and 44 should learn the risks and benefits of mammograms for breast cancer screening and make a choice about whether to be screened. Women aged 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older should switch to a mammogram every two years, or have the choice to continue annual screening.
Cervical cancer screening Women should get their first Pap test three years after their first sexual encounter or no later than age 21 and then retest every three years through age 29. Women aged 30 to 65 should get a Pap test and HPV test together every five years. Women 65 and older who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer, unless they have had a history of serious cervical pre-cancer in the last 20 years, the news release said.
Colorectal cancer screening Women between the ages of 50 and 75 should get screened for colorectal cancer. They should talk with their doctor or nurse about which screening test is best for them and how often they need it.
Blood pressure test Beginning at age 18, all women should have their blood pressure tested. Women with normal blood pressure, lower than 120/80, should have it tested at least every two years. Women with blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 should have it tested at least once a year. Women with blood pressure 140/90 or higher should discuss treatment with their health care provider.
Cholesterol test Starting at age 20, women should get a cholesterol test regularly if they are at increased risk for heart disease. Women should ask their health care provider how often they need to have their cholesterol tested, the news release said.
Diabetes screening Beginning at age 18, women should get screened for diabetes if their blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if they take medicine for high blood pressure.
"I encourage every woman to take charge of her health," Dr. Calipjo said. "If you are due for preventive screenings, get them. You and your health are worth the effort."
For a more complete screening list, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw.
Lake Regional Health System offers comprehensive health care for women of all ages and stages of life. From childbirth and fitness programs to breast health and gynecological care, learn more about Lake Regional's women's health services at www.lakeregional.com/WomensHealth.