Health is wealth.
We call women the backbone of society, but this bone will eventually break without proper care and attention. I know how easy it is to get carried away with the hustle and bustle of life, but when it comes to your health, you have to stay on top of the game.
Let me tell you a personal story that really drove this home for me. A few years ago, I had a routine pap smear that came back abnormal. I had to go back for further testing, and it turned out I had pre-cancerous cells. It was a scary time for me, but thankfully, we caught it early, and I was able to get treatment.
If I had skipped that appointment, who knows how long it would have gone undetected? It's a scary thought, but it's a reminder of just how important it is to stay up-to-date with our medical appointments.
And it's not just about pap smears. Regular breast exams, pelvic exams, and other screenings are all important for maintaining our health.
Pap Smears
Pap smears are a screening test for cervical cancer. Women start getting pap smears at 21 or earlier if they've become sexually active. If you're between the ages of 21 and 29, you can do it every 3 years. Women between 30 and 65 usually get it done every five years. However, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have a history of abnormal Pap results.
Mammograms
Another essential medical routine is mammograms. They are done to check for breast cancer, and you can start getting them at the age of 40, annually, or biannually. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms earlier or getting them more frequently.
STDs
You can screen for STDs at least once a year or more frequently if you have multiple sexual partners and engage in high-risk behaviors. Your annual exams should also include your blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol test, bone density screening, and eye and dental checks. Depending on your health history and risk factors, you can do these more often.
I know it can be hard to find time to schedule appointments, but one thing that has helped me stay on top of my appointments is to schedule them far in advance and to set reminders leading up to them so that I can remind myself to make the necessary arrangements or notify employers. That way, I can reschedule easily if a conflict arises. Be careful, because many doctor's offices charge a cancellation fee if the appointment is canceled within 24-48 hours of when it’s scheduled to occur.
Another thing that's helped me is finding a doctor I feel comfortable with. Let's face it, these appointments can be awkward and uncomfortable, but having a doctor who puts me at ease makes the whole process a lot less daunting.
And if you've been putting off appointments because you're afraid of what you might find out, I get it. But let me tell you, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're taking care of yourself is worth it. If something does come up, catching it early is always better than waiting until it's too late.
But remember, it's not just about medical appointments. Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining good health, too. So ensure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Trust me; you'll be glad you did!