1. Spinal Evaluation – After the various pregnancies and child births, carrying of heavy hand bags, walking on high heeled shoes, carrying of heavy loads, bending to sweep etc. What is the condition of your spine?
2. Xrays and Bone Density –Normal growing comes with degeneration. This test shows the integrity of bones in the entire body.
3. Monthly Self Breast Examination – All adult women, 18 years and above must check for lumps in breasts at least once a month. Women 40 years and above who are at high risk should also have mammograms at least once a year.
4. Hypertension – Do you know your numbers? Depending on age, lifestyle, and family history, you may be required to check your blood pressure on a daily basis at home. It will be important to get a machine and record all readings.
5. Check blood sugar and blood cholesterol – In a healthy woman with no family history of diabetes or hypertension or high cholesterol, lab tests should be run at least once a year after 30 years of age. If you have been diagnosed with the above then blood glucose or cholesterol levels should be checked at least every 6 months. With early detection, diseases like diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol can be managed without drugs.
6. Eye Test – If there is a family history of diabetes or hypertension then after 40 years of age each woman should test their eyes at least once a year.
7. PAP Smear – Cells are taken from the cervix to check for precancerous cells. After 21 years of age, each female should have a pap smear once a year till age 65 by which time women who have had clean pap smears can stop doing them.
8. Thyroid Test – Extreme weight gain and weight loss, fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations etc, can be a result of too much or too little activity of the thyroid gland. After the age of 35 years, every woman should be checked at least once in 5 years.
By Dr Naa Asheley Dordor
The Writer is a Chiropractor at the Nova Wellness Center – a vibrant and dynamic healthcare facility that uses Chiropractic, Nutrition, Exercise and Massage to treat diseases.
She can be reached on 0542448686 or /www.novawellnessgh.com
Source: GhanaWeb
