From heart disease to diabetes, despite the rise of certain lifestyle diseases overall, today’s latest medical advances are making it easier to diagnose a disease to help women proactively make required lifestyle changes to live a normal lifestyle.
Diabetes Screening
If your sugar levels have been normal, undergo a diabetes screening test annually. If you have a genetic tendency for diabetes or are overweight, undergo this test more frequently.
Bone Mineral Density Test
Osteoporosis is common in women over 50, and a key symptom is a tendency for bone fractures. If there are signs of early osteoporosis or it runs in the family, a DEXA bone scan can ascertain if she has the disease or is at risk for it.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Every three years, women over 50 need to undergo a Pap test or both a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. However, if there are risk factors such as HIV infection or a previous abnormal screening, she should undergo a Pap test annually.
Breast Cancer Screening
Once a year, women over 50 should have their breasts examined by their gynecologist. This should check for any abnormalities and also, a mammography should be done annually as part of this checkup.
Hypertension & Blood Pressure
For women with typically normal blood pressure, it should be checked at least once annually. If it is at or above 120/80, have it checked more frequently. H
(Credit: Dr. Sanjida Ahmed, cell biologist)