During Women's Health Month it is important to remember preventative health tests you may need done. Ladies, schedule your routine screenings and appointments to include:
- mammogram/ MRI for breast cancer
- PAP smear & HPV test for cervical cancer
- stool check for blood (fecal occult blood test, FOBT) for colorectal cancer
- cardiology doctor for cardiovascular prevention (get EKG, ECHO, and thallium stress test if indicated)
- bone density scan to check for osteoporsis
- counseling for smoking cessation, alcohol/drug dependence, and domestic violence
- evaluation for depression and other mental disorders if necessary
- complete physical exam, and routine blood tests.
Be sure to go over all test results with your healthcare provider. Any abnormal results should be looked into further especially if you have symptoms.
Get in 5 to 10 minutes of exercise a day at least, sleep enough, and eat healthy! Laugh a lot and love a lot! Best health!
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family practice doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide. (Amazon.com: Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide eBook : Richardson M.D., J. L.: Kindle Store)
