Women’s Health Resources
Quick Overview of Health & Wellness Guidelines for Women
Women have a higher risk of developing certain serious health conditions such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and gynecological cancer. Many of these conditions can be prevented or managed if the warning signs are found early enough, which is why women’s health services often focus on health screenings and wellness programs. Below, we briefly review some simple steps you can take to stay vigilant.
Performing a Breast Self-Exam
Finding abnormalities on your breast can help you identify the warning signs of breast cancer. One of the first steps is learning how your breasts look and feel. After receiving a physical and making sure everything is normal, spend the next several weeks familiarizing yourself with your breasts. This will make it easier for you to perform breast self-exams.
You should perform a self-exam at least once a month. You can perform them in the shower, standing in front of a mirror, or even lying down. Use your hands to gently feel around the entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from the outside to the center. Check both breasts and armpit area for lumps or knots. If you can see your breasts or are standing in front of a mirror, keep an eye out for changes in size, color, or shape.
Keep in mind that finding an abnormality does not mean you have breast cancer. If anything seems off, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
Screenings
Receiving regular health screenings should be part of your normal health routine. You do not need to receive the same screenings every year, but you should have a schedule worked out with your physician to determine how often you should receive each screening based your medical history and risk factors.
Talk with your doctor about when and how often you should receive the following screenings:
- Mammograms
- Pap smears
- Pelvic exams
Risk Assessments
Your risk factors for certain medical conditions will vary depending on your age, ethnicity, weight, and family medical history. One of the reasons finding a primary care physician is so important is that they can evaluate all of your risk factors and help you take steps to prevent any conditions you may be more predisposed to.
Schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable physician today to receive a complete assessment of your risk factors.