Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Get a Check-Up Once a Year!!

So after all the health issues I have been having lately, it was only a matter of time before I had to post the importance of getting checked out by your doctor! I used to think that going to the doctor once a year was too much of a chore but I did it anyway.My biggest fear is to have an ailment that causes me an early death. Because of my yearly doctors visits, I have caught most of my problems early and are working hard towards finding a fix or at least delaying the progress of the problems. I grew up in an environment where health was one of our main concerns.

Most of my family members had health issues. Mostly to do with diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Even some of my friends have health issues that arent associated with our age group. One of my closet friends had a tumor found in her breast. She is only 29 years old. I think because of that fact, I do a breast exam on myself more often then I did before. (( I admire her courage! I glad she had it removed and she is doing fine <3 ))

Now some people think they are invincible and hate doctors and such but when it comes to your health I have a few words for you:

"Suck it up and GO! You are NOT invincible and if you want to be around for your family, you will get a check up to insure everything is running smoothly!"

I have posted some resources for women. Mostly about getting a check up and pap smear every year. They even have a few recommendations on questions to ask the doctor. It is always good to ask questions even on the slightest things you have issues with. You can never be too careful. Well I hope you use these resources to your advantage.

Much Love,
Tori P.

((Source: http://www.life123.com/parenting/pregnancy/prenatal-care/medical-checkup-guidelines-for-women.shtml )) :

Medical Checkup Guidelines for Women

By: Christina Elston

For mothers, and the mothers in their lives, routine medical checkups are important. The National Women's Health Information Center, part of the federal Department of Health & Human Services' Office on Women's Health, recommends the following screenings:

Beginning at age 18:

Pap test and pelvic exam every one to three years if you are sexually active or over 21.

Hearing test every 10 years.

Dental exam one to two times per year.

Tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine every 10 years.

Beginning at age 20:

Cholesterol tests as ordered by your doctor.

Skin mole exam every three years.

Beginning at age 40:

Mammogram every one to two years.

Eye exam every two to four years.

Skin mole exam every year.

Beginning at age 45:

Blood sugar test for diabetes every three years.

Beginning at age 50:

Fecal occult blood test for colon cancer yearly.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy to screen for colon cancer every five years.

Colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer every 10 years.

Flu shot yearly.

Beginning at age 65

Bone mineral density test as ordered by your doctor.

Eye exam every one to two years.

((Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/annual-medical-checkup )):

The Harvard Women’s Health Watch notes some ways to get the most out of your checkup: