Health tests women should do
Skin and breasts are two parts that need to be checked at least once a month to promptly detect abnormalities.
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| In addition to regular health checkups at the hospital once a year, women should also monitor their bodies at home. "Not feeling anything doesn't mean you're not sick," said Earlexia M. Norwood, MD, director of family medicine services at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital in Michigan. According to Dr. Norwood, women should self-examine their breasts by observing and feeling when taking off their bras or bathing, once a month. If you notice signs such as dimples, redness, swelling, rashes or pain, contact your doctor immediately. |
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| Skin cancer is common but also easy to spot. To check your skin, you will need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, or a friend or family member who is willing to help. Look at all areas of your body, including areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as your scalp (use a comb or blow dryer to expose all of your scalp), your hands (even under your fingernails), under your breasts, and your genitals and the soles of your feet. Women should check their skin at least once a month. |
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| Waist circumference can be a good indicator of your health, warning you of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In general, women are healthiest when their waist size is under 36 inches (90 cm). If your waist is larger than this, consider exercising and changing your eating habits to reduce your waistline. You should check your waist every 3 to 4 months. |
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| A fast heart rate can be a sign of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), or other heart problems. Everyone should measure their heart rate regularly, once a month. The procedure is simple: place your index and middle fingers on your neck or wrist and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If your reading is around 110 or 120 beats per minute, you may have a problem. |
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| Measuring your height at least once a year is a simple way to make sure your bones are strong. "A loss in height is a sign of bone loss, and it can be an early sign of osteoporosis," says Dr. Norwood. How to keep your bones strong? Make sure you're getting enough calcium through dairy products, calcium-fortified orange juice, and green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. And don't forget to exercise. "Not all exercise is good for bones. Swimming is great for the heart, but it doesn't do anything for your bones. Walking, jogging, and weight lifting are good ways to keep your bones strong," advises Dr. Norwood. |
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| Measuring your blood pressure regularly can help you better understand your current and future health. People with blood pressure problems should check it once or twice a week. To measure your blood pressure, first choose a suitable device. Next, find a quiet place to sit and rest for five minutes. Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and exercise for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure, as these can skew the reading. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor, uncrossed, and make sure the cuff does not catch on your clothing. According to current guidelines from the American Heart Association, blood pressure is considered normal when the systolic pressure is below 120 and the diastolic pressure is below 80. |
