As we commemorate the women who fought bravely against an unjust system in 1956, we also celebrate those who are fighting breast and cervical cancer and, other life-threatening illnesses.
We, as women, should mark Women’s Month by empowering ourselves through regular check-ups in order to ensure the early detection of treatable diseases, which cause the unnecessary deaths of thousands of women every year.
Dr Nicola Rains, a general practitioner at NHC Health Centres, recommends these tests for all women:
Bone mineral density screening
It’s beneficial because patients can be advised to manage their risk of or be treated for osteoporosis. These tests are performed from age 50 and subsequent tests are done according to risk and the baseline result.
Weight, BMI and waist circumference
This is a useful measure to indicate whether the patient is at increased risk of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Blood pressure
From the age 18, get tested at least every two years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80), or get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Consult your doctor if your blood pressure is >140/90 for possible diagnosis of hypertension. Test your blood pressure monthly if you are have been diagnosed with and treated for hypertension.
Cholesterol
It is wise to know your cholesterol from as young as 20 years old, in order to manage risk from a young age. Patients with a family history of cardiovascular disease, who smoke, or have hypertension, should have their cholesterol reviewed annually. For those patients who have a normal cholesterol, no family history of disease, do not smoke and are not hypertensive, this test should be repeated in females after 50 years of age or sooner if either their lifestyle or weight changes.
Diabetes test
In a patient without symptoms of diabetes, one may have a screening test to exclude type 2 diabetes by means of a fasting glucose level test annually from age 18.
“With demanding careers, raising kids and dealing with a changing world it’s easy for women to put themselves and their health at the bottom of their priority list. It’s important to take some time out, take a couple of hours out of a year to visit the doctor and get the check-ups. One test could be the life-changing one that will not only affect you, but your role as a wife, mother, sister or daughter. Use this Women’s Month to celebrate your health and take better care of your womanhood,” concludes Dr Nicola. .
