Care For Women Over 30

One of the most important things a patient can do for their medical care is visit the doctor for a wellness visit. Many serious medical problems can either be avoided or detected early through regular non-sick visits.

Women over the age of 30 are often confused about when various screens are needed. Pap smears are recommended every 1-3 years and can generally be stopped after age 65 if pap smears have been normal.

Self-breast exams are important every month and mammograms should be done yearly after age 40. A DEXA scan or bone density test should begin at age 65 or earlier for women with early menopause. A screening colonoscopy should be done at age 50 and repeated every 10 years unless polyps are found.

Your physician should also discuss healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and bad habits such as smoking and alcohol use. Obese patients should be counseled on the importance of weight loss. Blood pressure should be checked at least once every 2 years and BMI at each visit. Important labs include glucose and cholesterol panels at age 45 or sooner in obese patients.

Vaccines are also critical to staying healthy. A tetanus booster should be given every 10 years and a yearly flu shot is recommended. The Shingles vaccine can be given starting at age 60 and the pneumonia shot is recommended at age 65.

Patients should also be screened for depression and for signs of dementia in the elderly.

Every patient has a different medical and family history, so it is important to take the time to visit your doctor for regular wellness visits so you can stay healthy.

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