Must Have Exams for Women
Preventive care for women is essential. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance must cover preventative health care like mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. There are several health screenings that women should take advantage of and take time to complete.
As women get older, testing and screenings become even more critical. No matter how busy you might be, a yearly exam is a must. Discuss with your doctor which tests and screenings are important for you.
Charlotte Grayson, M.D., a primary care physician at Piedmont Health in Georgia, says women should have a Pap smear and pelvic exam from either their primary care physician or their gynecologist. She says mammogram screenings are a must.
"I always recommend a mammogram for women over 40. I agree with cancer guidelines which start annual screenings at age 40, because breast cancer, if caught early, is curable and treatable."
Critical Screenings and Tests for Women
Here are some of the most critical screenings and exams that should be completed:
Pap Smears - every three years through age 65
Mammograms - Women age 45+ should get mammograms every year
Bone Density Test - Some doctors recommend baseline bone density test for women starting in their mid-50s. By age 60, you should have a test to determine the risk for osteoporosis
Blood Pressure - Ideally, you want your blood pressure to be 120/80 or better. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked at least yearly
Diabetes testing- High blood glucose or "blood sugar" levels put you at greater risk of developing pre-diabetes or type II diabetes. An A1c level of 6.5% or higher is used to diagnose. Diabetes can bring other health issues like heart attack and stroke
Colonoscopy - You should have your first colonoscopy by age 45 unless you have a family history of colon cancer or symptoms like blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
There are many specialists nationwide that can provide treatment for colon issues. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Dr. Sean Ceaser is a top specialist who helps patients with colon and other types of cancers. Dr. Ceaser helps with colon cancer treatments, including other types of cancers someone may have inherited.
See a complete list of screenings and testing by clicking here.
Dr. Jeffery Crick, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, says building a relationship with your doctor and seeing them regularly will benefit you in the long run.
"The time spent face to face building a relationship with your primary care provider will allow you to create an individualized care plan that meets your needs and optimizes health outcomes."
Longevity and Women's Long-Term Care Risk
The risk of long-term health care is also a women's issue. There are two major reasons. Women are usually the first caregivers as men generally will age first and require long-term care before a woman. Women are at greater risk of needing long-term health care since they live longer than men and thrive in a care environment longer than most men. Also, a male spouse is typically a poor caregiver or has deceased before the woman.
Preparing your family and finances for the financial costs and burdens of aging is an important part of an overall retirement plan. Caregiving is a physically and emotionally demanding job. Spouses and family members face many challenges in the role of being a caregiver for a loved one.
Professional care is expensive and drains assets, and adversely impacts income, lifestyle, and legacy. Remember, long-term care is not just a cash flow problem but a family problem. The consequences on families and finances can be dramatic.
Develop a Longevity Plan
As you reach age 50, you should start developing a longevity plan, including researching Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC NEWS has many resources available to help you learn about your options and find affordable options - click here to find your resources.
Be sure to get accurate quotes from the major insurance companies. However, remember these products are medically underwritten, and each company has its own rules.
What is Underwriting? How Does Current Health Impact Ability to Obtain Long-Term Care Insurance?
A qualified LTC Insurance specialist can help guide you through the maze. Find a trusted specialist by clicking here. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
Being proactive with your health is smart. Planning for retirement before you retire makes common sense. Part of retirement planning should be to prepare for the costs and burdens of future long-term health care.
Aging happens, and changes in your health and aging lead to chronic illness, mobility problems, dementia, and frailty. Planning for long-term care will make getting older easier for everyone in your family.