|
Woman: An adult female human. Women: (n.) pl. of Woman. What are the most important things a woman can do on her own to protect her health? What are the most important medical screening tests for women and at what age should they have them? What are the most important medical symptoms women should not ignore? What are the most important nutrients women need? How much exercise does a woman need for weight control? Is the birth control pill still considered safe? What about the extended pill - does it carry any extra health risks? How often should a woman be tested for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and what tests does she need? What are the most important things a woman can do on her own to protect her health? Answer: Keeping a keen eye out for early signs of health problems is important, but there are also things you can do to protect yourself now and in the future. These include: * Eating a sensible diet that includes all the major food groups, and watching portion size. * Try for 30 minutes of exercise or more daily. * Protect your bones by eating three servings of low-fat dairy every day and performing weight-bearing exercises - like walking, running, or aerobics - at least three times a week. * Get regular health screenings. * Take time out for yourself. Experts say 30 minutes a day is ideal if you can swing it. Make it a time when you do something just for you - reading, taking a bath, working in the garden, chatting online with friends - whatever relieves your stress will add years to your life and life to your years! What are the most important medical screening tests for women and at what age should they have them? * Thyroid test - every five years beginning at age 35 * Blood pressure test - Every two years beginning at age 18 * Cholesterol test - Start at age 20 and let your doctor suggest frequency. * Bone mineral density test - Have baseline test around age 40 and let your doctor decide on frequency. * Blood sugar test (diabetes) - Every three years beginning at age 45 * Mammogram - Beginning at age 40, every one to two years * Pelvic exam/Pap test - Every one to three years if you are sexually active, up to age 65. After age 65 let your doctor decide on frequency. * Colorectal health testing - Yearly fecal occult blood test beginning at age 50. Talk to your doctor about a screening plan that is best for you. What are the most important medical symptoms women should not ignore? Answer: While any symptom that causes you distress should be reported to your doctor, there are some specific signs no woman should ever ignore. They include: * Heart attack: Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest sometimes accompanied by pain in the upper body including arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath; a cold sweat; nausea; and lightheadedness. * Stroke: Sudden or developing problems with speech, sight, balance, and coordination, as well as numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs. * Reproductive health problems: Bleeding or spotting between periods; itching, burning, bumps, blisters, or sores on the vagina or genital area; pain during sex; severe menstrual pain; severe pelvic pain; unusual vaginal discharge, particularly with a strong odor; lower back pain with bloating and/or feelings of fullness. * Breast problems: Nipple discharge, breast tenderness or pain, changes in the skin covering the breast or nipples (ridges, dimpling, pitting, swelling, redness, or scaling), a lump or thickening in the tissue of the breast or underarm area, or tenderness in these areas. * Digestive or stomach problems: Bleeding from the rectum; blood or mucus in the stool or black stools; change in bowel habits; constipation, diarrhea, or both; constant heartburn; pain or feeling of fullness in stomach; bloating; vomiting blood. * Skin problems: Changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole; small lump on skin that is smooth, shiny, and waxy and often reddish brown in color; painful, crusty, scaling, or oozing skin lesions that don’t heal within 14 days. What are the most important nutrients women need? Answer: The best sources of any nutrients are fresh, whole foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. How much exercise does a woman need for weight control? Answer: To prevent weight gain, the __________ suggests 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days of the week, while watching caloric intake. To keep weight off they suggest 60 to 90 minutes daily of vigorous activity. If a woman is not overweight, does she still need to exercise? And if so, what benefits will she gain? Answer: To help protect against chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, including breast cancer, experts say every woman should have a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking, or bike riding) most days of the week. Regular exercise can also help lower blood pressure, keep bones and joints healthy, reduce anxiety and depression, help you sleep better, and control pain from arthritis. Is the birth control pill still considered safe? What about the extended pill - does it carry any extra health risks? Answer: Birth control pills in use today are far safer than those used in the past - mainly because they contain far lower levels of hormones. In fact, the pill has been shown to protect women from ovarian and endometrial cancers. While numerous studies have looked at the relationship between the pill and breast cancer, there is no conclusive evidence of a link. However, if you smoke, the pill may increase your risk of high blood pressure, blood clots, and blocked arteries. If you are over age 35 and smoke, or if you have a history of blood clots or breast, liver, or certain gynecological cancers, the pill may not be the best choice for you. There are no extended health warnings or risks associated with continuous birth control pills like Seasonale, which provide for one menstrual cycle every few months. How often should a woman be tested for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and what tests does she need? Syphilis: At the first prenatal visit (all women), during the third trimester (high risk women only), and at delivery (all women). Hepatitis B: At the first prenatal visit, and then again in the third trimester for high risk women. Chlamydia: At the first prenatal visit, and then again in the third trimester for high risk women and women <25 years old. Gonorrhea: At the first prenatal visit for women who live in areas with large numbers of cases. Again during the third trimester for women at high risk. Bacterial Vaginosis: Some studies suggest that asymptomatic women at high risk for preterm birth should be tested for the sexually associated condition bacterial vaginosis, but the data is controversial. Testing is not supported for asymptomatic HIV : (Controversial) Regardless of your age before starting a new relationship both you and your potential partner should be tested for all major STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, genital herpes, and HPV (human papilloma virus), a sexually transmitted cancer. You should also be tested anytime symptoms arise, including genital itching, burning or pain, abnormal and particularly odorous discharge, or the presence of any lumps, bumps, or rashes. |