Regular health screenings can save a woman's life
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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and regular health screenings are among the best ways to ensure sound health. Women face health challenges that are unique to them, in addition to general health conditions that affect all adults. In situations when illness or disease strikes, screenings will enable early detection, which can often lead to more successful treatment — maybe even save one's life. A woman's age and other risk factors will determine the types of health screenings they should receive and how often they should receive them.
Of course, in addition to age, personal and family history is a major consideration. A doctor can help you determine whether you need to have certain screenings conducted earlier or more often than the age-based recommendations.
Breast Cancer and Beyond
Breast cancer is a serious and common threat for women. But it is not the only issue they face. That's why it is so important for women to address all aspects of their health to avoid or address risks for these dangerous conditions:
Good Health is Basic
To minimize risks for any of these conditions, the basic rules of good health apply: Don't smoke, eat right and exercise regularly. For information on LifeSteps resources to help you follow these rules, call a LifeSteps health coach.
Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack, is the leading cause of death for American women. Lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on reducing your risks.
- If you are a smoker you should quit immediately. Smoking increases your risk for cancer and heart disease.
- Women need to start managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and glucose testing by age 20.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Learn more about women and heart disease.
Cancer
There are many different types of cancer that affect women, including cervical, breast, colon, lung and ovarian. The American Cancer Society recommends the following:
- Early detection can assist in a successful treatment. See age-based screening chart for information on pap smears, mammograms and other health screenings depending on your age.
- Talk with your doctor about when to begin regular mammograms and how often to get them. Read about what could happen if you have an abnormal mammogram.
- With summer approaching, always take precaution wear sunscreen whenever you go outside
Read how a LifeSteps health coach can help
Stroke
According to the American Stroke Association, the following risk factors could increase a woman's risks for stroke:
- Migraine headaches: Recent research shows that women who suffer from migraines with aura (visual disturbances such as flashing dots or blind spots) can be up to 10 times more likely to suffer a stroke, in conjunction with other risk factors.
- Birth Control Pills: Women who take even a low-estrogen birth control pill may be twice as likely to have a stroke than those who don't.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: This could increase one's stroke risk slightly.
- Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or lupus can increase the risk of stroke.
- Clotting disorders: Women who've had more than one miscarriage may be at higher risk for blood clots, which can increase their chance of a stroke.
Diabetes
According to the American Heart Association, if you have diabetes, you may be two to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. Follow these recommendations:
- Get control of your blood pressure
- Be careful about your food choices
- Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Don't face your risks alone. A LifeSteps health coach can see help you. To reach a health coach or to learn about LifeSteps weight loss and other services, call 1-877-LIFE-123 (1-877-543-3123) anytime, 24/7.
Personal health information provided to a LifeSteps health coach is protected by federal and state privacy laws and will not be disclosed to American Standard Companies except as authorized by law for administration of the company's group health plans.