DON’T WASTE BEING YOUNG

Eight Essential Screening Tests for Young Women

If you’re in your 20s, chances are you take your health for granted. Medical problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia seem a long way off, so you may feel there’s no need to worry just yet. That’s not to say you don’t aim to follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk of future health issues. However, besides eating sensibly, engaging in regular exercise, and drinking within safe limits, it’s essential you don’t miss out on any of the screening tests recommended for young women. Even if you’re in perfect health, screening for possible medical issues and determining your risk of health problems is one of the best ways to safeguard your future wellbeing. Therefore, make getting the following tests and examinations a priority.

1. PAP SMEAR

Once you turn 21, you need a pap smear done every three years. A pap smear takes a small sample of cells from your cervix to detect precancerous changes so you can be treated before the cervical cells become cancerous. Although some women find the test uncomfortable, this slight discomfort is worth it to prevent cervical cancer.

2. STI SCREENING

If you are under 25 and sexually active, you are at high risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Annual STI screenings for individuals under 25 is recommended because even if you practice safe sex, you can’t remove the risk of transmission completely. A simple urine or swab test can identify chlamydia and gonorrhea, both of which can be cured with antibiotics. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about getting an STI test as if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility, pregnancy complications, and be transmitted to your baby.

3. BREAST EXAMINATION

Although breast cancer is rare in young women, it can still occur women in their 20s. Therefore, you should check your breasts each month for early changes that may indicate cancer. If you are unsure how to perform a breast self-exam, a nurse practitioner can show you how to do one. However, you should get a breast examination conducted by a healthcare professional at least every three years and more frequently if breast cancer runs in your family.

Bmi

Although your height probably won’t increase after the age of 21, it’s important to keep an eye on your weight since a low or high body mass index can impact your physical and mental well-being. You can check your weight on your bathroom scales, but scales available at pharmacies and medical centers are often more accurate. An annual weight check is all you need if your weight is stable, but if you notice you are gaining or losing weight, a monthly weight check is advisable. Although you may wish to check your weight more regularly if you are actively addressing a low or high BMI, weighing yourself more than weekly is not recommended, as daily fluctuations in your weight can produce unreliable results. You should seek medical advice if you cannot explain changes in your weight through diet or activity levels. Unexplained weight loss or gain may indicate a health problem.

5. BLOOD PRESSURE TEST

You won’t know whether your blood pressure is high or not until you have it checked. Even if you are otherwise fit and well, you should check your blood pressure every two years as high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many drug and grocery stores have machines to test your blood pressure, though you can also take advantage of screenings offered at local health clinics. Alternatively, your medical provider will usually offer a blood pressure screening upon request. If your reading is above 120/80 mm Hg, it’s advisable to get your blood pressure taken a year later. If you have a reading over 140/90 mm Hg, you should consult your doctor for advice. Thankfully, many people can control their blood pressure through lifestyle changes or with medication, if necessary.

6. CHOLESTEROL TEST

More than one-third of adults have raised cholesterol, which isn’t just a problem for older adults since high cholesterol levels can begin as early as your teenage years. As with raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol increases your likelihood of a heart attack and stroke. Certainly, if you are at higher risk of cardiovascular problems, which might be the case if there is a strong family history of heart disease, you should get your cholesterol checked once you hit 20. Even when high, cholesterol can be brought under control with the help of a cardio-protective diet and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

7. DENTAL EXAMINATION

A yearly checkup with your dentist is a must. Not only does a regular dental exam keep your smile presentable, but good oral health will protect you against more than just gum disease and tooth loss. The health of your mouth can impact your general health. For instance, one problem relevant to young women is gum disease, which may reduce the likelihood of conception while increasing your risk of miscarriage, premature labor, or a baby born with a low weight.

8. EYE EXAMINATION

Even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your vision, you should get an eye test every two years. An optometrist can identify medical conditions that manifest early on. For example, an eye checkup can reveal problems such as raised blood pressure, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis before you develop any other symptoms, allowing you to get early treatment if necessary. Finding the time to book yourself for routine medical screenings is well worth it. A clean bill of health gives you reassurance while you can take prompt action for any problems identified, reducing your risk of health issues further down the line.