sfw | HEALTH
A Healthy Life: Advice for Women from their 20s to their 80s Your guide to staying healthy at every age and stage of life By Sanford Health
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our regular wellness visit is a great step in being preventive about your health. Your doctor will help you understand which screenings and vaccines are right for you based on your age, risk factors and health history. Women should see their primary care doctor routinely for a wellness visit. During this time, your doctor will ask you about recent changes in your health and will identify if there are diseases you may be at risk for. Your risk factors can come from your medical history, your lifestyle, your family history of disease, or current medications that you are using. These visits are often covered by insurance once a year at no additional cost to you. Vaccinations may be recommended, such as the annual flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine. They are viewed as preventive medicine, something to keep you healthy and avoid a serious medical problems in the future. Blood pressure measurements and other vital signs may indicate a risk for cardiovascular disease. Women are also screened for safety in their home (domestic violence), depression, and tobacco and alcohol use at their regular wellness visit.
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SiouxFallsWoman.net | June/July 2022
Preventive screenings are key to catching diseases early when they’re most treatable — and before they become serious. Here’s a guide for preventive health for women by age. You may follow a different screening schedule or get additional screenings based on your needs. WOMEN IN THEIR 20S NEED: • • • • •
Regular wellness visits Cholesterol screening once between the ages of 21 to 29 Vaccinations, including the HPV vaccination given up to age 45 Cervical cancer screening every three years starting at age 21 Practice breast self-awareness at home
WOMEN IN THEIR 30S NEED:
• • • • •
Regular wellness visits Cholesterol screenings every five years between the ages of 30 to 44 Vaccinations Cervical cancer screening every five years Practice breast self-awareness at home
