Speaking of health…its time for YOU!

By Olive M. Soriero, MD, PhD, Cancer Center for Women

For most women, paying attention to their own health care during their childbearing years is fairly easy.  They have regular check up schedules for their infants and school-aged children, which serves as a reminder for their own regular exams.  However, when the children are grown, many women forget about the importance of their health needs. Perhaps there is no better time than September (Healthy Aging Month) to remind you to take care of your most important asset – your health.
We know you are bombarded by conflicting information from many sources
including  Oprah, the evening news, and your friends. 

Let’s make life simple and sort out the facts a mature woman needs to know to protect her health.

1. Find a doctor who understands the changing medical needs of the
   perimenopausal and eventually, postmenopausal woman. A doctor who is willing to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and will be your partner in caring for your body. You should have periodic evaluation of your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
2. Know the medical history of both sides of your family.  Your doctor needs to evaluate your family history to advise you about risk factors.   If there is a significant family medical history of problems such as heart disease or malignancy, you may want to consider a consultation with specialist in that area of health.
3. An annual pelvic exam and Pap test are mandatory regardless of your age or
   whether you have had a hysterectomy. Every woman who has ever been sexually active requires a Pap test. Abnormal Paps are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, which is sexually transmitted. This virus is present in 80 percent of males and females, is not cured by a hysterectomy, and can remain dormant for many years. (25 percent of cervical cancer is detected in women older than 65 years.) Your gynecologist does more than perform a Pap test….this physician specialist also evaluates the status of your ovaries and uterus, the pelvic muscles, the external vulva, and the bladder and rectum.  Your gynecologist may often be the first physician to detect non-gynecologic problems such as high blood pressure.
4. A mammogram should be done annually after the age of 40. The mammogram is paid by your insurance, including Medicare. Only 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by an inherited gene, but breast cancer is the most common cancer in women  and will affect more than 200,000 women this year. Because the incidence of breast cancer increases with age, you are never too old for an mammogram
5. A colonoscopy should be performed every 5 to 10 years, especially if
   you have a family history of colon cancer or you have had rectal bleeding.
6. Hormonal therapy may be important for you. You should discuss these
   options with your doctor, especially for the relief of peri- and post-menopausal symptoms and to protect your bone health. Your gynecologist is a good source of up-to-date knowledge about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.
7. Stop smoking…lung cancer is the number-one cancer killer of women!
8. Eat a healthy diet and develop a realistic exercise pattern … but you knew this!
9.  “You are Woman” …make your doctor your partner in your health care.

I want to take charge of my health!

Call 338-CARE (2273) or toll free (888) 338-CARE to request a copy of our Women’s Health Brochure.  This handy little guide lists the screening test you need and the frequency of the tests for your specific age.  It’s health care information at your fingertips!