June is a great time to continue prioritizing your well-being and building on the momentum of Women’s Health Month in May. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition reminds us that women’s health should remain a year-round priority, with regular care and awareness playing a vital role in long-term wellness.
Women’s health consists of various issues specific to women and individuals who are AFAB, such as reproduction and gynecological health, and other conditions that affect women differently, like diabetes and heart disease.
While nurses stress the importance of good health to their patients, their health is as crucial as their patients’ needs. Women make up more than 85% of nurses in the healthcare field, making up most of the nursing field.
If you’re unsure what type of checkup you should get, here are some resources to guide you toward better health.
Why getting a checkup is important
Because women’s health can be multifaceted, women need to get regular checkups to see if they have any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
You may think that if you feel fine, you don’t need a checkup. However, people with a family history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and even cancer are strongly encouraged to get regular checkups to test for risk factors and monitor their health.
Also, nurses tend to pose a greater risk of developing biological conditions, like obesity, due to high-demand work environments with long hours and increased stress.
Many doctors will suggest a yearly physical exam to screen for medical issues, but how often you go for a routine exam is up to you. Nurses are busy people, and even if you work at a hospital, it might not even cross your mind to check your health until you start to feel ill.
One of the benefits of a routine physical exam is ensuring you’re feeling at your best. For example, a doctor can run a blood test to ensure you’re not vitamin deficient if you’re feeling sluggish. (Speaking of vitamins, women are also likely to have a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.)
A routine exam is also a way to find a doctor or nurse practitioner that is right for you. Many nurse practitioners are women and can provide the same care as doctors, except for performing surgical procedures. You may find one that practices in a specialty you need care in, like gynecology or heart health.
Finding a healthcare professional who’s right for you can be helpful if you need advice on what screenings you need or to find someone who can listen to you one-on-one.
Recommended health screenings for women
Do you need a helpful source on what screenings you should schedule? Here is a list of recommended screenings women ages 18 to 39 can receive.
Blood pressure: Check your blood pressure every three to five years or more often if you have an immediate family member with high blood pressure.
Cholesterol: Start at age 20 if you have a family history of coronary heart disease or age 40 if not.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: Get screened for diabetes at age 35; repeat each screening every three years if you are overweight or have obesity. Women should get tested earlier if they have a first-degree relative with diabetes.
Infectious diseases: Everyone ages 15 to 65 should get tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime. If you are 18 or older, consider getting a one-time test for Hepatitis C. Women who are sexually active should get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea up until age 25 or older if at a higher risk.
Breast cancer: If you have a family history of breast cancer or have a high-risk genetic marker, talk to your provider about how often you should get screened. In most cases, mammograms aren’t considered essential before age 40.
Cervical cancer: Start at age 21 unless a doctor says otherwise. A standard exam includes a Pap smear or an HPV test for women ages 30 or over.
Other types of screenings can include a color cancer checkup if you have a family history of colon cancer or have had an inflammatory bowel disease. Women over 40 can consider getting a bone density check for any risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor regularly to see if you need other screenings, such as a dental or eye exam.
Many nurses deserve high-quality care where they are seen and heard about their medical issues. A checkup doesn’t have to be a last resort; putting yourself first by talking with your doctor about scheduling a screening can be the best defense against any future illnesses.
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