Celebration of Women's Progress: International Women's Day

March 8th, 2022 is International Women’s Day. The International Women's Day website defines this day as a "global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.”

artwork of women with text that says "International women's day'

Women's Health

In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to call attention to women’s health and the importance of preventive care. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day this year by making an appointment for a health checkup!

Here’s a great checklist to follow as you age into each stage of life.

Women in their 20s*

  • Annual preventive care visit with your primary care provider (PCP)
  • A well women visit with your OB/GYN
  • Have your blood pressure checked
  • Get a cholesterol check
  • Ask your provider about folic acid levels
  • Ask your provider about getting a pap smear/cervical cancer screening
  • Get checked for STI’s
  • HIV screening
  • Get a human papillomavirus vaccine, if you haven’t done so already
  • Get your seasonal flu vaccine
  • Talk to your provider about any family health history and update your medical records

Women in their 30s*

  • Annual preventive care visit with your primary care provider (PCP)
  • A well women visit with your OB/GYN
  • Have your blood pressure checked
  • Get a cholesterol check
  • Ask your provider about folic acid levels
  • Ask your provider about getting a pap smear/cervical cancer screening
  • HIV screening
  • Get your seasonal flu vaccine
  • Talk to your provider about any family health history and update your medical records

Women in their 40’s*

  • Annual preventive care visit with your primary care provider (PCP)
  • A well women visit with your OB/GYN
  • Have your blood pressure checked
  • Get a cholesterol check
  • Ask your provider about folic acid levels
  • Ask your provider about getting a pap smear/cervical cancer screening
  • Breast cancer screening (mammogram)
  • Skin cancer check
  • HIV screening
  • Get your seasonal flu vaccine
  • Some women may want to consider a thyroid and hormone level check at this time
  • Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45
  • Glucose testing
  • Talk to your provider about any family health history and update your medical records

Women in their 50’s*

  • Annual preventive care visit with your primary care provider (PCP)
  • A well women visit with your OB/GYN
  • Have your blood pressure checked
  • Get a cholesterol check
  • Ask your provider about folic acid levels
  • Ask your provider about getting a pap smear/cervical cancer screening
  • Breast cancer screening (mammogram)
  • Skin cancer check
  • HIV screening
  • Get your seasonal flu vaccine
  • Thyroid and hormone level check
  • Bone density scan
  • Colorectal cancer screening
  • Get your shingles vaccine
  • Talk to your provider about any family health history and update your medical records

Women in their 60s and beyond*

  • Annual preventive care visit with your primary care provider (PCP)
  • A well women visit with your OB/GYN (optional after age 70)
  • Have your blood pressure checked
  • Get a cholesterol check
  • Ask your provider about folic acid levels
  • Ask your provider about getting a pap smear/cervical cancer screening (optional after age 70)
  • Breast cancer screening (mammogram)
  • Skin cancer check
  • HIV screening
  • Get your seasonal flu vaccine
  • Thyroid and hormone level check
  • Bone density scan
  • Colorectal cancer screening
  • Get your shingles vaccine, if you haven’t done so already
  • Get your pneumonia vaccine
  • Talk to you provider about the pros/cons of a daily aspirin regimen
  • Talk to your provider about any family health history and update your medical records

 

*In addition, regular dental and vision checks are recommended for both women and men of all ages.

Author
DHMP Staff Writer


The information contained on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained, expressed or implied in this blog, is intended as medical advice nor should it be construed as such. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, medical diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician or health care provider. It is not meant to and does not cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects and reliance on the information on this blog is at your own risk. Always talk to your doctor or other qualified health care provider about any concerns or questions you have about your medical care and do not disregard professional medical advice based on the information herein. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.