Stay Healthy, Mums! As the world celebrates Mother’s Day today, it is a good time for all the mums out there to focus on their well-being -something that often gets ignored while taking care of everyone else’s needs. Physicians typically recommend following an easy-to-remember rule for women when it comes to scheduling check-ups; ” twice in your 20s, three time when you hit your 30s, four times during your 40s, five times when you are in 50s,” ami annually after that.
Here are some important health checkpoints you should jeep in mind:
* Blood pressure. Blood pressure often fluctuates during pregnancy: post-partum, monitor your blood pressure every other week to ensure it is withibc the recommended range (110/70-130/80 mm hg).
* Cholesterol. Elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol levels put you at increased risk of heart-related problems. Cardiologist suggest that your LDL (good cholesterol) levels should be less than 100 mg, while HDL (bad cholesterol) levels should at least be 50 mg.
* Vitamin D. Women typically lose up to 20% of their bone density by the time they reach the menopausal age of 50. This put them at increased risk of bone and joint related diseases such as osteoporosis. Our body naturally manufactures vitamin D, which ensures strong bones when we are out in the sun: if you usually stay indoors, have your physician prescribe a vitamin D supplement. Ideal levels of vitamin D vary according to age and gender.
* Cancer screening. The Center Of Disease Control (CDC) advices women between 50 and 74 to have a mammogram every two years ; this ensures that breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages, increasing the chance of full recovery. Pap smears and HPV tests, the frequency of which is best determined by your gyneacologists given your case and family history, will prevent cervical cancer from developing unchecked; colorectal cancer screenings are recommend for women after they turn 50.
By Dr Samia Babar. The writer is Director, Health Awareness Society.