Most women in their 20s and 30s are very busy, whether with a career, a family, a home, pets, or all of these things at once! It’s easy to forget recommended health screenings when you are both busy and relatively healthy. However, health screenings do more than fix health problems. Typical health screenings for a woman in her 20s and 30s may include:
- a check for hidden medical issues,
- vaccine update,
- a check for future medical problems for which she is at risk,
- encouragement in making healthy lifestyle choices.
In addition, regular health screenings create a relationship between patient and doctor, which may be useful in future medical emergencies.
Specific things women in their 20s and 30s should be screened for:
- Cholesterol. Women with normal cholesterol levels only need to repeat this screening every 5 years. Women with conditions like diabetes and kidney problems may need this screening more often.
- Blood pressure. Get this checked every 3 to 5 years. However, if the top number is between 120-139 or the bottom number is between 80-89, then get your blood pressure checked once a year. If the top number is higher than 140 or the bottom number is higher than 90, see a doctor.
- Diabetes. Often, if you have a higher blood pressure reading, you will then also get your blood sugar levels tested for diabetes.
- Immunizations. This is a good time to get your immunizations updated, such as tetanus, flu shot, and varicella vaccine.
- Pelvic exam and pap smear. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a pelvic exam and pap smear at least every 3 years to check for cervical cancer.
- Breast exam. Although mammograms are not normally recommended for women under 40, your doctor may do a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer.
- Eye exam. Women with vision problems should have an eye exam at least every 2 years.
- Dental exam. Go to the dentist for a dental exam once or twice a year.
- Physical exam. Women will get weighed, have their height measured, and have their BMI checked. This will likely occur in conjunction with one of the other health screenings.
- Other issues, such as depression, alcohol and tobacco use, and diet and exercise, may be covered during a typical health screening.
Women in this age group should not forget to schedule health screenings! Even if they are feeling well, a simple routine test may uncover a hidden medical issue. Catching problems early is much better than waiting until the problem is worse.
If you are looking for an obstetrician or gynecologist, schedule a consultation at River City OBGYN.
