Gonna Love You From Head to Toe
Are you now singing the old 80’s hit by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam? There’s your “ear worm” for the day – you’re welcome! With today’s blog we are at the end of our 10-Day Love Challenge, and I’d like to address women’s health. (Oh, and by the way, I will be posting an extra special Valentine’s edition on love tomorrow, so stay tuned!)
First and foremost, let me say this: I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR NURSE OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL! The information below is PURELY INFORMATION! Okay? Got it? Just sayin’!!!
As I was thinking about a woman’s health over the years, especially for those of us 50 plus, I started listing out things I want to make sure I do for myself to stay in optimal health, aside from my own regime of healthy eating, exercise, etc. So I thought I would share these with you, in case you may be considering getting yourself checked this year. Again, this is only a list I put down for myself, based on some of my own personal health experiences, issues and readings (see a few sources listed at the end of the post). I will be talking with my medical professional about these topics in the coming days, and you know me! I’ve always got a list with me!
Reading from head to toe, or thereabouts!
EYES – when was the last time you had your eyes checked or your prescription for glasses/contact lens updated? I just did last December, and got a new prescription for my trifocals, and what a blessing it is to see more clearly!
THE GIRLS – breast exam/mammogram – while many women check themselves monthly in the shower, it’s always a good idea to go over this with your doctor at your annual wellness exam and take her recommendations as to when you should get a mammogram.
TEETH – dental exam – my own dentist recommends getting my teeth cleaned and checked 1-2 times a year, not just for a beautiful smile but also to check for gum disease.
EARS – while all those old 70’s and 80’s concerts and disco dancing music didn’t totally leave me deaf, I think it’s time for me to get a hearing check. Does anyone else remember having that done in grade school?
THYROID – thyroid screening – ask your doctor if s/he thinks you thyroid isn’t working properly. I’ve had friends who have asked to have this checked when they were unexplainably getting fatigued, gaining weight, etc.
SKIN – dermatologist – as we get older we get lovely little things like skin tags, moles, brown spots, “beauty” marks, etc. Especially if you spent a great deal of time in the sun, and/or if you have a family history of skin cancer, it’s a good idea to have a professional give you a review. I’m going this year as I’m actually overdue for this one.
BLOOD – blood sugar – Some sources suggest getting a fasting blood sugar test by age 45 test then every three years.
BLOOD – blood pressure (key factor in longevity) – to make sure it’s not too high or low, both of which can cause concerns.
BLOOD – Hepatitis C test – Baby Boomers – adults born between 1945 and 1965 – are being encouraged to get this test because we are at a higher risk and should be screened at least once.
BLOOD – Cholesterol profile – I struggle with this and, while I hate taking meds, I do take medication as it wasn’t under control when I tried to take care of it myself through diet and exercise only – it’s also because it was part of my family history. More than 71 million adults have high cholesterol levels! High levels can lead to may lead to heart attacks or strokes.
BONES – Bone Density scan – (DXA) – it tests for osteoporosis. I had my first in my late 50’s and am planning on having another one done this year. I’m hoping all my weight-bearing exercises have had a positive result on my bones!
BODY WEIGHT- While I’m not addressing one’s dress size here, it’s recommended that we keep our weight at a reasonable/healthy level – obesity heightens risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and makes life harder on our heart and joints!
INTERNAL – pelvic exam and Pap test – talk with your doctor to see if s/he recommends a screening for HPV DNA (virus that is known to cause cervical cancer).
INTERNAL – Colonoscopy/Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – it’s recommended to begin at age 50. Again, I’ve procrastinated on getting one, but it’s been a few years since my last one and I’m due. Oh well, the up side is I’ll lose some weight for a few days! LOL!!!
ONCE AGAIN – I’M NOT A DOCTOR, just a woman who wants to have maximum chance for a long, healthy, strong existence for as long as God gives me breath!
This is my personal list of good health options I’m going to be completing this year, and I thought I’d share it with you.
COMMENT: What other ideas do you have for keeping yourself healthy and getting checked up?
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/milestone-medical-tests-40#1
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/health-checklist-for-women-over-40#1
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