Your Health This Mother’s Day

– Special to WEKY AM 1340 –

As part of the 52 Weeks of Public Health campaign, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), is promoting the women’s health.

Women are encouraged to get a health check-up on National Women’s Check-up Day May 14, the day after Mothers Day, to screen for signs of illness or other health issues that commonly affect women.

“Women’s health is such an important issue facing the Commonwealth,” said Vickie Yates Brown Glisson. “Yet, it’s often overlooked by the people who need to hear the message most – women. This observance gives us a chance to come together and learn more about the topics that impact our lives and health.”

Some of the recommended tests listed below should be performed monthly, others once every six months, once a year, or every other year. Additionally, there are tests that should be taken even less often and tests recommended only for women in their 20s and 30s. All tests should be discussed with your clinician to determine what is right for you considering your age and personal/family history.These include:

• Breast Self-Exam– A test that should be done once a month. The best time to perform this check-up is a few days after your period is over. It’s essentially nothing more than checking your breast tissue to see if there are any unusual findings, such as bumps or lumps, or changes from last month..
• Skin Self-Exam– A test that should be done on a monthly basis. This check-up includes scanning your skin for unusual marks or spots. It is advised that you use the ABCDE method for performing this self-exam effectively and easily. This method includes Asymmetry, Border irregularity, uneven Color, bigger than an eraser head in Diameter, and Evolving size and shape.
• Dental Check-up – A test that is recommended only once in a six month period. A regular visit to your local dentist helps make sure your teeth and gums are in the best condition.  Gum disease can worsen diabetes and heart disease.
• Full Physical Exam – Should be performed at least once a year. It is a common procedure which includes: a clinical breast exam, both weight and height check, examination of blood pressure, and additional blood tests such as blood count, blood sugar, cholesterol, and similar routine tests. Reproductive health planning is important, as well as assuring you are current on age appropriate immunizations.
• Pap Smear – Is a test in which the cells on the cervix are examined under a microscope for any abnormalities or changes. This test is taken in order to diagnose cervical cancer, which must be  treated as soon as possible upon discovery.  How frequently you should have a pap smear will be determined with your clinician using your medical history.
• Pelvic Exam– Is a routine check-up of the uterus and ovaries, to diagnose any risks of infections, cysts, fibroids etc.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus– A simple blood test or mouth swab that can determine whether you are infected or not. How frequently you are tested is determined by you and your clinician.
• Sexually Transmitted Disease  – Should be done once a year depending on your age and personal history. The most common tests are those for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis B or C, and trichomoniasis.
• Eye Exams– Another important way to take care of your health. It is recommended that everyone should check their eyes once every two years; for those who have a vision problem or wear glasses or contacts, this test should be done every year.
• Skin Cancer Screening– Is a checkup by your dermatologist, and should be performed as often as once every two years, more often depending on personal and family history.
• Human Papilloma Virus Infection  – Recommended for women in their 30s and older.  The frequency of this test is determined by you and your clinician.
• Cholesterol, Triglycerides & Blood Count test (CH) – Should be checked at least once every five years beginning at age 45 or sooner depending on your family history.
• Thyroid Test– Recommended for women over 35 with symptoms or family history.
• Colonoscopy – Is recommended for women over 50, then every five years after age 65.  This test is taken to detect and remove polyps that may pose a risk of cancer. This should be done sooner if there is a family history of colon cancer before 54, and starting at age 45 for African Americans.

·          Diabetes Screening– Recommended at any age for women with risk factors for diabetes (overweight, history of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary disorder, hypertension , etc.) or have a family history of diabetes.

• Mammograms (MAM) – Should be done, usually for women starting at age 40.
• Bone Density Screening – Should begin at age 65 or sooner depending on your risk factors.

Throughout the planned 52 Weeks of Public Health promotion, DPH will spotlight a specific public health issue. Additional information about the campaign is available on the DPH website: http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/default.htm and is posted on the CHFS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kychfs where Kentuckians are encouraged to like and share posts among their networks of friends.