Health
29th August, 2019It’s Women’s Health Week – How is Your Health?
Women’s Health Week in 2019 falls between September 2nd and September 6th.
This year, we’re promoting a range of women’s health concerns to ensure that all of our patients are aware of the types of issues that women need to be aware of when monitoring their health at all ages.
Cervical Screening Tests
Cervical screening tests are a basic procedure that involves a minor biopsy (taking a sample of cells) from your cervix. This sample is then examined in an effort to detect whether any abnormal cell changes have occurred. These cell changes are a potential marker of cervical cancer.
The cervical screening test should be taken every five years. If you haven’t yet had a cervical screening test, or it has been more than five years since your last test, please book an appointment with us now. Understanding changes inside your body is important in order to track the development of any health concerns.
STI Screening
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening is something that all women should have on a regular basis. For women who are sexually active, or are at higher risk for contracting an STI, the frequency of tests should be more common, and there be a requirement for a broader array of tests or different testing methods.
If you believe you are showing symptoms of an STI, it’s important to book an appointment with your GP immediately. Some STIs can be more effectively treated if they are addressed early in their development.
Breast Examination
Breast exams are an important facet of life for all women. We strongly recommend regular self-examinations to understand what feels normal and to help you notice changes over time. However, getting a breast examination performed by a medical professional on a regular basis is an important aspect of maintaining good overall health.
If you happen to find a lump or something unusual during a self-exam, it’s important not to panic or worry too much. Many lumps inside the breasts can be perfectly ordinary and benign. However, it’s always good to contact a doctor and get an examination by a professional, particularly if the lump has changed over time.
Gut Health
Maintaining a good level of overall health in your digestive system can have a huge impact on how you feel each day. A diet with a wide variety of healthy, nutritious food eaten in moderation is important to ensure your overall digestive system stays balanced and functional.
What you eat can have an impact on your bladder and bowel health too. These are common areas for women to suffer from health concerns, so it’s important to be aware of your bladder and bowel health and regularly consult a GP about how things are going. It pays to stay ahead of health concerns, rather than confronting them when they have become difficult to deal with.
Mental Health
Your mental health is the key to living a well-balanced, happy and fulfilled life. Throughout different stages in life, each woman will face different challenges to her mental health and may need some support and guidance on how best to approach these situations. Whether during the teenage years, throughout the twenties and thirties, approaching the middle of life or further beyond, maintaining a good mental state is a critical component of your overall health.
Depression and anxiety can come in many forms and at any age. Having the skills and the support network to cope with these challenges can help all women overcome them as they arise. We are ardent believers in the importance of mental health and understanding what to expect during different life stages and how to approach dealing with depression, anxiety and related issues. If you would like to speak with someone, we are here.
Physical Fitness
An overall checkup on your breathing, range of movement and other physical factors can help both yourself and your doctor understand the state of your general health and the potential health challenges that you may face in the future. Getting a good grasp on the state of your physical health is the first step towards improving it or maintaining it at a healthy level.
How your age affects your health
As we move throughout life, different health concerns crop up to challenge us. Throughout our 20s, establishing healthy habits with regard to physical activity and nutrition are important. Preventative health is important at this age. Avoiding smoking, being safe during sexual activity and keeping an eye on overall health will help ensure a good foundation for the later years.
In our 30s and 40s, maintaining our health, family-related concerns and ensuring we maintain a high level of physical activity (while keeping an eye on our skin’s health when in the sun) are key concerns. During the 50s, 60s and beyond, a variety of different health concerns may arise. Maintaining a good relationship with a GP and having regular checkups can help ensure you’re aware of any pending health issues or changes that may need to be monitored.
Be Proactive
If you have any concerns about your health, or want to better understand what steps you can take to prevent future health issues, book a consultation with a GP and develop a plan to stay on top of your health.
Click here to book an appointment.