Taking Care of You

Like many women, you probably spend most of your time caring for others. But don’t forget to make time to care for yourself as well.

At the top of the list should be getting your recommended annual health checkups:

All women age 18 and over

• Gynecological exam every year; Pap smear every one to three years as recommended by your doctor
• Physical exam every three to five years
• Blood pressure check every one to two years
• Cholesterol screening every three to five years
• Skin exam by a health care professional every year
• Breast clinical exam every year
• Dental exam every six months

Starting at age 40

• Mammogram every year (Baseline mammogram at age 35)
• Diabetes screening test every three years

Starting at age 50

• Screenings for colorectal cancer—stool test every year; sigmoidoscopy every three to five years

Starting at age 60

• Osteoporosis screening

Because these are general guidelines, talk to your doctor about your medical and family history and decide what’s right for you.

To assist you in meeting your goals, women’s health services at Somerset Medical Center offers comprehensive breast care services and an osteoporosis program. The medical center also offers health screenings—blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and skin cancer—throughout the year.

For more information, visit somersetmedicalcenter.com.

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