Regular health checks, a must
Timely health check-ups can exponentially improve the status of women’s health and should be a part of a healthcare routine, say experts
Remember that old saying – ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’? Screening tests can spot illnesses even before symptoms develop. Depending on a woman’s age and stage of life, certain tests are recommended to identify the presence of some medical conditions or signs that they’re brewing.
“A health screening is the first step to safeguarding your health. Early detection and timely intervention pave the way for early treatment and can reduce complications and treatment cost,” says Dr Padmini Silpa, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital.
“Every woman should start getting her blood pressure and cholesterol checked annually once she enters her 20s. Women in their 20s and 30s should get a clinical breast examination done once in three years,” she says.
Across the globe, women are the most neglected section of society. “In the Indian system, women's health always comes last, after the family, finances, children’s education, etc.,” points out Dr Kona Lakshmi Kumari, Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist and Bariatric Specialist, Yashoda Hospitals. However, she feels that women don’t need check-ups till they turn 40, “except if they have a family history of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other lifestyle ailments.”
“Screening mammography is recommended once women enter their 50s. The frequency — whether once a year or once every two years — should be determined after appropriate counselling,” adds Dr Padmini. “Cervical cancer screening is an important part of women’s healthcare. It should start at age 21, regardless of when you start having sex,” she stresses.
Every woman should start getting her blood pressure and cholesterol checked annually once she enters her 20s. Women in their 20s and 30s should get a clinical breast examination done once in three years
— DR. PADMINI SILPA, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital