Medical caregivers in London are of the opinion that staying healthy is no big deal, provided you work out every day, manage stress and stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle. In addition to that women must enroll in routine health screenings to detect a potential health issue early.
These days many terminal diseases can be cured or at least prevented from creating complications if detected in the early stages. Dr. Hikmat Naoum – a renowned gynecologist associated with the Gynaecology Clinic located on Harley Street in Marylebone – suggests the following tests in any good woman check.
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Routine tests included in the well-woman check
- BP or blood pressure screening: The ideal blood pressure reading for any healthy person is 80/120 mm Hg. If your BP is not in this range, get it screened at least once in a year starting from age 20. However, people with high blood pressure must get their BP screened more frequently, as suggested by doctors.
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol screening is more of a procedure to assess the risk of developing heart diseases and stroke. Once you are above 20, get your cholesterol checked once in every 5 years. The ideal cholesterol level in a healthy individual should range between 200 and 239 mg/dl. If your cholesterol level is higher than that, you’re more likely to develop heart conditions or suffer from a stroke.
- Pap smears: Every woman aged between 21 and 65 must take a Pap smear test every 3 years. This test is a little annoying to take. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to widen the vaginal canal and collect the cervical cells. Screening of the cervical cells tells whether you have chances of developing cervical cancer.
- Mammogram: This test screens you for breast cancer. Your breasts are compressed on an x-ray plate to get the images. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Therefore, every woman from the age of 50 onward should take a mammogram test every two years. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, then you should talk to your doctor to start the screening earlier.
- Bone density screening: Osteoporosis is a common health condition for most women in old age. It results in the disintegration of your bone joints and as a result, you’re prone to develop fractures. Low body weight and certain other factors add to your chances of developing this health condition. Every woman from 65 onward should take a bone density test. The test is called DEXA scan.
The tests discussed above are usually performed at any reputed well woman clinic in London. Take these tests routinely to stay fitter, longer and healthier.
