You need cutting edge women's health and baby information that’s safe and effective that you can act on right now. And you want it from the experts you trust most – Nurses. Health4Women.org is your essential source from the leading women’s health and newborn organization with the best advice possible for a healthy life, pregnancy and family.
Eat well; keep treats and indulgences to a minimum, if any.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise.
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice.
Use sunscreen, even if you live in a cloudy climate.
Each year
General exam: This is your best investment in your ongoing health; work with a healthcare provider you trust and can return to regularly
Blood pressure: More often if you’re told your blood pressure is borderline high
Cholesterol: Ask about your total cholesterol and your individual HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels
Breast exam: This is in addition to your monthly self exams
Mammogram: Start by age 40; ask whether traditional film, digital, or MRI is best for you given your family history and breast density
Pap test: Pelvic exam and Pelvic when you begin sexual activity. Get a Pap by age 21 or within three years after first vaginal intercourse, whichever comes first. Then, a Pap every one to three years, as advised, based on your results and overall health
STI, HPV test: Start testing when you begin sexual activity, and then as advised. At age 30 and older, also get an HPV test with your Pap test: if both are negative, you can wait three years to repeat testing
Dental exam: The saying goes “if it’s in your mouth, it’s in your heart;” make efforts to reduce plaque and bacteria build-up around your gums
Flu shot: In some years these are restricted to people at highest risk, but they’re great insurance at almost any age to help prevent a bad case of the flu
Every 2-3 years
Diabetes: Get a blood sugar test by age 45, and then as frequently thereafter as directed, based on your results; if you’re overweight your provider may want to start screening earlier
Eye exams: Annually if you wear glasses
Skin check: Watch for changes in the moles and bumps on your body monthly; see a healthcare provider if something changes; get an annual skin cancer check if you live in a sunny climate
Each 4+ years
Hearing tests: Every five to 10 years unless you notice a change
Colonoscopy: After age 50 at least every five to 10 years depending on your risk factors; also get a fetal occult blood test, a double-contrast barium enema and general rectal exam with this testing, if advised
Thyroid test: Start at age 35, then every five years thereafter
Tetanus: Don’t wait until you step on a rusty nail; get this booster every 10 years before an accident happens diphtheria booster
Pneumococcal: Typically given after age 60; ask your healthcare provider when you should have this—and one pneumonia shot may be all you ever need
As needed
Depression check: If you’ve noticed your moods are more volatile or that you’re just feeling “down” or “sad” more often than before get a mental health check.
Bone density screen: A must from age 65 on, but ask your health care provider if you need one earlier based on your own risk factors
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health, Office of Women’s Health; National Women’s Health Information Center
