June 2004 Article: Women's Health

This May 9 to 14 was the fifth annual ”National Women’s Health Week.“ Mr. Don Davis, Director, Phoenix Area Indian Health Service, has made Women’s Health a Phoenix Area priority in FY 2004. There are two Government Performance Result Act (GPRA) indicators relating to Women’s Health: the (1) Pap smear rates and the (2) Mammography Screening Rates.

Did you know -

• Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Although it is typically viewed as a man’s disease, more women actually die of heart disease each year than do men.
• Cancer is the second leading killer of American women.
• Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 28 million Americans. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
• Arthritis is the most common and disabiling condition reported by women . . . At least 26.4 million women have arthritis . . .
• Minority women receive fewer preventative health interventions than white women.
• More than one third of women in the United States, about 36 million, have been through menopause. With a life expectancy of about 81 years, a 50-year-old-woman can expect to live more than one third of her life after menopause. While many older women mistakenly believe that regular gynecological exams are no longer necessary, this is precisely the point in life when they are at higher risk for cancers of the reproductive system . . .
• One out of four American women report having been raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, live-in partner, or date at some time in their life.

Screening

Mammogram

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have a mammogram every 1–2 years (starting at age 40)

Pap smears

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have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21

Cholesterol checks

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Starting at age 45, have your cholesterol checked regularly. If you smoke, have diabetes, or have a family history of heart disease, start having cholesterol checked regularly beginning at age 20.

Blood Pressure

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have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.

Colorectal Cancer Tests

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have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.

Diabetes test

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have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. (American Indian and Alaska Native women should consider a screen for diabetes if there is a family history of diabetes or if they are over-weight).

Depression

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if you’ve felt ”down,“ sad or hopeless, and have little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression. (If he or she cannot screen you for depression, ask for a referral).

Osteoporosis tests

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have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested.

Chlamydia Tests and Tests for Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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have a test for Chlamydia if you are 25 or younger and sexually active. If you are older, talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested. Also, talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.

What else can you do to stay healthy?

[Source: Women Stay Healthy at Any Age-Checklist for Your Next Checkup]

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