Ohio Magazine: Women's Health Through the Decades

As women grow older, their healthcare routines change. It is essential to be informed and understand the latest innovations and options for healthcare. It can improve longevity, lifestyle and your outlook on life. One specific appointment that is important is your annual physical. It forms a personal baseline for you and your physician to know where your health stands. It also gives you a chance to bring up concerns or ask questions.

Preventative care is crucial. It influences people’s overall health and well-being. Here is what women should be thinking about through the decades for their healthcare. Be sure to talk to your physician to find out what you should be getting screened for as you age.

20s – Women can get the human papillomavirus vaccine up to age 26. During your early twenties and even late teen years, blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked every three to five years. Another thing to keep in mind during your twenties, is body mass index. Check for risk factors of diabetes.

30s – Pap smears and cervical cancer screening are recommended every three years or more often. Bone health is also important during your thirties. A women’s risk of breast cancer increases from age 35 to 40.

40s – OhioHealth follows guidelines that say mammograms should begin at age 40 for women of average risk and every year following. However, depending on your family history, you may need to start sooner. Again, check with your physician. At this age, you should also be getting your blood pressure checked each year and your cholesterol checked every five years starting at age 45.

50s – As mammograms continue, age 50 is when colonoscopies should be ordered as well as every 10 years after that. At this age, monitoring bone health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight are essential. “A big part of preventive care is maximizing your health through lifestyle,” Anita Somani, MD, an Ob/Gyn with Comprehensive Women’s Care and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital told Ohio Magazine reporter, Kristen Hampshire. “Building muscle mass helps with changes in metabolism.”

60s – Women should have at least one bone mineral density scan by age 65. Primary concerns include cardiac risk and shingles and pneumonia vaccines. Health screenings should continue into your 70s.

To learn more about women’s health at OhioHealth and to find a women’s health provider, click here.

To read the full Ohio Magazine article, click on the logo below.