Being a multitasker, women often tend to ignore their health while caring for their families and focusing on careers. They keep ignoring minor health issues which lead to serious health problems over time. Most of such serious health issues can be prevented with regular health check-ups. Hence, for the well-being of women, preventive check-ups are required to identify risk factors or early signs of a critical illness or injury.
In this article we have designed a women’s health check-up list to minimise the risk of chronic ailments and to establish the importance of regular health check-ups. Let’s continue!
Why is Regular Health Check-up for Women Important?
Regular health check-ups are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing serious illnesses. Here are the benefits of regular health check-ups for women in different age groups:
- Early detection and prevention of diseases which can become life-threatening over time such as breast cancer or cervical cancer. Early diagnosis can make a difference in treatment results and rule out complications.
- Timely management of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, when the disease is treatable after early signs start to appear, helps in better management of the disease.
- Reproductive health management through female check-up gynaecologists recommend for women in their reproductive age. It helps in monitoring menstrual cycles, fertility and hormonal balance and can identify causes of any irregularity in periods or managing period symptoms.
- Pregnancy planning can be done with the help of pre-pregnancy screening of women thinking of starting a family. It helps in identifying genetic disorders or any underlying health condition and supports informed decision-making.
- Menopause management through gynaecological check-ups helps in managing menopause symptoms and hormonal changes.
- Improved health as a result of regular health check-ups. Regular screening prevents infections and helps in making necessary lifestyle changes for good health.
- Saves the cost of expensive treatments by preventing critical illnesses.
Types of Health Check-ups for Women
Every woman needs regular health check-ups at different stages in her life to monitor her health. However, most women are not aware of the preventive check-ups they should get done. There are specially designed women's health check-up packages for different age groups. Here is a list of check-ups you should look for, before selecting the best health checkup packages for yourself.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Screening for cervical cancer involves pelvic examination and pap smear test. Every woman above the age of 30 should get this screening done until 65 years of age. It is quite common in Indian women but it is treatable if diagnosed timely. This screening is recommended after every 3 years. For girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years, the HPV vaccine is also available that prevents cervical cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Indian women. Every woman above the age of 40 should get a complete breast examination done with a mammogram annually. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended to get this screening done earlier. You should do self-examination every month along with an annual screening. The earlier breast cancer is detected the better the treatment outcome.
Thyroid Test
Weight gain, hair loss and tiredness are symptoms of hypothyroidism. You should get this test done once in 5 years after the age of 35. T3, T4 and TSH hormones secreted by the thyroid gland control the body’s metabolism. When these hormones start fluctuating it causes many changes in the body. These hormones can be controlled through medication.
Bone Density Test
After a woman reaches menopause, her bones start degenerating and become weak. It happens due to the decreasing level of estrogen after menopause. The bone density screening tests your bone strength and checks if there is a risk of osteoporosis.
Cardiac Health Check-up
Annual check-ups for monitoring cardiac health are important for both women and men. If you are overweight or have a family history of cardiovascular issues, it becomes even more necessary. Check your blood pressure regularly after the age of 40 years, if it is high check it more often and make lifestyle changes as recommended by your doctor. Also, get your cholesterol levels checked after 45 years if you don’t have any risk factors. In case you are at risk due to family history start your cholesterol level screening after the age of 20 years.
Diabetes Screening
If you have a BMI of more than 30, you have PCOS or a family history of diabetes, you are at a risk of diabetes. Get diabetes screening done depending on your risk profile. Diabetes is a reversible disease if you can make lifestyle changes. Hence, screening is crucial for timely detection.
Nutritional and Vitamin Deficiencies
The majority of Indian women are found to be deficient in vitamin D, B12, A, iron, calcium, etc. These deficiencies can hurt your overall health. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency is the main cause of hair fall in most women. Hence getting a complete vitamin profile done is crucial if you are noticing some changes.
Eye and Dental Examination
As you age your eyesight becomes weak and there is an increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Similarly, your teeth start deteriorating with age. Getting regular examinations can prevent any further damage and help you take corrective measures if required.
Keep a Healthy Profile with Care Health Insurance
Taking care of your health and preventing chronic diseases is of utmost importance. With the convenience of booking an online health checkup, women can now pay attention to their health while still carrying out their responsibilities. Now-a-days insurance companies have tie-ups with pathology labs that allow you to book a health check-up online and collect test samples from your home at your convenient time, making the whole process seamless.
To the best of your knowledge, Care health insurance plans provide free annual health check-ups either as base benefit or an add-on. For example our Care Advantage that is 1 cr health insurance offers annual health check-up benefit as an optional cover up the sum insured option ₹ 75L. To know more about the plan let’s connect with our insurance experts.
>> Also Read: How to avail of medical check-ups under your health cover?
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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