Women’s health needs are unique, from breast health to hormones. And as a woman, an adult well check, can proactively help you manage your health. Taking time for a regular wellness exam can seem silly when you’re healthy, but this is the one visit you don’t want to miss. You can easily get the recommended screenings and identify health problems early with a regular wellness exam.
“Even when you feel well, a regular exam is a good idea to screen for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer and cervical cancer,” says Amy Balka, M.D., a family medicine physician with Riverside Eagle Harbor Primary Care.
What to expect from your exam
It’s normal to feel anxious about going to the doctor but knowing what to expect can help. During your wellness exam, your doctor will assess your physical and mental health, provide healthy lifestyle advice and screen for potential health problems.
Among other screenings, your visit MAY include:
- A physical exam
- A pelvic exam
- Collecting blood, urine or cell samples for lab work
- Measuring weight and height
- Taking blood pressure and temperature
- Review of health history and concerns
- Vaccinations
- Mammogram
“When you find health problems early, you have more options for treating and potentially even resolving the issue,” says Dr. Balka.
The benefits of a regular checkup
A regular wellness exam has many benefits, including the peace of mind that comes with staying on top of your health.
Keep track of your numbers
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 18, yet many women don’t know they have it. One of the best ways to monitor for heart disease and other chronic health conditions common among women is through lab work numbers and vital signs. When you return each year, your doctor will compare your numbers over time and look for trends that indicate health issues or potential diseases.
Measurements vary based on your age and family history. Some common measurements include:
- Vital signs: pulse, blood pressure
- Body size: weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference
- Lab work: blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, pap smear, hemoglobin
Get your questions answered
Are you having trouble sleeping? Is your cycle changing? Are you considering a change to your diet? A regular checkup allows you to build a relationship with your doctor and discuss all your burning health questions – no matter how big or small. When you have time to sit face-to-face with your doctor, you can address topics that are important to you and ask any follow-up questions that might arise during the visit.
Receive personalized healthy lifestyle advice
Your doctor will provide tailored healthy lifestyle advice based on your visit and health history, from exercise to diet, sleep, and stress. Whether you are preventing or treating common chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes, you’ll leave your visit with information you can apply immediately to help you achieve optimal health.
Stay on top of your health — schedule your appointment today
If you don’t already have a date on the calendar, schedule an appointment with Dr. Balka or your provider for a wellness exam today. If it makes sense, try to schedule it around your birthday to have an easy marker for future exams.
