Throughout their lives, women should eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. But being vigilant about abnormal symptoms or new developments and staying on top of medical appointments is important, too. Here are five tips to keep in mind:
1. Start Getting Pap Smears at 21
Start getting pap smears at 21 and continue them regularly as risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) — which can cause cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer — change over time.
2. Get Your HPV Vaccine
Make sure you have your HPV vaccine even if you think you’ve aged out of it or didn’t receive it as a teen. It is recommended up to age 45.
3. Don’t Miss Your Mammogram
When you turn 39, set an alarm on your phone to get a mammogram scheduled to coincide with your 40th birthday. And be sure to ask if you have dense breasts. Your doctor should discuss this with you after obtaining a mammogram and further breast imaging such as an ultrasound may be necessary.
4. Be Heart Smart
Schedule a preventive cardiology exam around age 40-45 to review your personal and family heart health history, assess risk, guide lifestyle or medication recommendations, and determine the need for further tests or follow-up.
5. Visit the Doctor for Post-Menopausal Bleeding
Visit the doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding post-menopause (which is defined as 12 months without a period), even if it is light spotting.
The Takeaway
No matter your stage in life, embracing healthy habits can make a meaningful difference. Small, consistent steps today can lead to a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow, proving that true wellness isn’t about age — it’s about choices that support a lifetime of health.
White Plains Hospital’s Obstetrician-Gynecologists are highly trained specialists who offer nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions impacting women, collaborating closely with Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and other medical staff to care for each patient. For more information or to find an OB/GYN, please call 914-328-8444.