6 Self Checks Every Woman Should Do and When

Getty Images/asiseei

This Mother's Day we kick off the first day of the Annual National Women's Health Week. With our world upside down right now, it can be easy to put our wellness on the back burner, but if you have a family relying on you, it is more crucial than ever to stay healthy. We are reminded to eat nutritionally, stay active, get our regular checkups, take advantage of telemedicine, and continue to stay on schedule with preventive screenings such as mammograms. We also need to take care of our mental health and avoid unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and distracted driving. One tip I always share - get your screenings and check-ups around your birthday, so you will not forget

National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a weeklong health observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). This initiative serves as a reminder for women and girls, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, to make their health a priority and take care of themselves. If you have underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, or if you are a woman 65 years or older, it is especially important to take care of yourself. Check out this online tool called "Find Your Health" to uncover personalized tips to help you take the next step on your health journey. Plus, here are six health checks you need to know about.

Getty Images/pixelfit
Getty Images/pixelfit
1
Breast: Occasionally to Once a Month
Women should be familiar with their breasts so they can notice if there are any changes and stay up to date with exams from their doctor as well as any recommended screening tests such as mammograms. Feeling around while taking off your bra or washing in the shower should suffice
Getty Images/kali9
Getty Images/kali9
2
Skin: Once a month
Skin cancer may be the most common type of cancer in the U.S but it’s also one of the easiest to see and regular skin self-exams may actually save your life. If caught early, skin cancers are usually treatable and even curable.
Getty Images/ PeopleImages
Getty Images/ PeopleImages
3
Waist Circumference: Every Three to Four Months
Your waistline may be a better gauge of your health and future risks than numbers on a scale or body mass index. Why? Fat around your belly is a bigger risk factor when it comes to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes than fat gathered other places in your body
Getty Images/ Nastasic
Getty Images/ Nastasic
4
Pulse: Once a Month
A pulse or heart rate that is too fast can be a sign of an overactive thyroid, atrial fibrillation, or other heart issues.
Getty Images/Hero Images
Getty Images/Hero Images
5
Height: Once a Year
Measuring your height at least once a year is a simple way to keep tabs on how healthy your bones are. A loss of height means that you are losing bone which could be an early sign of osteoporosis.
Getty Images/asiseeit
Getty Images/asiseeit
6
Blood Pressure: Every One to Two Weeks If You’re At Risk
Regular blood pressure readings can give you a window into your current and future health. Someone who is healthy but who has had occasionally elevated blood pressure readings but no diagnosis of hypertension, or who has hypertension risk factors, should do further monitoring.