Taking Charge of Your Health Before Problems Arise
We often think about health only when something goes wrong. But some of the most important health decisions happen when you feel perfectly fine—through preventive care that catches issues early or prevents them altogether.
Preventive health is an investment in your future self. The screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups you do now can save your life later.
Let me walk you through what preventive care looks like for women at different life stages.
Why Preventive Care Matters
- Many serious conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes) start silently
- Early detection dramatically improves outcomes
- Some conditions can be prevented entirely with the right interventions
- Prevention is almost always less expensive and less painful than treatment
Annual Check-Up Basics (All Ages)
Every adult should have an annual wellness visit that includes:
Discussion and History
- Review of current health concerns
- Medications and supplements you take
- Family health history updates
- Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress, substance use)
- Mental health check-in
- Safety topics (seat belts, domestic violence, gun safety)
Physical Examination
- Blood pressure measurement
- Weight and BMI
- Heart and lung assessment
- Thyroid check
- Skin examination
- Other systems as indicated
Basic Lab Work (as recommended)
- Complete blood count
- Metabolic panel
- Lipid panel (cholesterol)
- Thyroid function
- Vitamin D levels
- Blood sugar (fasting glucose or HbA1c)
Screenings by Age Group
Women 18-39
- Pap smear: Starting at age 21, every 3 years (or every 5 years with HPV co-testing after 30)
- HPV vaccination: If not already completed
- STI screening: Based on risk factors
- Clinical breast exam: As part of regular check-ups
- Skin exam: Self-exams monthly, professional annually if high risk
- Mental health screening: Depression, anxiety
Women 40-49
All of the above, plus:
- Mammogram: Discuss starting age with your provider (guidelines vary; generally start by 45-50, or earlier with family history)
- Diabetes screening: If overweight or with other risk factors
- Cardiovascular risk assessment: Blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle factors
- Eye exam: Baseline if not already done
Women 50-64
All of the above, plus:
- Mammogram: Every 1-2 years
- Colorectal cancer screening: Starting at 45-50, options include colonoscopy (every 10 years), stool tests (annually), or other methods
- Bone density (DEXA): Baseline at 65, or earlier if risk factors
- Lung cancer screening: If significant smoking history
- Shingles vaccine: At age 50
Women 65+
All of the above, plus:
- DEXA scan: Every 2 years or as recommended
- Pneumonia vaccine: As recommended
- Hearing and vision tests: Annually
- Cognitive screening: As indicated
- Fall risk assessment: Balance and mobility evaluation
Vaccinations for Adults
- Flu vaccine: Annually for everyone
- Tdap/Td: Tdap once, then Td every 10 years
- COVID-19: As current guidelines recommend
- Shingles: Two doses at age 50+
- Pneumonia: Per guidelines for age and risk factors
- HPV: Through age 26 (some benefit up to 45)
Dental and Vision
Often overlooked but important:
Dental
- Cleanings every 6 months
- Annual exam and X-rays as needed
- Address issues promptly (oral health affects whole-body health)
Vision
- Every 1-2 years, or annually after 65
- More frequently if you have diabetes or eye conditions
What You Can Do At Home
Know Your Numbers
Keep track of:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar
- Weight
Self-Exams
- Breast awareness: Know how your breasts normally look and feel; report changes
- Skin checks: Monthly full-body examination; note new or changing moles
Track Symptoms
Keep a health journal noting:
- Unusual symptoms and when they occur
- Menstrual patterns (if applicable)
- Sleep quality
- Mood patterns
Preparing for Your Appointment
- List questions and concerns beforehand
- Bring a current medication/supplement list
- Know your family health history
- Be honest about lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, stress)
- Ask about anything you don\’t understand
- Request copies of test results for your records
Advocating for Yourself
You know your body best. If something feels wrong:
- Don\’t dismiss your concerns
- Ask for tests if symptoms persist
- Seek a second opinion if needed
- Request explanations you can understand
Women\’s symptoms are sometimes dismissed or attributed to stress. Trust yourself and persist if you feel unheard.
Making Prevention a Priority
Schedule your preventive appointments at the same time each year—perhaps around your birthday or the new year. Put them in your calendar now so they don\’t get pushed aside.
Your future health depends on the choices you make today. Prevention isn\’t just about avoiding disease—it\’s about creating the conditions for a vibrant, active life.
What preventive screening do you need to schedule? Let this be your reminder to book it today!