Must-Have Health Screenings For Women

Not to put something else on your long list of recovery to-dos, but part of living a sober life is living a healthy life – and that means taking care to schedule a few exams that are essential to a woman’s health. Take a look at the list below and make it a short-term goal to get these screenings: 

• Cholesterol: If you're 20 or older, the National Institutes of Health recommends having your cholesterol measured at least once every five years. If you're at risk for heart disease or stroke, you may need to be tested more frequently. Ask your healthcare provider.
• Pap smears: The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force ( USPSTF) recommends screening for cervical cancer in women age 21 to 65 years with Pap smear every 3 years or, for women age 30 to 65 years who want to lengthen the screening interval, screening with a combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years. 
• Mammograms: There is much discussion about when and how often women should have a mammogram, which screens for breast cancer. The USPSTF recommends that women age 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two years. The American Cancer Society, however, suggests that women get annual screenings at age 45, and a biannual mammogram at age 55. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other risk factors, talk to your healthcare professional.
• Bone density screening: Women should start getting screened for osteoporosis with a bone density test at age 65. Those with risk factors for osteoporosis should be screened earlier. Again, talk to your doctor about what’s right for you since certain abused substances, including alcohol and opioids, are study-proven to reduce bone density. 
• Blood glucose tests: Starting around age 45, women should get a blood glucose test every three years to check for diabetes or prediabetes. Alcohol abuse can lower the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can up your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, however, so talk to your doctor about the best plan for you. 
• Dental checkup: Addiction can wreak havoc on your oral health so it’s a good habit to make good dental health part of your recovery. All adult women need twice-yearly dental checkups, which include cleaning and examining the teeth, along with X-rays to spot early signs of decay and any other problems.

Take Back Your Health

At Rising Roads, our staff is here to help women put their physical and mental health first. To learn more about our psychiatric consultations and addiction treatment services, call us today: 866-746-1558.