After a whirlwind summer, this Fall season is the perfect chance to hit pause and do something moms are notorious for skipping, taking care of ourselves. Between carpool lines, soccer practice, and that never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to let our own health slide. But staying up to date on your health screenings is one of the best ways to make sure you’ll be around, healthy and strong, for all of life’s moments.
Annual Well Woman Exam
Think of this as your yearly reset button. It’s not just about a quick check, it’s about making sure you’re feeling your best, talking through any changes, and keeping up with preventive care. Plus, it’s the perfect time to ask all the questions you’ve been too busy to bring up.
The Woman’s Hospital of Texas has six Woman’s Health clinics conveniently located around the greater Houston area. Whether it’s time for your annual well-woman exam, a routine screening or just a check-in with a physician who understands women’s health, there’s a clinic close by to make it simple.
Mammogram
If you’re 40 or older, this one’s big. Mammograms can spot breast cancer before you ever feel a lump. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat—so don’t put this one off.
Through Solis Mammography, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas provides comprehensive breast imaging services, including breast screening and diagnostic 3D mammography, computer-aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, and bone density scanning. State-of-the-art technology such as 3D mammography delivers exceptionally accurate results while reduced pinching and discomfort is delivered through curved technology shaped like a woman’s breasts to help distribute pressure more evenly.
Understanding the importance of time, especially for busy moms, Solis Mammography provides online scheduling and quick results, typically within one to two business days after your exam.
Cervical Cancer Screening
We get it, Pap smears aren’t exactly on anyone’s bucket list. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers out there, and screening is the way we catch problems early.
“I know that no one looks forward to going to the gynecologists. Me neither! But the reality is that with regular screenings, early detection, and the HPV vaccine, the chances of developing cervical cancer can be dramatically reduced,” explains Dr. Alia Nazir, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Bella Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Pap smears are cancer screening tests, much like mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer. Regular Pap smears allow us to catch early, potentially pre-cancerous abnormalities and address them proactively before they become cancerous.”
Recommendations for cervical screenings are:
Age 21-29: Pap test every three years
Age 30-65: Pap test every three years, HPV testing every five years, or HPV testing in combination with a Pap test every five years
Age 65+: Women with an abnormal diagnosis should be tested for 20 years following the result, even if testing continues past age 65. A woman whose uterus and cervix have been removed for non-cervical cancer reasons, and who has no history of cervical or pre-cervical cancer, should not be tested.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
“There are many risk factors for cervical cancer that you are in control of,” said Dr. Nazir. “It is important to know the risk factors and to focus on those you can change or avoid to help reduce your risk of cervical cancer.” Some of these risk factors include:
- Family history of cervical cancer: If an immediate family member had cervical cancer, you have a higher risk of developing the disease than you would if no one in your family had it.
- HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Immune system deficiency: A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Sexual history: Becoming sexually active at a young age, having many sexual partners and having a high-risk partner can increase the risk for cervical cancer
- Smoking: Individuals who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t smoke.
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have questions about your risk factors for cervical cancer or how often you should be screened.
HPV Vaccines for Your Kids
And while you’re checking things off your own list, don’t forget your kids! The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers (and other cancers, too). Doctors recommend it for boys and girls starting around ages 9-12. It’s one of the easiest ways to help protect your kids’ health well into adulthood.
Adults 27 to 45 may get the HPV vaccine after talking to their doctor. The vaccine isn’t recommended for people older than 45.
Other Important Health Screenings
Don’t forget the basics: blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings. They may not sound exciting, but they’re important, especially if you’ve got a family history or other risk factors.
Moms, we’re the glue that holds it all together — but we can’t pour from an empty cup. This back-to-school season let’s make a promise to take care of ourselves, too. Call your doctor, book those health screenings, and know that by putting your health first, you’re giving your family the very best gift: you.
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This is a must read for all moms! If only I had done this sooner.