A short course in taking care of you.
"Women are adept at caring for others, but not always for themselves,” says Annette Cozzarelli-Franklin, MD, Medical Director of the Women’s Health Center at Clara Maass Medical Center. She advises that women establish regular medical screenings and healthy lifestyle habits beginning in their 20s, with modifications through their 40s to promote healthy aging.
In Your 20s
“Women in their 20s are beginning an exciting time in their careers and education goals. However, they need to give themselves time for routine health screenings,” says Dr. Cozzarelli-Franklin.
A routine physical with a primary care physician is a good starting point. It’s important to know your family medical history and have immunization records for review. This is a good time to catch up on immunizations that are lacking. The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, which can be received up to age 26, protects against certain types of cancer. Routine blood work testing is determined by your physician but usually includes cholesterol and blood sugar.
Gynecology visits also begin in the 20s, and screening guidelines regarding PAP smears and STD testing are determined by your gynecologist as they apply to you. Contraception options and family planning should also be discussed.
Have an eye examination at least every five years, more often if there are concerns. Breast self-exams are encouraged. Skin screening depends on your family history, but you should routinely do skin self-screening, looking for any changes.
In Your 30s
“In this decade, many women are juggling family as well as work, which can demand most of your time—but making time for your health is imperative,” says Dr. Cozzarelli-Franklin. Continue with your yearly physical exam, and discuss your exercise and diet for a healthier you. Annual blood work, including thyroid function, is important because thyroid disease is more prevalent during this decade.
Women may notice their metabolism is slower in their 30s, so it’s important to have healthy eating habits, including fruits and vegetables; to try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night; and to exercise routinely. Weight-bearing exercise is important, since bones reach their maximum strength during the early part of this decade.
Skin screening and eye exams should take place every two years, depending on the findings.
See your gynecologist yearly for a pelvic exam. Pregnancy should include close monitoring and a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine should be given to protect newborns. Any concerns about depression need prompt evaluation by your physician, especially during the postpartum period.
In Your 40s
In this decade, many women are handling careers and family responsibilities, and also beginning to care for aging parents. “These responsibilities can increase stress and make it easier to neglect yourself,” says Dr. Cozzarelli-Franklin.
Along with previously recommended screenings, yearly mammograms for women of average risk should begin no later than age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.
An EKG (electrocardiogram) should be done at least once during this decade as a baseline recording of the heart.
Perimenopause occurs during this decade, causing hormonal fluctuations as well as changes in weight, blood pressure and sleep patterns. Discuss these changes and how to address them with your physician.
In this decade, healthy habits to decrease stress through relaxation and exercise are important tools.
“Health in the 20s through the 40s ultimately involves knowing your body, making healthy lifestyle choices and seeing your physician for routine screenings and any other concerns that may come along,” says Dr. Cozzarelli-Franklin.
“Women do so well in caring for others. Now it’s time to put ourselves on the list.”
To learn more about Women's Health at Clara Maass Medical Center, click here.