World Health Day: 7 Health Tests Women Must Never Miss

We have all learnt the importance of health in the last few years. On April 7, everywhere, World Health Day highlights the incomparable significance of health. On this day, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being all around the world. This year the theme of World Health Day is ‘Health For All’.

Marking the 75th anniversary of WHO, the World Health Day theme of 2023 brings us the responsibility of protecting and preserving everyone's health. Be it you or your family or even someone you know, everyone's health is important. As Jim Rohn said, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live”. Similarly, now is the time we sincerely need to take of our home, our children, everyone around us and above all OURSELVES. So, this World Health Day pledge to preserve your health. We as women need to take care of our health even more than anyone else because even if you are not thinking for yourself, the whole family's responsibilty is directly and indirectly on us.

Speaking about your health and wellness now, the first thing that comes to my mind is in all the multitasking that you do the whole time, does your health get your time?

Women manage a range of roles at home and at work.  Despite the fact that research reveals that the human mind is terrible at multitasking, women frequently have to strive hard and long to create a balance between the roles. But, in the midst of all of this juggling, they frequently overlook one of the most crucial aspects of their lives: their own health.

Tips for women’s health are something, everyone talks about. All the ladies already understand and practice that up to some extent. Let’s talk about women’s health check-ups today. Because prevention is always better than cure. Here is a list of health screenings that women should never skip.

1. Blood Pressure Test

High blood pressure (hypertension) raises your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney difficulties, visual problems, and sexual dysfunction. It's known as the "silent killer" since there are usually no clear signs or indicators that something is wrong. Without known hypertension, everyone over the age of 18 should have their blood pressure checked, but how often depends on your blood pressure. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure more frequently if it's higher or if you're being treated for high blood pressure.

2. Lipid Panel

Cholesterol accumulation in the heart's arteries is a key risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in women. High blood cholesterol levels raise your chances of getting heart disease or having a heart attack. Cholesterol is a waxy lipid produced by your body that is used to form cells, hormones, and other vital chemicals such as vitamin D and bile (a fluid that helps with digestion). Lipoproteins are particles that encapsulate cholesterol and carry it through your bloodstream. Every adult should have their cholesterol levels examined on a regular basis.

3. Diabetes and Pre-diabetes

Did you know that women are affected differently by diabetes than men? Yes, it is correct! Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease in women. Women are four times as likely than males to have heart disease (the most frequent diabetic complication), and women have worse results after a heart attack. Other diabetes-related problems, such as blindness, kidney disease, and depression, are more common in women. According to your health status and risk factors, talk to your doctor about when—and how often—you should get checked.

4. Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix, which connect the uterus and the vagina, change. This cancer can harm their cervix's deeper tissues and spread to other parts of their body (metastasize), most commonly the lungs, liver, bladder, vaginal, and rectum. Cervical cancer is a disease that can affect all women. It is most common in women over the age of 30. Consult your doctor about when—and how often—you should be screened for the same, according to your health status and risk factors.

5. Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Indian women, with a prevalence of 25.8 per 100,000 women and a fatality rate of 12.7 per 100,000 women. Every 4 minutes, a woman in India is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every 13 minutes, a woman dies of breast cancer. It is highly recommended to have timely Mammograms for every woman out there. Mammography test price ranges from Rs. 800 and could go up to Rs. 3000 generally.

6. Bone Density Screening

Bone density screenings look for osteoporosis, a condition that happens when the body loses too much bone or produces too little. According to research conducted among women across India, 46 million women who are the age 50 years and above are predicted to have osteoporosis. Early detection can make a huge difference. It makes managing this chronic distraction much better.

7. Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the seventh major cause of death in India, despite being less common than in Western countries. The colon or the rectum is where colorectal cancer begins. Depending on where they begin, these malignancies are referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer. Women must begin colorectal cancer screenings in their early 40s.

To Summarize 

People have benefited from preventive healthcare by making consistent decisions and taking positive action in the areas of health, diet, and lifestyle in order to stay fit. These acts not only provide the body a fighting chance at staying healthy, but they also aid in the early detection and control of existing diseases.

So, this World Health Day take a pledge to never miss an annual health check. Because health is the greatest of all human blessings. educate everyone around you too about these health checks that every woman needs.

Happy World Health Day! 

*Revised on 5th April 2023

Stay Fit, Protect your planet.