Five Questions Important to a Woman’s Health
If you’re a woman looking to improve your health, you can start by answering these five questions.
1. Am I at risk for chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or breast cancer?
One of the best ways for a woman to prevent or delay disease is to catch it early. These six health screenings are commonly recommended for older women:
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Annual blood test
- Osteoporosis screening (bone density or dexa scan)
- Breast cancer screening (mammogram)
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap test)
- Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)
Talk to your doctor about your risks for chronic health conditions. Your doctor can recommend the women’s health screenings you should get and when.
2. Are there vaccinations I should consider getting?
With age, it becomes harder for a woman’s immune system to fight off infections. Women can reduce their risk of getting sick by staying up-to-date with six recommended vaccinations:
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- RSV
- Tdap
3. Am I moving enough?
Regular physical activity can make a woman stronger, improve balance (making a fall less likely), boost mood and make it less likely she will develop diabetes, heart disease or another chronic condition.
SCAN Health Plan is a Medicare Advantage plan that includes access to gyms and a range of online and in-person fitness opportunities in most of its plans. Many SCAN members also can get a no-cost fitness tracker to set goals and monitor progress.
4. Am I spending enough time with others?
It’s hard to say how much social interaction is enough because the amount is different for every woman. What is known is that having regular, positive interactions with other people impacts a woman’s mind and body in ways that can help her stay healthier, live longer and feel better. So, make it a priority to connect with friends, family or other humankind at least several times a week.
5. Should I be concerned about depression?
As a group, women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. It’s important to know, though, that depression is not an expected part of being a woman or of growing older. If you’re feeling anxious or down for more than a few weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a behavioral health professional. Depression is very treatable—you can feel better.
The tips on The National Institute of Health’s website may make it easier to talk to your doctor about depression.
If you have don’t have a Medicare Advantage plan, look at the comprehensive coverage, award-winning service, and extensive network of caring physicians, offered by SCAN Health Plan New Mexico.
