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Six vital health exams

BY MISSY GOOD

Eagle Correspondent

You've taken care of the back-to-school immunizations for the kids, and the yearly physicals for the sports activities are all squared away.

But as a young busy mother, have you taken a moment to schedule your own doctor's appointments? Can you remember when you had your last dental checkup?

Juggling the demands of raising kids and making sure they're in good health takes a lot of time and energy, and it's common to push concerns about your own health to the back of your mind.

"It's easy for moms to fall into the trap of little exercise, poor eating habits and inadequate sleep," said Joe Davison, a family practice physician at West Wichita Family Physicians.

He said that decisions patients make now can make a world of difference to future health concerns.

"It's extremely important to have a long-term view of health," Davison said.

Taking time to monitor your health should be at the top of your priority list. Early detection and prevention of major health conditions will ensure that you're feeling your best and are able to keep up with your busy schedule.

So while you're helping everyone else in your family settle into the school year and sorting out who's going to pick up the kids from Scouts, take a few minutes to consider this list of six health exams that Davison and other sources say every mom should have -- and make your health a top priority for the future.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

What it is: Your Body Mass Index is a measurement of body fat in relation to your height and weight.

Why it's important: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for developing serious health complications related to obesity, such as diabetes, pregnancy complications and heart disease. While there are several tools available for calculating your BMI, discussing your weight with your physician is the safest way to develop a plan for making changes in your diet and exercise routine.

How often you should have it: Since your weight is usually measured each time you visit the doctor's office, it's the perfect opportunity to discuss lifestyle changes with your physician. If it's been several years since you've had a checkup or if you have concerns about your weight, schedule an appointment soon.

2. Pap smear

What it is: Cells are collected from the cervix. These cells are then examined under a microscope for signs of infection or abnormalities.

Why it's important: Examination of cervical cells can detect changes that may be a sign of cervical cancer.

How often you should have it: Women younger than 30 should have a Pap test every year, along with a pelvic exam. If you are older than 30 and have three normal Pap smears three years in a row, further testing can be performed every two or three years. If results are abnormal, your doctor will determine the next course of action, which may include more tests and yearly Pap smears.

3. Periodontal checkup

What it is: Regular cleaning and examination of teeth to reduce the buildup of plaque. A dentist may discover cavities or abnormalities of the gums or tongue that need to be addressed and treated.

Why it's important: Removal of plaque prevents tooth decay and other periodontal diseases. The idea that women lose a tooth for every pregnancy is a myth; however, hormone changes during pregnancy can lead to increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums, so regular cleaning and examinations are strongly encouraged throughout pregnancy.

How often you should have it: Adults should visit the dentist at least once a year for cleaning and examination of teeth and gums. More visits may be necessary to repair cavities or to treat other oral health problems.

4. Blood pressure screening

What it is: Measurement of systolic pressure (the higher number), the pressure of blood against the arteries as blood is pumped away from the heart, and diastolic pressure (the lower number), the pressure of blood against the arteries when the heart relaxes.

Blood pressure is measured with an inflatable cuff equipped with a pressure gauge, and is most accurately taken by a health care professional. An optimal blood pressure reading is 120/80.

Why it's important: According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults has hypertension, or high blood pressure. The cause often is unknown, but high blood pressure can lead to severe health problems such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.

How often you should have it: Blood pressure should be checked at least once every two years by your physician or another health care professional. One high reading is not necessarily a cause for concern, but further monitoring may be recommended by your health care provider.

5. Skin exam

What it is: A head-to-toe examination of the skin to check for suspicious lesions or moles and other skin conditions that require medical attention.

Why it's important: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the percentage of certain types of skin cancer in women younger than 40 has tripled -- and in some cases quadrupled -- in the last 30 years. Regular examination by a dermatologist can help identify and treat skin cancer in its early stages.

How often you should have it: A yearly exam by a dermatologist is recommended, especially for those who have fair skin, lots of freckles or moles and for those who tend to burn easily.

6. Cholesterol screening

What it is: A blood test that measures LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") and triglycerides in your bloodstream. The test requires a nine- to 12-hour period of fasting beforehand, so be sure to check with your physician for special instructions.

Why it's important: Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid produced by the body, but excessive amounts can lead to blocked arteries and cardiovascular disease. Women are especially susceptible to heart disease, although problems don't tend to appear until after menopause due to falling estrogen levels.

How often you should have it: The American Heart Association recommends that a lipoprotein profile (LDL, HDL and triglycerides) should be drawn every five years after the age of 20. Those with high cholesterol will most likely be advised to undergo yearly cholesterol screening and management with medication, diet, and/or exercise.

Health homework

Find out more about the six health tests every mom should have from these sources, which we checked for this story:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.womenshealth.gov

• American Dental Association: www.ada.org

• American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org

• The Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org

Reach Missy Good at 316-268-6562 or wichitalk@wichitaeagle.com.