Preventive Health Information Recommended Preventive Screening Tests - Mammograms are generally recommended for all women annually beginning at age 40. If there is a family history or a personal history of breast problems, they may begin earlier.
- Calcium supplementation of at least 1000mg daily is recommended for all women. After menopause, women who are not takng hormone replacement need even more, up to 1500mg daily. Calcium is necessary in fighting osteporosis and keeping your bones healthy and strong. However, it is equally important that you are getting adequate Vitamin D supplementation (800-1000 IU daily).
- Colonoscopies – begin screening at age 50. Then every 5-10 years based on your results. If you have a strong family history or symptoms such as a change in bowels or bloody stools – screening may begin earlier.
- Cholesterol screening – minimum of every 5 years, or more frequent if there is a cardiac history.
- Thyroid screening - done periodically for patients with symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, heart palpitations, menstrual irregularities, cold intolerance, infertility.
- Diabetes screening – for those at increased risk due to family history or personal history.
- Bone Scan/Dexa test – done over age 55 for people with family history, or increased risk for osteoporosis (Caucasian, thin, post-menopausal, smokers, and those not on HRT).
- STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) annual and periodic screening recommended for sexually active women in non-monogamous relationships. Especially for women 25 years old and younger.
Breast Health - Monthly self-breast exams are highly recommended. Individuals themselves find many breast lumps while performing their monthly checks. Get to know what your own breast tissue is like.
- Fibrocystic breasts – some people have naturally “lumpy” breast. Some breast cysts can be effected by excessive caffeine in the diet. These cysts do not increase your cancer risk; however they may be very uncomfortable. They may resolve by cutting down on the amount of caffeine you drink and by taking Vitamin E daily (800 IU is the recommendation).
For additional information on breast cancer and other breast conditions, take a look at the websites below . Each link will take you to an outside, unaffiliated website. We would like to take credit for the information, but we cannot. However, we think they did a great job (and why re-invent the wheel?) Breast Disease (http://www.stayinginshape.com/3osfcorp/libv/w28.shtml) Breast Cancer (http://www.stayinginshape.com/3osfcorp/libv/w05.shtml) Additional Breast Cancer Information: American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp) BreastCancer.org (http://www.breastcancer.org) National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast) Strength in Knowing- Educational program to help understand the risk factors for breast cancer (http://www.strengthinknowing.com)
Vulva/Vaginal Health The vulva is the entire outer portion of the genital area; the vagina is the inner portion. - Washing externally with only mild soap, no harsh soaps or feminine products please!
- No douching please. Culturally many women still believe that douching is necessary on a monthly or periodic basis. This is not necessary as it will offset the balance of the natural vaginal environment of the vagina and cause a smelly bacterial infection.
- Monthly self-exams of the vulva are highly recommended. Women can use a hand held mirror to view this area to check for changes or abnormalities. It is important that you are aware of what your vulva normally looks like, and then you will be more likely to recognize something abnormal. Keep in mind that women can develop skin cancer in this area even though it is not “exposed”.
- Kegel exercises are recommended to be done 10-50 times daily. They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can help to decrease urinary incontinence. Brochures are available from our clinic on the specifics of kegel exercises if you are not aware of the proper way to do them.
Nutrition/Supplements - A daily multi-vitamin is recommended for all women. Be sure your multi-vitamin has at least 0.4 mg of Folic Acid, this is important during the childbearing years to prevent birth defects.
- Calcium supplementation of at least 1000mg daily is recommended for all women. After menopause women who are not taking hormone replacement need even more, up to 1500 mg daily. Calcium is necessary in fighting osteoporosis and keeping your bones healthy and strong. However, it is equally important that you are getting adequate Vitamin D supplementation (800-1000 IU daily).
- There are many herbal supplements out on the market today, some good, others not so good. Many have interactions with medications. Please discuss any herbal supplements you might be taking with your provider.
- A healthy diet is the optimum way to preserve you health. Adding more fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources are a need for all females.
Exercise - So important for physical AND mental health! I recommend lifestyle modification to increase your daily exercise in a way that is easy to incorporate into your daily life. Don’t wait until you “feel” like exercising, just make a decision and DO it! (You don’t always “feel” like putting gas in the car, but it will putter out quickly if you neglect doing it!)
- Exercise has been proven in scientific research to be as beneficial as medication in improving depression. It will decrease your cancer risk, decrease your heart disease risk, improve your cholesterol ratios, decrease blood pressure, and keep your weight at a healthy level and many other beneficial health effects. Plus it will make you look and feel great about yourself!
- Weight bearing exercise is important in improving bone strength and preventing osteoporosis. Discuss these options with your provider if you have questions.
Other Preventive Health Behaviors - Please use your seat belt at all times when driving/riding in a vehicle.
- Please use sunscreen to protect your skin against skin cancer and pre-mature aging. The high altitude climate of Colorado makes us more vulnerable to sun related exposure. Always have rapidly growing skin changes evaluated by your health care provider.
- Hydration – high altitude and dry climate make us more at risk for dehydration. Get in the habit of drinking plenty of water daily.
- Smoking – if you smoke, please consider quitting. We have informational pamphlets available or you can call 1-800-575-9355. You can also go to www.nhlbi.nih.gov or http://www.co.quitnet.com to get more information on how to quit.
- Safe sexual practices – Condoms can help somewhat with the spread of STD’s but not completely. All birth control (except abstinence) has a failure rate. Women using hormonal birth control methods are at increased risk for pregnancy if they are placed on antibiotics or if there is prolonged vomiting or diarrhea (48 hours).
- Family planning – please talk to your health care provider if you are considering pregnancy.
**Please contact our clinic if you have not received your pap or biopsy results with in 3 weeks of your visit. |
