| Recommended Health Screenings And Prevention Steps For Women Ages 18-29 |
This is the best time to develop a preventive disease approach to your future health. Begin by establishing a relationship with a health care professional, who will help you to learn the important facts of your family's medical history, develop healthful eating habits and make a commitment to regular exercise.
You may also see an Ob/Gyn (obstetrician/gynecologist) — a health care professional who specializes in diseases and routine physical care of the reproductive system, including pregnancy. This health care professional can also guide you through prevention of and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, particularly chlamydia and the human papilloma virus (HPV) which has been linked to cervical cancer,
and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant be sure to discuss with your health care professionals any medications or vitamins you are taking. Also, it's recommended that you take a supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 milligrams (400 to 800 micrograms) of folic acid daily if you are planning or capable of getting pregnant.
If you smoke, this is the time to quit. Smoking can lead to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
This is also the time to begin regular monthly exams of your breasts and skin for early detection of cancer. Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30, according to the American Cancer Society.
And finally, don't forget about your personal safety. Wear seat belts and become familiar with resources for detecting and preventing domestic violence.
The following screening and preventive steps should be followed in consultation with your physician:
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Test/Vaccine
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How Often
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Blood Pressure
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Every 2 years — 18 years of age and older
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Periodically — 18 years of age and older
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Every 1 to 2 years** — Beginning at 21 years of age or earlier if
sexually active; if 30 years of age and older, either a Pap smear
every 2 to 3 years after 3 consecutive normal results or HPV
DNA test plus a Pap smear every 3 years if results of both tests
are negative. Women 70 years of age and older may stop
screening. Talk with your physician to discuss the method of screening that is right for you.
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Routinely — women 24 years of age and younger if sexually active
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Routinely — 18 years of age and older
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Routinely — 18 years of age and older
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Routinely — 18 years of age and older
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Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Td/Tdap)
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One dose Td every 10 years — 19 years of age and older; for
19-64 years of age, substitute a single dose of Td booster
with Tdap
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*Cervical cancer screening recommendations are based on the American Cancer Society guidelines as of 3/13/09.
**Every two years when using newer liquid-based Pap test.
The preventive health screenings are based on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) as of 3/13/09. The
vaccine recommendations are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of 3/13/09. Recommendations change often. A full list of the most current recommendations may be accessed at these websites.
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