These Are 8 Health Screenings Mums Should Get

As a mum, it can be extremely easy to put your needs aside and focus on everybody but yourself, especially when it comes to your health. Whether you’re a new mum, a mum with multiple kids or you’ve simply been in the game for a while and you’re looking to get back into the self-care you need and deserve, there are plenty of ways to take control of your health, one step at a time.

If you’re ready to head back to the professionals who can offer you the best care you need, here are a few places you can start with the health screenings all mums should get.

1.  Mammogram

While the specifics of getting a mammogram vary from person to person, the mammogram scanner should be in pretty much everybody’s periphery. Technically, women should begin going in for their annual screenings for mammograms once they turn 40, and have the option to drop their appointments back to semi-annual screenings after the age of 45 if they feel comfortable doing so.

Breast cancer is a serious concern for many people, and the more you stay on top of it, the easier it is to treat if you are diagnosed. Don’t put off your mammograms!

2.  Pap Smear

Speaking of feminine health care, we can’t forget about the regular pap smear, which you should ideally be getting annually once you turn 21, in addition to getting a scan for HPV along with it after the age of 30. Although there’s a large culture around dreading the uncomfortable procedure, it is highly important in order to stay on top of your health as a woman, especially as a mum.

3.  Blood Pressure Screening

This is one of those health screenings that everyone should get — mums included. It’s a fairly easy process, and it can have a large impact on the health care you need and receive. For adults 20 and over, you should ideally go for a screening every two years — although adults 40 and older, as well as other at-risk populations, should go in for a check a bit more often.

4.  Scoliosis Check

Another health screening that everyone should get is a scoliosis check. Although it’s important to check for scoliosis when you’re young, it’s never too late to make sure your spine is getting the care it needs. Scoliosis can do a lot of damage over time — including reduced lung function, heart problems, and even surgical needs. It’s always better to stay on the safe side and get your alignment checked — and make sure your kids are checked, too.

5.  STI Testing

Although you may not think you need to get checked for STIs, most professionals recommend that all sexually active adults get checked annually, even those who are monogamous. Most STI screenings are easy, as you can get them done along with your pap smear at your annual appointment. However, if you frequently change partners or have multiple partners, you may want to get STI testing done every six months, or even more frequently, if that makes you feel comfortable.

6.  Dermatology Check

Although the frequency of your dermatology appointments will likely depend on your lifestyle and skin concerns, it is important to keep up with the health of your skin, especially as you get older. Getting regular checks at the dermatologist can help prevent skin damage and even skin cancer, so most experts recommend going every year, or as close to annually as you can.

If that isn’t possible, you can always talk about your dermatological concerns with your primary care physician to see if you need to look more seriously into seeing a specialist.

7.  Bone Density Screening

Although this one may start in a few years, it’s still good to keep bone density screenings in mind. Most physicians recommend that women begin getting screened for osteoporosis around age 65, but it can begin younger if you have any specific health concerns, such as early menopause or certain autoimmune conditions.

Talk to your doctor about what the specifics will look like for you, but keep bone density screenings in mind for the future.

8.  Cholesterol Testing

This is another test that all adults should have on their radar, whether or not they happen to be mums. Checking on your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular concerns. Discuss the specifics with your doctor, as things like family history and lifestyle can play a role in your risk and your need for testing.

Health Screenings Mums Should Get

As a mum, your life is often all about the little ones. But in order to care for the people around you, you also need to care for yourself first. Don’t forget to have your eyes tested regularly and if you have problems with your ears visit The Yorkshire Hearing Clinic who will be happy to help you. Your health is just as important as anybody else’s, and you deserve to pay attention to it with the appointments, tests, and care that you need. Which test are you going to add to your routine this year?

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