Give the Gift of Health on Mother’s Day

Many hospitals now have wellness clinics specifically for women which aim to provide comprehensive health checks for women of all ages.  These centers support, educate and advise women on breast diseases, gynecologic issues, pregnancy, family planning and over-all health and wellness.
 
Talk to your mother’s doctor about the following examinations, and find out which would be suitable and recommended for her. These will depend on her age, family history, risk factors and personal lifestyle choices.


Basic Tests

Blood Pressure
Her blood pressure (BP) should be taken clinically to set a baseline, and then checked for any elevation.  A higher-than-normal BP will require more frequent monitoring.

Height and weight
A significant drop in inches may indicate osteoporosis, while remarkable weight loss or gain may indicate a bigger health problem including obesity and fluid retention (weight gain) or infection and cancer (weight loss).

Blood Tests
Annual blood exams should include testing for complete blood count; glucose levels (FBS, HbA1c) to screen for any increase in sugar levels that may indicate diabetes; thyroid, liver and kidney function tests; lipid profile and blood electrolyte levels. Additional laboratory tests may be required based on personal history.
    
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
An ECG is usually requested to assess the electrical activity and conduction of the heart.  Additional tests like 2D-echo and stress testing may be advised depending on ECG results.

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Chest X-ray     
An X-ray aids in checking for infections, suspicious cancers or other lung diseases.  The cardiac contour is likewise observed.

Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is needed if there are significant signs or symptoms that would indicate abnormalities of the liver, pancreas, kidney and other abdominal organs, which are not detected by physical exams or blood tests.

Urinalysis
The urine exam can reveal the presence of urine sugar (diabetes), protein (kidney disease), white blood cells (urinary tract infection) or  red blood cells (may indicate stones), among others.

Stool Exam and Fecal Occult Blood
Infections and cancers can be detected by these tests.  Additional exams like colonoscopy may be required based on symptoms and findings.

 

Tests for Women

Breast Exam and Mammogram
Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, thus regular self breast examinations are recommended. Those in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam done by a physician at least every 3 years, and annually for women 40 and above to detect breast lumps or masses of concern.  Any noticeable lump, discoloration or the like should be reported promptly.  

Routine mammogram tests should be done starting at age 40 to screen for breast cancer.


Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

A pelvic exam may discover an underlying gynecologic problem, while pap smear is a test to observe for changes in the cells of the cervix which could lead to cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. It is recommended that all women get a Pap smear within 3 years of becoming sexually active or by age 21. Discuss with your gynecologist the recommended cervical cancer screening appropriate for you depending on previous pap smear results, family history and risk factors.
    
Bone density test
This is generally recommended for women ages 65 and older.  Younger women with a family or personal history that puts them at risk for osteoporosis should also have this test.


Make sure, too, that she brings to the doctor’s attention any health concerns that have occurred in the past.  By letting our moms get the right health screenings and examinations, we are taking steps that increase her chances for living a healthier, longer and more productive life.  


Photo from sxc.hu