Healthy Advice
Each decade of a woman’s life is a “ten-year transition” with opportunities for renewal, transformation, and the pursuit of vibrant good health – mind, body and spirit. Join TriHealth Spirit of Women, to make this decade your healthiest and happiest.
Every day, be
- Physically active
- Nutritionally smart
- In-the-know about preventative screenings
As we age, exams and preventative screenings change. Love the skin your in with these tips on how to take charge of your health – every decade.
In your 20s
As a woman in your 20s, you are on the “pulse” of life: learning the rhythms of your body and experiencing the extraordinary energy of your spirit. Now is the time to find out what makes you feel happy, healthy and strong. To ensure high-energy and health in your 20s:
Skin
- Baseline mole and overall skin exam – at least once every three years by a physician
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Baseline cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Reproductive
- Annual internal exam with Pap test (including STD screening)
- Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) – up to age 26
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Baseline vision exam
- Baseline hearing exam
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
- Meningococcal vaccine – discuss with your health care provider if attending college
In your 30s
As a woman in your 30s, life is full of possibilities to create: relationships, responsibilities, family, and career. Your sense of who you are is stronger now than ever before. Now is the time to create a strong foundation to protect your health into the future. To protect the strength of your health in your 30s:
Skin
- Baseline mole and overall skin exam – at least once every three years by a physician
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides (baseline if not yet done)
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Reproductive
- Annual internal exam with Pap test (including STD screening)
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Vision exam – two times in this decade
- Hearing exam – every ten years
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
- Thyroid test (TSH) – starting at age 35, then every five years
- Diabetes check – fasting blood glucose
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
In your 40s
As a woman in your 40’s, you have “caught the spirit” of your life. You are recognizing what challenges you, and discovering pathways to success and satisfaction. Now is the time to turn your awareness of good health into action. To take action for your health in your 40s:
Skin
- Baseline mole and overall skin exam – at least once every three years by a physician
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Breast
- Baseline mammogram – then, every one to two years
Reproductive
- Internal exam with Pap test – every one to three years
Bones
- Bone density test – talk to your health care provider
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Vision exam – every two to four years
- Hearing exam – every ten years
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
- Thyroid test (TSH) – Every five years
- Diabetes check – fasting blood glucose
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
In your 50s
As a woman in your 50s, life is full of vital changes. Much like a second adolescence (complete with hormones) life now offers you a chance at transformation. Now is the time to cultivate your vitality in life and in health. To nourish your vitality in your 50s:
Skin
- Annual moel and overall skin exam
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides (baseline if not yet done)
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Breast
- Mammogram – every one to two years
Reproductive
- Internal exam with Pap test – every one to three years
Bones
- Bone density test – talk to your health care provider
Colorectal
- Annual fecal occult blood test
- Rectal exam – every five to ten years
- Sigmoidoscopy – every five years (if not having colonoscopy)
- Colonoscopy – every ten years
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Vision exam – every two to four years
- Hearing exam – every three years
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
- Thyroid test (TSH) – every five years
- Diabetes check – fasting blood glucose – every three years
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
- Influenza – yearly
- Pneumococcal – one time only
In your 60s
As a woman in your 60s and beyond, you now have a perspective – and experiences – that bring wisdom and zest to life. Defying preconceived notions of aging, you are a source of energy, beauty, and inspiration. Now is the time to nurture your health to better mentor and motivate the next generation. To maintain your zest for life in your 60s and beyond:
Skin
- Annual mole and overall skin exam
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Breast
- Mammogram – every one to two years
Reproductive
- Internal exam with Pap test – discuss with your health care provider
Bones
- Bone density test – talk to your health care provider
Colorectal
- Annual fecal occult blood test
- Rectal exam – every five to ten years
- Sigmoidoscopy – every five years (if not having colonoscopy)
- Colonoscopy – every ten years
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Vision exam – every one to two years
- Hearing exam – every three years
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
- Thyroid test (TSH) – every five years
- Diabetes check – fasting blood glucose – every three years
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
- Influenza – yearly
- Pneumococcal – one time only
- Herpes zoster vaccine – one time only
In your 70s
In the reflection of life, it is time to give and accept help, share life secrets, and reflect on your achievements and the legacy you want to leave behind. To put the shine on your golden years in your 70s:
Skin
- Annual mole and overall skin exam
- Practice monthly self-exam of all moles
Heart
- Cholesterol panel – total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years
Breast
- Mammogram – every one to two years
Reproductive
- Internal exam with Pap test – discuss with your health care provider
Bones
- Bone density test – talk to your health care provider
Colorectal
- Annual fecal occult blood test
- Rectal exam – every five to ten years
- Sigmoidoscopy – every five years (if not having colonoscopy)
- Colonoscopy – every ten years
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
- Vision exam – every one to two years
- Hearing exam – every three years
- Semiannual dental visits for exam and cleaning
General
- Sleep habits – discuss at annual exam
- Thyroid test (TSH) – every five years
- Diabetes check – fasting blood glucose – every three years
Immunizations
- Tetanus once every ten years
- Influenza – yearly
- Pneumococcal – one time only
- Herpes zoster vaccine – one time only