As women, we have special medical needs related to our reproductive health; it helps to be informed about our bodies. There are many books available on the market today that focus on women’s health issues, so there isn’t any reason not to be informed.

To make life a little easier, since we all have so much to do, I listed the 5 most important tests to schedule with your doctors. Remember to stay healthy is to be aware. We never know when we may be victim to a disease, but living a healthy life style and eating right does help the immune system to work properly. Share this information with family and friends.

1. The Pap Test for cervical cancer screening should begin at 18 years old or at the onset of sexual activity. This test is once a year or as often as your doctor recommends. This test continues through menopause.
   
   You can help protect yourself from deadly sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy by using condoms.
2. The Breast Exam should be a monthly test practice by you. Early detection can be the cure. It is recommended women between 20 and 39 have a breast examination by a doctor every three years. Women over 40 should have a yearly mammogram.
   
   This can be an easy routine before stepping out of bed in the morning.
3. Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Tests can save you from a heart attack. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women in America. Contributing factors include smoking, high blood pressure, a high cholesterol level, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise.
   
   Consider giving up smoking, cutting back on rice, potatoes, foods made from flour, and also cutting back on red meat and beer will make a difference on your body and your complexion. Dancing is a great exercise, why not make it a regular routine to dance everyday for 1/2 a hour. You can sweat off those extra pounds and have fun at the same time.
4. The Blood Glucose Test checks the sugar level in your blood. With obesity running high in children into adulthood, type 2 diabetes has become a serious issue, particularly for Latinos who are in the practice of using a lot of sugar.
   
   Be observant of how much sugar you are using. Count the teaspoons and try cutting the quantity in half. It’s a good start to cutting back. Soda has more sugar that some sugar cereals, read the labels. Consider adding club soda to your flavored sodas to dilute the sugar content. Green tea helps curb my appetite for sugar. Give it a try, it might work for you too.
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening is the second leading cause of cancer. This test should be taken at 50 years old and then follow the advice of the doctor on how often this test should be taken.
   
   Men don’t visit the doctor’s office very often so they should be reminded to take this test as part of their yearly health examinations. Then follow the advice of the doctor on how often the test should be taken.

Source: The Young Woman’s Empowerment Journal, A.Dalto, Adelante Press, 2004

Stay healthy!
Adela