Thread by @WHO

Take a look at the top check-ups for women and make an appointment to see your health care provider if you have something that has been bothering you. If you have any health concerns, it’s always best to discuss these with your healthcare provider first ➡️ bit.ly/2TIr7Ti

1⃣ Elevated blood pressure ⬆️ the risk of heart attack, stroke & kidney disease. All adult women should know their blood pressure. At older ages, and for those with conditions like obesity that put them at increased risk for hypertension, annual screening is recommended.

2⃣ Women who are overweight or obese, are of ethnicity that is at higher risk, or have a family history of diabetes or history of gestational diabetes, need to have their blood glucose checked periodically and get medical advice.
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3⃣ Your body mass index (BMI) is a measure for obesity. Your BMI indicates whether or not you are overweight or obese, a condition that raises your risk of serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
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4⃣ Women should start getting screened for osteoporosis at age 65 but those with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as fractures or low body weight, should be screened earlier.
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5⃣ Early detection of #breastcancer can save lives. Common symptoms include:

🔴 lumps
🔴 asymmetry
🔴 skin or nipple retraction
🔴 bloody discharge.

If available in your country, participating in a breast cancer screening, done by mammography, can be beneficial.

6⃣ Colorectal #cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among 👩🧕. It is important to be aware of common symptoms such as change in bowel habits, blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss. If available in your country, participating in colorectal cancer screening is recommended.

7⃣ Poor dental health doesn’t just affect your teeth. Tooth and gum infections can negatively impact your well-being so it’s important to look after your teeth. Brush regularly, avoid smoking & sugary foods and make a trip to the dentist every 6 months to keep your mouth healthy.

8⃣ If you are at risk for heart disease or stroke, discuss with your 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ regarding the frequency of this blood test. For adults aged 40 years or older, and for those with conditions like obesity or diabetes it is preferable to have the lipid profile test.
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9⃣ During a Pap smear, your👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ uses a speculum to widen the vaginal canal, takes cells from the cervix & examines those cells for changes that may lead to #CervicalCancer. Screening should start at 30 years of age, if the test is negative you should retake it every 3 to 5 years.

🔟 Women can monitor their skin, looking for new moles or changes to existing moles which can be early signs of skin cancer. Sunburn can cause melanoma & other skin cancers so protecting against ☀️ burn is important for all ages. If you notice changes to moles see your👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ ASAP.

1⃣1⃣ Your hearing & sight may change as you get older. Things you once took for granted such as reading road signs or holding a conversation in a loud restaurant may become challenging. Download #hearWHO application, a free WHO app to check your hearing ➡️ bit.ly/2IZ5GKD