Although breast cancer gets the most publicity, heart disease is actually the #1 killer of women in the United States.
But it doesn’t have to be.
The American Heart Association estimates that 80% of heart disease in women is preventable. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be proactive and know what puts you at risk. Invest in your health by scheduling a Well-Women Visit every year with your healthcare provider to discuss heart disease and other important issues.
While we tend to associate trips to the doctor solely with pelvic exams and pap smears, Well-Woman Visits are much more than that. Well-Women Visits are annual physical exams with your healthcare provider that aim to identify any issues before they become serious or life-threatening. These visits are tailored to your age, past medical history, and family history. They may include screening services such as blood pressure, height, weight, and body mass index evaltuations. They may also include lab work to check your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, electrolytes, and blood counts.
Prepare for your Well-Woman Visit by researching your family history, writing down all of the medications and over-the-counter supplements you take, and by making a list of questions ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to go to the appointment fasting since they will likely order blood tests. When you’re at your visit, don’t lie or try to hide unhealthy habits because you’re embarrassed or afraid of getting reprimanded.
Honesty is crucial for your healthcare provider to give you the best care possible.
You’re never too young to start investing in your health. Unfortunately, heart disease is not exclusively a disease of the elderly. And just because you “feel fine” doesn’t mean you are protected. Heart disease is known as the silent killer because the majority of people are asymptomatic until the disease is severe and potentially life-threatening.
Most health insurance policies are now required to cover preventative services, which includes an annual Well-Woman Visit, so there is no excuse to not take advantage of this opportunity. As a mom you want what’s best for your family. This includes you staying healthy! Your family depends on you, so make sure you’re in tip-top shape. Take the first step toward fighting heart disease by scheduling your Well-Woman Visit today.
For more information on heart disease in women and how to reduce your risk, visit Go Red For Women.
