5 Tests That Will Help You Take Better Care Of Your Mother
In the unpredictably changing times when there is a new disease every other day, it has become crucial that one stays aware of their body. We can notice the observable problems and go to the doctor to find a solution. However, we often ignore the issues inside our bodies; we remain unnoticed until the issue becomes more significant and becomes a disease.
This Mother’s Day, let us promise not to ignore these health-related issues and take care of our mothers’ health by taking them for regular tests. Here are the five most important tests your mother needs with increasing age and health issues.
1. PAP Smear and Pelvic Examination
A Pap smear or a Pap test helps examine the cervix cells to understand the risk of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a form of cancer that is easily treatable when detected at the initial stage. On the other hand, a pelvic examination helps check the health of reproductive organs, including the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vulva, and cervix.
Pap smears and routine pelvic exams are recommended to be done at least once every three years for all women above 21 years of age.
2. Mammogram
A mammogram is a test done to detect breast cancer chances. The patient’s breast is compressed between two plates to enable x-ray imaging in this test. An early diagnosis of breast cancer can save a life. Many women discover that they have breast cancer when it is already too late.
A mammogram can help identify cancer at an early stage so that timely treatment can be given before it spreads. In Indian women, this test is recommended to be done once every two years, starting at 45-50. Women who have a family history of breast cancer may need to start this test earlier.
3. Thyroid Function Test
The thyroid gland helps produce two essential hormones called Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), which help regulate metabolism in the body. When thyroid hormone levels drop, known as hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down and slows the body’s function. This can ultimately cause fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and many other symptoms.
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, can cause the heart to beat abnormally fast, cause anxiety, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms.
Compared to men, women are more likely to be affected by an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. Therefore, a thyroid function test will help measure your thyroid hormone levels for normalcy.
4. Lipid Panel Test
A lipid panel is essential because it helps check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High cholesterol levels can clog your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Also, high cholesterol levels do not manifest any significant symptoms. They can be detected only with the help of a test.
Therefore, this test is recommended for everyone at least once in five years, starting at 20. Individuals who have a family history of heart disease or those who have certain risk factors like obesity or diabetes may need to get this test done more frequently.
5. Blood Pressure Test
Blood pressure is an essential indicator of ailments such as hypertension. Especially in the case of women, hormonal and lifestyle factors like menopause, complications with pregnancy, and stress, can increase the risk of heart disease. A blood pressure test can therefore help detect and control heart disease at an early stage.
For individuals who have normal blood pressure, an annual checkup is recommended. But if your blood pressure reading is too high or too low, frequent tests are recommended. You may also require further testing if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or other ailments.
The author is General Physician, LivLong
