1. Height and weight measurement
Women of all ages should have their height and weight checked at least once a year. This can help detect any changes in weight that may indicate underlying health issues.
2. Blood pressure check
High blood pressure is common among women, especially those over the age of 40, so it’s important to keep track of this number during annual checkups.
3. Breast examination
Women aged 40 and older should receive a clinical breast exam every year for early detection of any abnormalities or lumps that could be cancerous.
4. Pelvic examination
During this procedure, the physician will examine the external genitals as well as perform an internal pelvic exam if needed to check for any signs of infection or abnormalities. This is generally recommended for women starting around age 21 and should be done every year.
5. Pap smear
Getting a Pap smear (or Pap test) can help detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. Women who are sexually active or over the age of 21 should have this test done once a year.
6. Eye exam
An eye exam with an optometrist may be necessary for some women, depending on their age and health history. Generally speaking, it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once every two years from ages 18-39, then yearly after that up until the age of 65.
7. Skin exam
A skin exam helps doctors to detect any signs of skin cancer or other skin disorders. Women over the age of 18 should have their skin checked by a health care provider on an annual basis.
8. Health screenings
Depending on your age, there may be certain tests or screenings that are recommended for you each year. These can range from diabetes testing and cholesterol levels to mammograms and colonoscopies.
