Scheduling Health Appointments

When we purchase a new car, it comes with a maintenance manual. Some newer cars even have a status message on the dashboard that alerts drivers to necessary service. Although our bodies come with no maintenance manual, we can make our own “dashboard” of reminders for ourselves of necessary service from year to year. It’s as easy as getting out your calendar, whether it be paper or digital, and filling in these important health reminders, courtesy of Dr. Somer Shely of Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center.

Monthly: Breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.

Semiannually: Visit the dentist for cleaning, fluoride treatments and cavity checks.

Annually: Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Every three years: Women and teenagers should start getting regular (at least every three years) Pap tests beginning after the first time they have sex, or after age 21.

Every three years: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every three years. Starting at age 40, women should have a CBE by a health professional every year.

Cholesterol screening
Diabetes Screening

Ask your doctor if these checks are recommended for your individual situation.