May is Women’s Health Month and a great time for women to make healthy changes so we can look and feel our best. Whether you're a mother or not, focusing on self-care and your best health can revitalize your outlook, benefiting you and those close to you. As women, it's often in our nature to take care of others first. Let's make May the time to care about us.
The Adena Well Woman Annual exam is comprehensive and looks at a number of health issues to help improve and benefit patients in the region. Among the many health items addressed in a Well Woman Annual exam, are blood pressure, screening for cancers of the cervix (Pap smear), breast exam (mammogram), pelvic exam, uterus exam (assessing any abnormal bleeding), body mass index (BMI), skin (assessing suspicious moles), discussions of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), family planning counseling and healthy diet and exercise.
Screen Time is Important
In this case, we are talking about health screenings. Preventative health screenings are the best way to detect and treat health issues early. Below is a basic chart based on ages and key screenings, but family and personal histories also factor in. It is important to discuss all screenings with your Adena Primary Care physician or Adena OB/GYN at your annual exams.
Screening test | Ages 18-39 | Ages 40-49 | Ages 50-64 | Ages 65+ |
Annual check-up | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
Thyroid test (TSH) | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | ||
Cholesterol | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | |
Calcium Scoring | Every 10 years | Every 10 years | ||
Bone Density test | Initial test, discuss with provider | |||
Diabetes-blood sugar test | Starting at 45, every 3 years | Every 3 years | Every 3 years | |
Mammogram | Discuss with provider | Once every 1-2 years | Once every 1-2 years | |
Pap smear/pelvic exam | Annual exam | Annual exam or less based on provider recommendation | Annual exam or less based on provider recommendation | Annual exam or less based on provider recommendation |
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | As recommended by provider | |||
Colonoscopy | Starting age 50 then every 10 years unless more often recommended by provider | Every 10 years unless more often recommended by provider | Every 10 years unless more often recommended by provider | |
Take Time, Make Time
For a well-balanced and healthy life, women need to make time for themselves. It is often not easy or convenient and may require effort to make happen, but it is essential to maintaining your best health. Exercise is a good way to take a little extra time for yourself and make you feel good. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise can help maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, lower blood pressure, improve heart health, improve mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and help control weight, build muscle, and reduce body fat. You can start with taking a simple walk after dinner, doing work in the garden, or out in the yard. Many free online and video resources guide you through exercises, no matter what level you are at. The key is to schedule time for it and stick with it.
Adena OB/GYN has the experience, resources, and counseling skills to help you transition through all the many life changes women face.
This May, we hope women everywhere will take time for themselves and to focus on their health and wellbeing. Call Adena OB/GYN at 740-779-7201 or visit to book your Well Woman Annual exam. Whether it’s this month or down the road, making your health a priority will have a positive lifelong impact on you and those you love.