May 10 Is National Women’s Check-Up Day

DANBURY — Many of the leading causes of death in women can be prevented or treated if caught early enough. The top three causes of death among women are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women and, in fact, more women die of heart disease each year than do men.

On May 10, the Women’s Health Center at Danbury Hospital will participate in the second annual National Women’s Check-Up Day by offering complimentary blood pressure and weight checks, and clinical breast exams. The screenings will be conducted on May 10 by appointment only from 9 am to 3:30 pm, at the Women’s Health Center at Danbury Hospital, second floor, Stroock Building, Locust Avenue entrance.

National Women’s Check-Up Day marks the start of National Women’s Health Week, coordinated by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This nationwide observance is to promote awareness of the measures women can take to prevent fatal and debilitating illnesses. According to HHS, maintaining regular check-ups, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and following general safety rules are five health habits for improving women’s health.

Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. During their check-ups, women should discuss with their health care professional which of the tests are right for them, when they should have them, and how often. The HHS recommends that women should consider the following screening tests:

*Mammograms every one to two years starting at age 40

*Pap smears every one to three years if sexually active or are older than 21

*Cholesterol checks regularly, starting at age 45 (If a smoker, diabetic, or if heart disease runs in the family, cholesterol checks should start at age 20)

*Blood pressure checked at least every two years

*Colorectal cancer tests starting at age 50

*Diabetes tests if diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol

*Depression screening should be discussed with a physician if a woman is feeling “down,” sad, or helpless with little interest or pleasure in doing things for two consecutive weeks

*Osteoporosis screening should start at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones); if between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, testing should be discussed with a physician

*Chlamydia tests if age 25 or younger and sexually active — if older, discuss testing with a doctor; also, women should discuss testing for other sexually transmitted diseases with their physicians

Taking a day to focus on personal health could help add years to a woman’s life. To make an appointment to participate in the National Women’s Check-Up Day screenings available at Danbury Hospital on May 10, call the Women’s Health Center at 797-7186.