A mother’s job is endless and continues around the clock every day of the year. They often wear many hats which include a nurse, cook, cleaner, storyteller, best friend, as well as a superhero. For this reason, it’s imperative that they stay as healthy as possible so they can be the best version of themselves possible. If you’re a mom, you may be reading this because you’re curious about ways that you can stay healthy for your kids. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do so, and they aren’t so strenuous. On that note, you’re going to find a list of health tests that every mom should get in the below article.
Eye Screening
One health test that is easily neglected but worth getting is eye screening. Your eyes are something that you use on a regular basis, so caring for them is key. You should consider getting a screening test every two to four years with a trusted optometrist. At a typical eye test, they’ll likely ask about your medical history, any vision problems that you may be experiencing, and then measure visual acuity. If you’re already wearing glasses or contacts, it’s important to ensure you take care of your glasses as well as your contact lenses by cleaning them regularly and using them effectively. If you’ve recently done an eye test and it was recommended that you wear glasses or contacts, you should consider reading through this guide for some tips on how to put on contacts like a pro. On that note, don’t forget to book your next eye exam, especially if you know that it’s long overdue.
Breast Exam
Another test you should do as a mom is a breast exam. This is necessary for you to check for any potential lumps as this could indicate a serious illness. In case you’re wondering how often you should perform breast exams, it is recommended that you do so every one to three years if you’re between the ages of twenty and thirty. If you happen to be forty or older, however, it is recommended that you do so once a year. You should also note that if you’re a woman starting your twenties, breast self-exams are also an option. Some ways to carry out a self-exam include placing a pillow under your right shoulder and putting your right arm behind your head. You can then gently move the pads of your fingers around your right breast using small and circular motions until you’ve covered your whole breast area and armpit. You should also check your nipples for any discharge or lumps. Don’t forget to check with a doctor to ensure the technique you’re using is correct as well.
Pap Smear
It is likely that you’ve had at least one Pap smear in your lifetime and if you haven’t, perhaps it’s about time you get it for the first time. In case you aren’t exactly sure what a pap smear is, it’s a screening procedure that checks for cervical cancer. Essentially, it checks for any signs of precancerous as well as cancerous cells on the cervix. In terms of how the procedure works, cells from your cervix are usually scraped away and checked for signs of any abnormal growth. It is usually a relatively quick exam so shouldn’t take up too much of your time. Typically, you should begin getting pap smears from the age of twenty-one. Once you’re over thirty, you should ideally get tested once a year, but if you’ve had three normal results in a row, ask your doctor if you could have one every five years instead.
Cholesterol Check
In addition to the mentioned, a cholesterol test is another one that every mother should think about getting. This test measures the amount of cholesterol that you have in your blood. Doing a test helps determine what your risk is in terms of the build-up of plaque in your arteries that could lead to blocked arteries inside of your body. A worst-case scenario is that you could develop heart disease or be at an increased risk of doing so. In terms of frequency, beginning at the age of 18, it’s ideal to have a test done at least every five years. Some things that could put you at risk of having high cholesterol as a mother include being overweight, having diabetes, being physically inactive, smoking cigarettes, and having a high-fat diet. Seeing as high cholesterol by itself has no symptoms, you should definitely get a regular checkup.
Vitamin D
If you didn’t know, having enough vitamin D is a key component of healthy living. This is because your body needs it in order to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Not having enough as an adult could mean having fragile bones and that’s the last thing that you need as a mom. Some other important bodily functions that require vitamin D include helping keep your immune system in good shape and reducing your chance of developing heart disease as well as the flu. During the test, they will likely check how much vitamin D is in your blood. This test is especially important if you have darker skin as you’re less likely to absorb lots of sun, if you’re an older adult, and if you happen to be obese. You should also note that it isn’t needed as often as the ones mentioned above, but it’s worth asking your healthcare provider if you are unsure or have any serious concerns.
Being a mother means that you are often many things to many people. This can drain a lot of energy out of you on a daily basis, so ensuring you look after yourself and get checked regularly is key. The tests mentioned above are just a few that you can take on an annual basis or as many times as your health professional recommends. Don’t forget to also take the time out to see someone if you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right. Your kids, family, and friends need you around for as long as possible.
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