Elaine Kushmaul
The “Updates for Women” Program on May 2 imparted timely information for Women’s Health Month. It was a program in three parts: 1) Updates on wellness and prevention measures, 2) Osteoporosis for women, and 3) Diagnostic testing for maintenance of cardiac health.
Tracy Cook, CNP with Adult Health Services, operating locally, led the first section of the program.
Vaccines
•Pneumonia: A newer vaccine now available, Prevnar 13, is recommended, even if you have had the earlier vaccine for pneumonia.
•Hepatitis-B: Recommended if one has diabetes or serious kidney disease.
•Flu shot: Recommended annually because the flu strain changes.
•Shingles virus: A new vaccine, Shingrex, is given in two doses, two–six months apart. It is considered a more effective vaccine and is advised.
•Tetanus: Vaccine should be received every ten years.
Exams for women
•Mammograms: Currently recommended yearly for women between the ages of 45–55. After age 55, it can be done every other year, and continue as long as a woman is in good health. If a woman has dense breast tissue, she should have the 3D type of mammogram.
•Pap smears: Guidelines now recommend every three years for women between the ages of 21 to 65. If tests have remained negative, after age 65 it can be done less frequently.
•Pelvic exams: A yearly pelvic exam is still needed as part of a woman’s annual wellness exam.
•DEXA test for all women over 65 to test for bone density.
General screening tests
•Colorectal cancer screening: Every five to ten years after age 50 as recommended by personal MD.
•Diabetes with a fasting blood sugar: every three years.
•Glaucoma screening: Yearly, especially if also have diabetes.
•Cardiovascular screenings are important for women as it is a leading cause of death in women as well as men. But women may need to advocate for themselves.
•HIV screening: As needed, but be aware that adults over the age of 50 represent approximately 46 percent (437,671) of all individuals living with HIV in the US.
•Hepatitis-C: Now covered by Medicare for a one-time screen for all adults born from 1945–1965.
•Annual physical: head to toe assessment with blood work, vital signs and medication check.
•Annual wellness: Social history with screening for depression and dementia, and review of medical and surgical history. Request when making the appointment. Covered by Medicare.
Our second speaker was Dr. Jason Siegel, with Health Services of North Texas, speaking about osteoporosis. To see risk factors and prevention tips refer to the full article at www.rrlwc.com.
Third, we had a short presentation explaining the Cardiac Metabolic Test. It is a test that can point out early problems giving one a chance to make lifestyle changes to delay or prevent additional problems.
DATCU credit union provided refreshments and door prizes at the event.
This is an abbreviated report; for the full article, please view the Living Well website, www.rrlwc.com.
All presentations sponsored by the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee are intended for general information and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice. Neither the LW at RR Committee, RR Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any product or service mentioned.