Mother's Day: Six important health checks for moms

Mothers are the busiest people as they focus on their jobs, household chores, children and family simultaneously. It is safe to say that mothers are a family's backbone. However, they often forget about their own health and well-being amid fulfilling their responsibilities and managing their busy schedules. Health checkups should be conducted regularly to ensure that our mothers are healthy. These tests and checkups would be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. So, these tests and checkups should be done irrespective of a woman’s age or general health conditions.

1) Pap Smear test, HPV Test
Cervical cancer is completely curable if it is diagnosed and treated at the early stages. A pap smear test could be conducted at the age of 21. Women should do this test every three years. The HPV test, too, should be done along with this after they hit 30. The risk of cervical cancer is higher in women who have children.
2) STD Test
Sexually Transmitted Diseases may not show any prominent symptoms. This could spread to your partners or unborn child if the woman is pregnant. These tests could be done regularly as soon as a woman become sexually active.

3) Breast cancer diagnoses
A mammogram test could diagnose the risk of breast cancer. Women who are between 40 and 50 years of age should start doing mammogram tests. This includes clinical tests as well as the monthly self-exam.
4) Diabetes test
Women should start testing for diabetes from 35 onwards. If there is any risk, tests should be done every two or three years. Those who are obese, have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diseases in the family should do a diabetes test at regular intervals.

5) Bone density scan
The risk of osteoporosis is high in women as they get older or after menopause. Mothers who are above 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis should do the bone density test. This would give you an idea about your bone health and help you take precautions against bone breakage.
6) Blood sugar and cholesterol
High blood sugar and cholesterol may not often show symptoms. However, conducting these tests regularly will reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart disease is one of the main reasons for death among women. Mothers who are above 35, especially those who have a family history of heart disease, should do the diabetes and cholesterol tests at least once a year. Recognising the importance of such medical tests and checkups is also a kind of self-love. Besides, it emphasises the empowerment and agency of the woman. These tests would make early diagnoses possible, thus improving the chance of recovery.