12. Get a Regular Dental Checkup
Bacteria and inflammation in your mouth have been found to play a role in several diseases, including heart disease and pneumonia.
That’s why all adult women need regular dental checkups, generally recommended once or twice a year, though some people may need to visit more frequently. These regular dental checkups involve cleaning and examining the teeth, along with X-rays as needed, to spot early signs of decay and other problems.
How to Keep Up With Your Health Screenings
Thinking about 12 annual screenings may be daunting, but it’s now easier than ever to stay current on tests, thanks to electronic medical records, whose patient portals may alert you to tests you’re due for. You can also remind yourself to schedule annual tests by using a milestone every year, like your birthday or the start of a new year.
Your primary care physician should also inform you when it’s time, but that might not be the case if you use your gynecologist for primary care. “Things like the need for a colonoscopy and routine blood work that are outside a gynecologist’s scope can easily be missed,” Duah cautions. Let your gynecologist know you don’t have another doctor and request prescriptions for tests that don’t involve your reproductive organs.
Because screens are considered preventive, insurance coverage varies. It’s best to check with your insurance company before you make an appointment. You can also research whether your community offers any of these tests discounted or for free.
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