World Health Day is celebrated on April 7. Since 1950, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken advantage of this day to report on a health issue of public interest at an international level.
This celebration is intended to remind society of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining certain periodic medical check-ups. In the case of women, it is essential to go frequently to the gynecologist’s office.
Medical check-up, better to prevent than to cure
Even if we feel well, it is advisable to carry out a periodic preventive review. This type of check-up can determine the risk factors that we have against certain diseases or if we suffer from any pathology that has not yet manifested symptoms.
In general, there are certain common tests in these types of queries. Blood tests provide valuable information about our hormonal system, necessary to detect early menopause, and about iron and cholesterol levels.
Blood, along with other tests such as weight and blood pressure measurement, also provides information on cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the world, according to the WHO.
In addition, a urinalysis should be included in these checkups, to check the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys. They are unpredictable in men over 50, as they determine the state of the prostate.
Gynecological check-ups
In the case of women, it is recommended that they go to a gynecological check-up at least once a year, especially if they have sexual relations, to rule out sexually transmitted diseases. These checkups usually include an examination of the breasts and genitals and a Pap smear.
Women over the age of 40 are advised to have preventive mammograms every one to two years. According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, this test reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer, especially in patients older than 50 years.
