While it is recommended that we all take time to self-examine our own bodies to check for any abnormal changes, it is also important to also visit your GP once in a while for medical examinations.
A first line of
defence against any health anomaly is always self-examination as suggested in
the first post.
Prevention is better than cure
Screening tests
provide valuable information at an earlier stage of disease, often before it
becomes more serious. Early detection will help put preventive strategies in
place together with the supervision of a medical doctor to get your back to
good health.
- PAP smears
help to detect cervical cancer. Women in their 30s should go for annual
gynaecological exam and pap smears. It is also advisable that you speak to your
doctor before becoming pregnant.
- Blood pressure
and blood glucose tests which may show whether you are at risk of developing
Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
- Ask your doctor
about going for cholesterol screening at least once every three years, but go
more frequently if you are overweight or have a family history of heart disease
or any other risk factors.
- BMI tests help to
indicate whether an individual is overweight. 7 out of 10 South African women
are overweight, putting them at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease,
kidney disease and osteoarthritis.
Ask your doctor
about ways to stay healthy and how to prevent common chronic conditions like
heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis (loss of bone density).
It is also
recommended that ladies on their 30s go for immunisations such annual flu
vaccines and hepatitis vaccines. Bonitas offers all members one free flu
vaccine a year as well as an annual gynaecologist visit without referral.
To win a R1,000.00 spa voucher, you can either:
- Like our Bonitas Medical Fund Facebook page or the Women24 Facebook page and tell us the last time you did a health check or
- Sign up for Women24’s
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