By Alicia Wanek
Understanding Women’s Healthcare Needs
Women have unique healthcare requirements, and it can often be challenging to navigate the information to determine which steps to take and when. Dr. Katrina Walsh, M.D., who has 27 years of experience in the field, helps clarify what women should do and pay attention to throughout various life stages. “The most important thing I want to emphasize is maintaining a healthy diet and fitness,” she states. “As a mom of three adult daughters, I wish I had prioritized that a bit more – and I’m a doctor!” Overall, proper nutrition and regular exercise are crucial at any age for achieving a long, healthy life.
For iGen’ers:
Dr. Walsh advises that young women start performing monthly breast self-exams by the age of 18. It’s beneficial to look up online resources to ensure these exams are done correctly. This is also the right time to think about a baseline gynecological examination.
For Millennials:
Continue conducting breast self-exams, and plan to have a baseline mammogram by age 35. Dr. Walsh points out that she has encountered patients diagnosed with breast cancer as young as 25, reminding young women to “be safe, not sorry.” Women between the ages of 21 and 35 should also begin to have blood work done every 2-3 years based on their health to identify any potential issues.
For Gen X’ers:
By the age of 40, women are advised to get an annual mammogram. “The U.S. has the highest rate of pre-menopausal breast cancer among industrialized nations,” Dr. Walsh notes, making this even more critical. This is also the appropriate time to start having yearly dermatological skin checks for any indications of skin cancer.
For Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation:
Dr. Walsh recommends that women begin monitoring their bone density and have a colonoscopy by age 50. “Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of death for women over 50,” she emphasizes. At this stage, women also face a heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Walsh reminds us that both diet and genetics can significantly influence cholesterol levels and increase stroke risk. With a decrease in metabolism of 30-33% during menopause, women need to be especially mindful of their diet. Your doctor can also provide guidance on managing menopause-related issues and other age-related health risks.
