Women's Health Awareness - Cardiovascular Health and Cervical Screening

As we continue moving through October, we look at a few other aspects of health for Women to take note and be aware of. Today we will look at Cardiovascular health and Cervical Screening tests.

It is hard to tell if you are developing cardiovascular disease. The best way to stay on top of your cardiovascular health is to do the following:

- have regular blood pressure checks

- after 45 years of age, have a cholesterol check every 5 years (or more frequently if you are high risk)

- have a diabetes check and blood sugar check every 3 years after you turn 40 (more frequently if you are high risk)

Cervical cancer screening saves lives. And screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer, or detect it earlier. Cervical screening tests have replaced having a Pap test as the standard test for detecting cervical cancer. If you are over 25, your Cervical Screening test is due 2 years after your last Pap test. After this, you will need a test every 5 years if you have normal results. If you have never had a Pap test and you are over 25, make an appointment for a Cervical Screening test as soon as possible. For more information about the National Cervical Screening program - phone 13 15 16

For more information about Women's Health, please visit the Jean Hailes website: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/