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Making Time for Health Checks Whilst Working

Words Mary Oladele

Lockdown is gradually easing off, most people are either returning to work or will be working from home most of the time. It’s so easy to fall back into the routine of work, work, work. As a working woman, early mornings, late nights, endless phone calls, meetings upon meetings whilst attempting to also maintain a good work/life balance can be the constant topic on our mind. Even regular exercise and healthy eating still require us to pay attention to our body, note any difference and seek help. Making time to attend these health screenings is so essential and can be life-saving. Senior Therapeutic Radiographer, Mary Oladele tells us why. 

Early detection of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes increases chances of survival. Allow more treatment options to be used to improve your health and quality of life. As women, here are the important health screenings we must have, these are:

Smear Test

From the age of 21 to 64 are invited to a smear test every three years. The test is done to examine cells within a lady’s cervix that can change and become cancerous cells.

Blood Pressure

Normal range for blood pressure is 120/80, this helps identify individuals who are at risk of hypertension or hypotension.

Blood Sugar Test

It is essential to check your blood sugar level especially if you’ve a family history of diabetes to ensure you are not at risk.

Blood and Urine Test

This involves checks such as anaemic levels, cholesterol profile and urine test which can highlight underlying health problems. 

Body Mass Index (BMI)

This helps eliminate the risk of obesity which can induce other health problems like heart disease.

Oral Check

Regular oral check minimises risk of decay and most importantly improves oral hygiene. 

Breast Cancer Screening

Women from the age of 51 till 70 years are invited every three years to have an x-ray at different angles of the breast to check for any abnormalities. 

Speak to your doctor, nurse or healthcare practitioner for health screening that is applicable to your age. If you notice any changes in your body, start a diary immediately by noting these changes, report these changes to your GP so necessary health investigation can be conducted. Ask them questions openly and confidently on how you can improve your health, any tips on maintaining a balanced diet, healthy snacks whilst living a busy life. Remember your health is paramount therefore, make the most of it by finding the time to rest, de-stress, meditate, do things that make you happy and look after yourself physically and mentally.