An annual wellness check is one of the most powerful ways to proactively manage your health. Spending one hour, once a year, with your healthcare provider will help you:
- Blood pressure
Why it’s important
High blood pressure, called hypertension, can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney problems, vision problems and sexual dysfunction. It’s known as the “silent killer” because there usually aren’t any obvious symptoms that signal something is wrong. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked.
How it’s measured
Blood pressure readings include two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure of your blood when your heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal adult blood pressure is less than 120/80. Hypertension is 130/80 or above.
When you should test
Everyone over 18 should know their blood pressure. As you get older, your risk of high blood pressure increases, especially if you are overweight or have some unhealthy lifestyle habits. If you had high blood pressure during a pregnancy (preeclampsia), or have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, are overweight or have certain other health conditions, you may need to monitor your blood pressure more often.
- Bone density
Why it’s important
Bone density screenings check for osteoporosis, a disease that causes the body’s bones to become weak and fragile. These screenings can estimate your risk of breaking a bone before it happens. Fortunately, osteoporosis can be both prevented and treated.
How it’s measured
A special type of X-ray is used to measure bone strength, finding osteoporosis before breaks happen and also help with predicting the risk of future breaks.
When you should test
Women aged 65 and over should have a bone density test every 5 years. However, if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, you may need to start sooner.
- Breast cancer
Why it’s important
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and one of the leading causes of death among South African women. Having regular mammograms is the best way for doctors to find breast cancer when it’s most treatable. The earlier you find breast cancer, the better your chance of a cure. While self-checking your breasts for lumps every month is extremely important, mammograms often pick up signs of cancer years before they can be felt.
How it’s done
Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of your breast tissue, most often performed at a radiology centre or hospital. Two special plates on the machine flatten the breast, holding it in place while the X-ray is taken.
When you should test
Women over 40 are recommended to have a mammogram every two years. However, your doctor may recommend a different screening interval based on your personal risk factors.
- Cervical cancer
Why it’s important
While cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women, it’s the cancer most women die of in our country. As with most cancers, the earlier it is diagnosed, the more successfully it is treated. In fact, with regular screening, cervical cancer is easy to prevent as abnormal cells can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.
How it’s done
Your doctor may use a pap smear test or an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer. HPV is the virus that causes most cervical cancers. During a pap smear, your doctor scrapes some cells off your cervix and sends them to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor will talk to you about whether you need a pap smear test or HPV PCR testing.
When you should test
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have a pap smear test every 3 years, or an HPV PCR test every 5 years.
- Cholesterol
Why it’s important
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance found in the cells of your body. When it combines with other substances in your blood it can cause plaque, which clogs your arteries and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can all cause plaque to build up, too. Lifestyle changes and medications can lower your risk.
How it’s measured
Cholesterol is tested using a lipogram, or lipid panel. Lipid is another word for fat. It is a fasting blood test, which means you may need to fast for up to 12 hours before having your blood drawn. A laboratory will then test your blood and report on the following measurements:
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- Total cholesterol: the total amount of cholesterol that’s in your blood.
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: this is called ‘bad ’cholesterol as this tends to be the form that combines with other substances to clog the arteries. A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats tends to raise the level of LDL cholesterol. Your level of LDL cholesterol should be under 2 mmol/L.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: this is called good cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol, preventing it from building up inside the arteries. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. People with too little are more likely to develop heart disease. Eating healthy fats, such as olive oil, may help boost HDL cholesterol. Your level of HDL cholesterol should be over 2 mmol/L.
- Triglycerides (blood fat): the body converts excess calories, sugar and alcohol into triglycerides, a type of fat that is carried in the blood and stored in fat cells throughout the body. People who are overweight, inactive, smokers or heavy drinkers tend to have high triglycerides, as do those who eat a very high-carb diet. Levels exceeding 2 mmol/L may be associated with increased risk of heart disease. Ideally your triglycerides should be less than 1.7mmol/l.
When you should test
Adults over 20 years of age should have a full lipogram every 5 years.
- Colorectal cancer
Why it’s important
Colorectal cancer, which is cancer that occurs in the colon and rectum, is the third most common cancer in South African women. Most colorectal cancers come from polyps (abnormal masses) that grow on the inner lining of the large intestine. While these polyps may not be cancerous, if they are, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Removing polyps early, before they become cancerous, can prevent it completely.
How it’s done
Screening for colorectal cancer starts with a stool test, which looks for blood in the stool. If blood is found, you will be sent for a colonoscopy. This is when a doctor inserts a small flexible tube equipped with a camera into your colon. If they find a polyp, they can often remove it right then.
When you should test
Adults aged 45 to 75 should have a stool test every year.
- Diabetes
Why it’s important
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar is too high. It is a dangerous disease that can affect your health from head to toe. Diabetes can cause heart or kidney disease, stroke, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina, and other serious problems.
According to Statistics South Africa, diabetes is the leading cause of death in South African women. The reason for this shocking statistic is that most South Africans with diabetes are either diagnosed very late, by which time they are much sicker, or are not diagnosed at all. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, and can be controlled with diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication, especially when it is found early. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Gestational diabetes is high glucose levels only during pregnancy. Without treatment, gestational diabetes can result in miscarriages, birthing complications or birth defects. Although this type of diabetes can be resolved after giving birth, it can also increase the risks of Type 2 diabetes developing later in life.
How it’s done
A fasting blood glucose test is conducted, which means not eating or drinking anything but water for at least 12 hours before your blood is drawn. It is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The normal range for non-diabetic people is 4-6 mmol/l. You’re considered to be diabetic if your fasted blood glucose is over 7 mmol/l.
If you have a simple finger-prick test (without fasting), you are considered diabetic if your blood glucose is over 11 mmol/l.
When you should test
You should have the simple finger-prick test as part of your annual wellness screening at your local pharmacy or clinic.
- HIV
Why it’s important
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens the immune system, which affects the body’s ability to fight common illnesses and to stay strong and healthy. It’s spread through sharing blood or body fluids with an infected person, such as through unprotected sex or dirty needles. Pregnant women with HIV can pass the infection to their babies. There is still no cure or vaccine, but early treatment with anti-retroviral medications can help the immune system fight the virus.
Nearly 8 million South Africans are living with HIV – the highest number of people with HIV of any country. Women suffer a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic, with women twice as likely to have HIV than men. Violence against women and girls, including intimate partner violence as well as South Africa’s high violent crime rate, contributes to the risks women in this country face.
HIV can be symptom-free for many years. The only way to find out if you have the virus is with blood tests. Everyone who is at risk and sexually active should get tested. If you have HIV and are pregnant, you should consult your healthcare provider about reducing the risk to your unborn child.
How it’s done
A rapid HIV test can be conducted by a doctor, a pharmacy or a clinic. Your finger is pricked to obtain a sample of your blood, which is then tested for HIV antibodies. Results are usually available within 10-20 minutes. A trained healthcare worker will provide you with counselling while you wait for your result. Your HIV status is 100% confidential – this is your right under South African law – however, it is important to discuss your HIV status with your sexual partners so they can also be tested.
When you should test
If you are sexually active, you should have the simple finger-prick test as part of your annual wellness screening, especially if you:
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- Have never had an HIV test before
- Have changed your sex partner since your last test
- Have more than one sexual partner at a time
- Skin cancer
Why it’s important
There are two main types of skin cancer – melanoma and non-melanoma – with the most dangerous being melanoma. Melanoma is the fifth most prevalent cancer among South African women.
Melanoma starts in the cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives colour to your skin. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause. Artificial sunlight (e.g. from tanning beds) can also trigger melanoma of the skin. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, prompting them to multiply rapidly and become cancerous. Anyone, regardless of skin tone, can get a melanoma.
Melanoma can be lethal, and early detection is vital to successful treatment.
How it is done
Regular self-examination is key to diagnosing melanoma early. Watch for any changes in your skin markings, including moles and freckles. Pay attention to changes in their shape, colour, and size. Ask a trusted friend or partner to check your back, the top of your head, and other places you are not able to check yourself.
When you should test
Get into the habit of doing monthly skin checks. Some experts recommend that you also get your skin checked by a healthcare professional as part of your annual wellness screening.
- Weight
Why it’s important
Being overweight can increase your risk of major health problems—and shorten your lifespan. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and depression. Around 68% of South African women are overweight or obese.
How it is measured
There are two measurements that can be used to measure obesity. The first is your waist measurement. A high-risk waistline is 80cm or higher for women. Carrying excess fat around your waist increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The second measurement is BMI (healthy body mass index). This measures your weight in relation to your height. A healthy BMI score is between 18.5 – 24.9. People who score between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, and over 30 is considered obese.
When you should test
You can calculate your own BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example, if you are 1.60 metres tall and weigh 70 kilograms:
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- Square your height in metres: 1.60 x 1.60 = 2.56
- Divide your weight in kilograms: 70 / 2.56 = 3
Your BMI is 27.3, which falls into the overweight category.
