Breaking Down Women’s Health Month: Preventive Measures and Specialized Testing Beyond the Checklist

March is Women’s Health Month, reminding us of the importance of taking care of our long-term health through prevention. Dr. Christopher Chang, an allergist and immunologist at Joe DiMaggio Hospital in Pembroke Pines, emphasizes that while it’s important to follow a checklist when it comes to health, we should also be looking beyond it. Symptoms of recurrent or unusual infections can be indicative of underlying health issues that require further testing or referrals to specialists.

To help women prioritize their well-being at every stage of life, a comprehensive list of recommended health checks has been compiled by physicians across different locations. For women aged 18-39, this includes cervical cancer screening, PAP and HPV testing, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening, contraception counseling or screening for contraception methods, and recommended immunizations. As women reach ages 40-65, they should also undergo breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, glaucoma screening, melanoma screening, lung cancer screening, and osteoporosis screening.

However, once women are over the age of 65, their health needs change significantly. They should undergo a fall risk assessment and engage in fall prevention measures to prevent falls and injuries. Additionally