Women’s Wellness

Tracy Hansen, Nurse Practitioner Murray County Medical Center

Women’s Wellness: Your next Power Move… The Annual Checkup Well, we just finished harvest on our farm. Ladies, I don’t think I’m the only one, but I made it again by a thread! So thankful to live close to grandparents (to help with kids and keep the harvesters fed) and the invention of the folding corn head (I had to help with this in the past)! Time to pick up the pieces and get back to usual busy, rather than insanely busy!

As life settles a bit between seasons, I challenge the gals to take a little pause and inventory your health. When is the last time you have had an annual check up? It’s not just a box to tick—it’s a chance to take charge of your health, prevent future issues, and live your best!

Here are a few key screenings and updates to keep on your radar: · Vaccinations: Staying up to date on vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and Tdap helps protect you and those around you.

· Mammograms: Starting at age 40 (or earlier if you have risk factors), these breast cancer screenings are lifesavers. Literally (1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer).

· Colon Cancer Screening: If you’re 45 or older, it’s time to talk about colonoscopies or other screening options.

· Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap smears and HPV tests help catch issues early. Most women need them every 3–5 years, depending on age and history.

· Cholesterol screening: healthy diet and lifestyle help keep your cholesterol in check, but sometimes our genetics overpower our actions, so lets check it out.

· Diabetes Screening: So many people have prediabetes. And the earlier we can detect this the earlier we can intervene to treat and prevent progression.

In addition to screening test, we will have a conversation about you. We can talk about sleep, stress, nutrition, and anything else on your mind! Then when that next challenge comes (spring planting or otherwise) you will feel better prepared that you took care of yourself! Bonus, most health insurance companies cover the cost of one annual checkup per calendar year as well as preventative health tests listed above.

So go ahead—book that appointment. Your future self will thank you (and maybe even high-five you)!

Tracy Hansen, Nurse Practitioner, Murray County Medical Center