{"id":58228,"date":"2024-05-09T06:28:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T13:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=58228"},"modified":"2024-05-09T06:28:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T13:28:35","slug":"preventive-care-can-save-your-life-five-health-tests-every-woman-should-know-about","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/preventive-care-can-save-your-life-five-health-tests-every-woman-should-know-about\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventive Care Can Save Your Life: Five Health Tests Every Woman Should Know About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preventive care<\/strong> is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Along with getting enough exercise and eating healthy meals, getting an annual check-up can add years to a person\u2019s life. In fact, the CDC estimates that over 100,000 lives could be saved in the U.S. every year just through preventative care<\/strong>. Unfortunately, fewer than ten percent of Americans undergo routine preventive screenings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to women\u2019s health<\/strong>, preventative care<\/strong> is vital. Not getting an annual check-up means not getting the tests that can detect cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and a host of other health issues. These tests are like little investigators, detecting the myriad reasons behind someone\u2019s exhaustion, carb cravings, mood swings, weight gain (or loss) and even fleeing follicles. That\u2019s right, anyone who is worried about thinning hair should get a blood test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are a number of tests for women\u2019s health<\/strong>. Most aren\u2019t performed every year. Not every test is right for every woman. Still, these are the five tests every woman should know about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Cancer Screening<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Every year, nearly 14,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer while over 4,000 die from the disease. This form of cancer is preventable through early detection.<\/strong> In fact, over the past 50 years, screening for cervical cancer helped cut the incidence rate of the disease in half. Unfortunately for women\u2019s health<\/strong> in the U.S., rates have gone up by nearly two percent a year amongst those most likely to get the disease – women aged between 30 and 44.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Pap test was once performed annually but it\u2019s now recommended that it be done every three years. This test to detect abnormal cells on the cervix is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, until recently it was impossible to accurately screen for most cancers. That\u2019s why the development of GRAIL\u2019s Galleri test<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/a>is so significant. Anyone who\u2019s symptom free but concerned about cancer should consider getting this test. That\u2019s because it uses just a few drops of blood to deliver early detection for more than 50 different types<\/strong> of cancer. It does this by utilizing \u201cartificial intelligence analysis of cell-free DNA to recognize patterns associated with cancer and identify the likely tissue of origin,\u201d as explained in the medical journal American Family Physician.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Testing is the vital link between preventive care<\/strong> and women\u2019s health<\/strong>. It\u2019s also the best way to reduce cancer rates. If those rates decline in the future, many experts believe it will be due to improvements in early detection rather than novel treatments \u2013 one research team explained that \u201c\u2026a strong emphasis should be placed on prevention. Preventive actions bring benefits not only to the individual, but are an important aspect of health policy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For women, one mainstay in early detection for breast cancer prevention has been the mammogram, a low-dose X-ray designed to discover small lumps that often aren\u2019t noticeable during self-examination. Most women should get their first mammogram at age 40 but those with a history of breast cancer should get it sooner. Generally this test is done every year or two until age 70. Women with a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer should consider having a BRCA gene test which examines DNA changes that increase a woman\u2019s risk for the disease. This test is available at\u00a0Action Urgent Care clinics<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>throughout the Bay Area. Your Annual Physical, typically covered by insurance, is easily accessible with just a click. You can schedule your appointment\u00a0here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Sexual Health Check-ups<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      When it comes to preventive care, the test for human papilloma virus (HPV) – along with the Pap test \u2013  is essential for preventing cervical cancer. Doctors recommend that most women begin getting HPV tests at age 30 \u2013 usually in conjunction with the Pap test. From then on, both the Pap test and the HPV test are done every five years.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Women who are sexually active with multiple partners should undergo annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. They should also receive a blood test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) the virus that causes AIDS. For those in the Bay Area, Kyla offers low-cost STD testing through their Action Urgent Care Clinic<\/strong><\/a>s<\/a>.<\/strong> If you\u2019re in the area, click the link and schedule your appointment today.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Heart Health Testing\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Cancer isn\u2019t the biggest killer. It\u2019s heart disease. Nearly 700,000 Americans die from it every year \u2013\u2013 that\u2019s one out of five deaths! Preventative care<\/strong> can go a long way toward reducing those numbers because simple changes to a woman\u2019s exercise and eating routines can make a real difference in women\u2019s health<\/strong>. However, it\u2019s nearly impossible for her to know if she\u2019s at risk because the disease is often completely free of symptoms. That\u2019s why heart testing is so important.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        Another aspect of heart testing is when doctors examine their patient\u2019s blood pressure during an annual physical. Getting a reading of 120\/80 \u2013 the pressure of the heart when it beats (systolic) and between beats (diastolic) \u2013 is the ideal. Hypertension is anything above 130\/80; anything between those two numbers is considered elevated. To keep a healthy heart, cholesterol should also be checked annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        For those who are worried about their heart health and haven\u2019t had a check-up in a while, Kyla offers cholesterol tests<\/strong> <\/a>along with other tests that can indicate if someone is experiencing a decline in cardiovascular function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. The Value of Cortisol Tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          When it comes to women\u2019s health<\/strong>, cortisol testing can be extremely beneficial. Created by your adrenal glands, cortisol is often called the \u201cstress hormone.\u201d That\u2019s why getting a test is an important component of preventive care<\/strong>. Elevated levels of cortisol is an important warning sign for a variety of tumors along with Cushing\u2019s syndrome or hypercortisolism.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          Low levels of the hormone may indicate Addison\u2019s disease. However, elevated cortisol levels can also be an indicator of persistent stress. The human body releases cortisol as part of its fight-or-flight response. In short bursts, cortisol can be extremely helpful. However, consistently elevated cortisol levels have been associated with weight gain, weakened immune systems, heart disease, and high blood sugar levels. That\u2019s why an important component of women\u2019s health is the at-home test offered by Kyla<\/a><\/strong>. Not only are cortisol levels tested but blood sugar and heart disease indicators are also examined from just a few drops of blood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Important Tests for Women Over 40<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Older women who haven\u2019t had any issues are advised to discontinue screenings for cervical cancer after the age of 65. However, women over the age of 45 should be screened for colorectal cancer and diabetes. Women over the age of 65 should also get annual osteoporosis screenings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            Women\u2019s health<\/strong> is an important issue no matter the age. That\u2019s why Kyla also offers tests<\/a><\/strong> <\/a>for vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can help prevent issues with bone density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Kyla believes preventive care is the key to a long and healthy life. By downloading the app and filling out a simple questionnaire, patients can interact with the company\u2019s risk engine<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 which is data-driven and relies on machine learning to predict outcomes based on a patient\u2019s lifestyle and medical history. Kyla is then able to craft a personalized healthcare journey focused on prevention.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Kyla<\/a> focuses on proactive health measures rather than reactive treatments, aiming to prevent future illnesses by promoting daily well-being, education, healthy habits, medically-validated tests, and preventive screenings with virtual doctor consultations from the comfort of your home. This comprehensive approach, particularly advantageous for women’s health, establishes an exceptional strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Reed, Paul. MD. \u201cAn Ounce of Prevention \u2026 Can Save a Person\u2019s Life,\u201dU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. August 26, 2022. https:\/\/health.gov\/news\/202208\/ounce-prevention-can-save-persons-life<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. \u201cCDC Prevention Checklist \u2013\u2013 Preventive Care: Everyone needs an ounce of prevention,\u201d Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. May 31, 2017. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/prevention\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Batarseh, Feras A et al. \u201cPreventive healthcare policies in the US: solutions for disease management using Big Data Analytics.\u201d Journal of Big Data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            4.  \u201cKey Statistics for Cervical Cancer,\u201d American Cancer Society. January 17, 2024. https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/cervical-cancer\/about\/key-statistics.html<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            5. \u201cBasic Information About Cervical Cancer,\u201d Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 21, 2023. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer\/cervical\/basic_info\/index.htm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            6. Pyzocha, Natasha J. DO, FAWM, FAAFP. \u201cGalleri Test for the Detection of Cancer,\u201d American Family Physician. October 2022. https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2022\/1000\/diagnostic-tests-galleri-test-cancer.html#:~:text=The Galleri test is a,the likely tissue of origin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            7. Lewandowska, Anna et al. \u201cCancer Prevention \u2013 Review Paper.” Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine Vol. 28, no. 1, 2021, pp. 11-19. https:\/\/www.aaem.pl\/Cancer-prevention-review-paper,116906,0,2.html<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            8. \u201cHPV Vaccine,\u201d Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 16, 2023. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/parents\/vaccine-for-hpv.html<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Preventive care is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Along with getting enough exercise and eating healthy meals, getting an annual check-up can add years to a person\u2019s life. In fact, the CDC estimates that over 100,000 lives could be saved in the U.S. every year just through preventative care. Unfortunately, fewer than […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58233,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":40,"name":"Anti-Aging","slug":"longevity","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/"},{"id":202,"name":"Cancer Prevention","slug":"cancer-prevention","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/cancer-prevention\/"},{"id":203,"name":"Hormones","slug":"hormones","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/hormones\/"}],"tags":[],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/09043228\/shutterstock_1680923362-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58228"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58228"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58228\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58234,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58228\/revisions\/58234"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}