Take Charge of Your Health

7 Tests for Every Woman

By Teri Brown

Taking care of one's health has become a national obsession, but health care isn't as simple as it used to be. A yearly checkup, while commendable, doesn't even begin to cover the options available. Working your way through the labyrinth of health screenings available can be daunting, but the following reference guide should make taking care of your health much easier.

Anemia
What It Is: Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood is deficient in healthy red blood cells, the main transporter of oxygen to organs.

Causes and Symptoms: Janice Smolowitz, a registered nurse at the Columbia Advanced Practice Nurse Associates at Columbia University, says that in the United States, iron deficiency anemia is more common in women of childbearing age as compared to men because women can lose an excessive amount of blood during menstruation. There are also other medical conditions that may cause anemia. "Pregnancy and inadequate dietary intake of iron may also cause iron deficiency anemia," says Smolowitz.

Some people feel tired, fatigued, weak, confused, dizzy, depressed or have difficulty concentrating. Other people may experience shortness of breath or palpitations, especially during exertion. Smolowitz is quick to point out that anyone experiencing these symptoms should not assume they are anemic, but should consult their health care provider.

Testing Schedule: Some experts believe that all non-pregnant women should be screened every five to 10 years from adolescence until menopause.

How the Test Is Done: A simple blood test can detect anemia and its cause.

Cholesterol and Lipids
What It Is: Lipids are fats and fat-like substances used to fuel our bodies. Cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty acids are all lipids. A cholesterol test can tell quite a bit about the state of your health.

"Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States," says Smolowitz. "Studies have shown a direct relationship between the risk of coronary heart disease and plasma cholesterol concentration and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Clinical trials have demonstrated that deaths from coronary heart disease are decreased when cholesterol and LDL are lowered in patients with high cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) does not cause symptoms, so a person might not know that his or her cholesterol is elevated."

Causes and Symptoms:

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