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Navigating Health Care: Tips for Women on Staying Healthy
Debra: Women and men face many of the same health concerns. But some
conditions, such as osteoarthritis and obesity, are more common among women. And
other conditions, such as cervical cancer, are unique to women. That’s why it’s
important for women to know what preventive screenings or tests are best for
them. AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy is with us to talk about women’s health.
Welcome Dr. Clancy.
Dr. Clancy: Thank you.
Debra: Tell us, what are some of your tips for women on how to stay
healthy?
Dr. Clancy: To stay healthy, women should: not use tobacco; be physically
active; eat a healthy diet; stay at a healthy weight; and get the preventive
tests and treatments recommended for you based on your health and age.
Debra: But how are women supposed to know what types of preventive tests
they need?
Dr. Clancy: It’s important to talk to your clinician about preventive
health. AHRQ has a brochure for women that can help guide that discussion. It’s
called "Women: Stay Healthy at Any Age." The guide explains which tests and
counseling services most women need based on their age and risk factors. For
instance, it gives recommendations for when women should ask their clinicians
for tests such as mammograms, PAP smears and cholesterol checks.
Debra: Are there any tests that women may be surprised to hear that they
might need?
Dr. Clancy: Well, in the past several of years, the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force has emphasized the importance of all adults being screened
for depression. In fact, depression tends to be more common in women than men.
In addition, the Task Force has recommends that women speak with their doctors
about taking aspirin to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Debra: Well, you mention aspirin. Does your guide provide information on
what medicines women might need to take to prevent diseases?
Dr. Clancy: Absolutely. In addition to aspirin, the guide discusses using
hormone therapy and preventive medicines for women with a high risk of breast
cancer. It also covers immunizations including the flu shot and pneumonia
vaccine. All of the recommendations in the guide come from the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force, a nationally renowned panel of experts that provides
evidence-based recommendations on preventive health.
Debra: Any final health tips for women?
Dr. Clancy: Eat right, exercise, don’t smoke and ask your doctor which
preventive tests and treatments are right for you. And ask a lot of questions
until you have the answers you need. And last, always use a seatbelt.
Debra: Dr. Clancy, thanks for the advice.
Dr. Clancy: My pleasure.
Debra: You can access your own copy of AHRQ’s women’s health guide online
at ahrq.gov/consumer.
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