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7 Health Tests Every Woman Needs
7 Health Tests Every Woman Needs
As women, we tend to worry about our children’s health and the well-being of our entire family. In looking after our loved ones, we barely get time to take care of ourselves. While it is important to regularly exercise and eat healthy food, it is just as critical that women get the appropriate health check-ups done from time to time. Undergoing the necessary health checks ups can help detect potential health problems and encourage you to seek medical help when the issues are still treatable. By getting age-appropriate health screenings, you are giving yourself a better chance of seeking early treatment and cure. Also, you are preventing medical emergencies from wiping out your hard-earned money and savings. Besides opting for a good health insurance plan, it is important that you undergo the necessary, routine health screenings for women to keep yourself healthy. They are as under:
7 female screening tests all women must undergo.
Here is a list of health checkups for women that you must undergo regularly in your 30s and 40s.
Pelvic exam
The most common of all the screening tests for women's health, is the pelvic exam. It is advisable to get a pelvic examination done every three years. The test, which includes a pap smear test, helps find possible signs of cysts, sexually transmitted infections/diseases, fibroids, or cancer. If you are above the age of 30, you should have this test along with the HPV test that can help you detect the virus that causes cervical cancer.Mammography
The list of female health screening tests is incomplete without a mention of the mammography test. This test is especially critical because the number of breast cancer cases in India is on the rise. You cannot prevent breast cancer but by detecting it early, you can seek the right treatment at the right time. Since the risk of breast cancer increases as you age, an annual mammogram test is advised if you are above the age of 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should get yourself physically examined by a gynaecologist at a young age. Your doctor may recommend frequent screenings if you are at risk.Blood pressure screening
High blood pressure can cause life-threatening medical conditions like heart attack or stroke or kidney failure. All these can happen without any warning. Keep your blood pressure in check to avoid long-term health problems. Your blood pressure readings can help your doctor suggest you the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes to keep your blood pressure in control.Cholesterol test
A common, age-related screening test for women and men is the cholesterol test. If you have high cholesterol, it can lead to build-up of plaque which is made up of bad cholesterol and other substances. This plaque can block arteries and put you at the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and stroke. If you don’t get your cholesterol tested, this plaque can build over the years leading to serious health issues. It’s best to visit a doctor and make a plan about how often should you get the cholesterol test done.Glucose screening test:
Diabetes, especially Type-2 diabetes, has become very common these days and it can affect your entire body – right from your eyes to your feet and your internal organs. The best way to prevent or manage diabetes is to get routine glucose screening tests done. Although it is largely known as a lifestyle disease, diabetes is also deemed a heredity and genetic disease. Thus, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should get screened more often.Bone Density Screening Test
Vitamin D deficiencies are much too common, especially in women living in cities and towns where sunlight isn’t adequate. The deficiency can also be caused if you stay in a warmer city, but don’t step out too often. As women grow older, they should start taking calcium supplements (prescribed by their doctors) and also get screened for osteoporosis and bone density tests. Getting checked for bone density tests in your 40s and 50s can reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis. Since this test is like a full body x-ray test, you should consult your doctor regarding the frequency of this test.Skin Examination
Skin examination is another necessary screening test for women, especially those who notice any changes in the skin tone or colour. Just as less exposure to sunlight causes Vitamin D deficiencies, over exposure to sunlight can put women at risk of skin cancer. As such, it is essential to conduct skin tests at home every month. If you find new moles or changes to your existing moles, you may be at risk of early onset skin cancer. Even if you don’t notice any changes, you should go for this screening test, if you have a family history of skin cancer.
As the old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. In the case of your health, prevention means several different things. From ensuring a fit and healthy lifestyle, to undergoing regular health checkups for women and investing in a good health insurance policy; all of it is critical. Indeed, the need for health insurance cannot be emphasised enough. No matter, what your age is having a health insurance plan is the best way to be prepared for medical emergencies. Health insurance not only comes to your aid when you need treatment, it also helps you avail income deductions of up to Rs. 100,000 per annum when you pay insurance premiums for yourself, spouse and dependent parents.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
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12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
Health Insurance
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
| Name | Particulars |
| Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
| Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
| Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
| Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
| Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
| Name | Particulars |
| Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
| Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
| Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
| Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
| Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
| Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
| Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
| Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
| Name | Particulars |
| Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
| Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
| Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
| Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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