CityView Magazine

CF C Cape Fear Crematory, Inc. More cost effective than traditional burial We offer private family viewings Compassionate support during your grieving process Affordable cremation services available 24 hours a day Serving eastern NC for more than 30 years A Lifetime of Women���s Health Recommendations Ages 21 to 39: 6765 Sandy Creek Road Stedman, NC 28391 910.323.8898 www.capefearcrematory.com You will have a pap smear your first visit. Depending on the results, and your sexual activity, expect a pap test every one to two years until age 25, every two years until age 30, and every three to five years beyond age 30. Your physician will discuss family planning concerns and make recommendations based on your lifestyle. If you are under the age of 25, he or she will offer STD screening. If you are under 26 and have not received the HPV vaccine you will begin this series of vaccines. Also expect screening for heart related conditions (depending on symptoms, elevated risk factors and family history), necessary supplements, smoking, alcohol use, obesity and depression (if applicable). Ages 40 to 49: Exams and screenings remain the same as in your 20s with the addition of an optional clinical breast exam. Depending on your risk factors and family history, an annual mammogram may or may not be recommended by your physician. Often women in this age range begin experiencing peri-menopausal symptoms, which are broad in scope (hot flashes, depression, sexual discomfort and vaginal dryness, to name a few) and can last 10 to 12 years. It is very important to discuss any and all symptoms with your doctor. Your physician will discuss symptoms and treatment strategies to help alleviate your frustrations before they become out of control. Ages 50 to 64: The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51. Once you become postmenopausal your doctor will begin screening for osteoporosis. You will also begin colorectal cancer screening. Depending on your health history, you may be advised to take aspirin regularly to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, or advised to take or increase dosage of supplements: namely calcium and vitamin D, and given a vaccination against shingles. All other screenings continue on recommended schedule. Age 65 and older: Take heart, growing older isn���t all bad! Pap screenings, in most cases, are no longer necessary for women in this age category. Most other screenings remain in place until after the age of 75, when, depending on health history and risk factors, mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings are also discontinued. The annual flu vaccine is highly recommended for women of this age group, as is vaccination against pneumonia. Vitamin D levels will be tested and, if necessary, supplements prescribed or dosages increased. CV 38 | March/April ��� 2013

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