Health & Prevention on Sikh Women

Women's Health . Prevention and Screening

See your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for regular check-ups and help herald problems that can be identified during regular check-ups. Importance of regular check ups, resources for kids, youth & parents need to be equally emphasized. Contact your PCP and discuss screening and immunization schedules that you may be up for. See the screening schedule below for cervical, Breast and colon cancers. Preventative measures also include pediatric and adult immunizations, alcohol, smoking and other addictions avoidance. In addition to your annual physical exam, also discuss ways to risk stratify for cardiovascular disease since it is the primary cause of death and disability for women.

This is a general compilation of several guidelines by different task forces. Recommendations may vary from one organization to another. Individual criteria also vary depending on risk factors, family history etc. Discuss your frequency and risk stratification with your PCP. View various guidelines here

Screening Tests

Indication (Age)

Screening Test

Frequency

18 (or when sexually active) -74 years

Pap Smear (Abnormal Cervical Cells, inflammation)

1-3 years ; after 3 or more normal tests frequency may change.

(40) 50-69 years

Mammogram (Breast Cancer)

Every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40, yearly after age 50

50-69 years

Breast Exam (Breast Cancer)

Annual

≥ 50 years

Sigmoidoscopy (Colon Cancer)

3-10 years

≥ 50 years

Hemoccult (Colon Cancer)

Annual

35-65 years

Cholesterol

5 Years

≥ 65 years or with risk factors

Dexa (Bone Mineral Density)

Annual

Adult Immunizations

Indication

Immunization

Frequency

14 years

Tetanus

Every 10 years

≥ 65 years

Pneumonia Vaccine

If chronic illness or over 65

Childbearing Age

Rubella

≥ 50 years & all health care workers.

Flu (Influenza)

Every year, especially if ≥65 or at risk. CDC

Exposure or risk

Hepatitis B

Series of 3 shots at 0,2 and 6 months

Exposure or Travel

Hepatitis A

Series of 2 shots 6 months apart

Suceptable Adults

Chicken Pox (VZV)

Download or View the complete adult immunization schedule and recommendations here.

The Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations

A 94-page booklet introducing parents to 12 childhood diseases and the vaccines that can protect children from them.

Print your own copy text only or in pdf in Spanish or English, from the national immunization program
Order a free booklet from the National Immunization Program. Printed bound version, available in English and Spanish from the national immunization program.

View the CDC recommendations here (pdf)

Travelers Vaccines

There may vary by age, location etc. Consult the CDC travel web site

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