We live in a rapidly changing world where technologies and medical advances can be difficult to keep up with. Changes and advances give women new opportunities to make informed choices and take control of their long term health.
Osteoporosis: Did you know?
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56% of women will suffer a fracture after the age of 60 due to osteoporosis.
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Nearly 20% of people with hip fractures die from fracture related complications within a year.
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Osteoporosis can affect young people as well.
Take advantage of current opportunities to prevent osteoporosis including:
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Asking your doctor if you are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
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Having your bone density checked.
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Taking vitamin D and dietary calcium to keep bones and muscles strong.
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Oral medications such as fosamax will reduce your risk of fracture by 50% within a few months of starting the medication.
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Now available - a fully subsidized injectable medication taken once yearly that is as effective and well tolerated. ASK YOUR GP IF IT MIGHT SUIT YOU
Cervical screening
All women twenty years and over who have ever been sexually active should have regular cervical smears.
Changes to screening guidelines, together with the availability of free access to Liquid Based Cytology allows testing for the presence of the HPV virus at the same time as women have smears. Enabling us to better determine the significance of any abnormal cytology and help us to re-evaluate ongoing testing, even if you have had a history of abnormal smears in the past. If you have been advised to have a cervical smear test each year this might be able to be reviewed after HPV testing. Ask your doctor.
Early pregnancy and neonatal screening
A number of screening tests are offered to help protect women and their babies. Pregnant women are offered HIV screening and screening for Down syndrome and other conditions. Babies are screened for 28 metabolic disorders (the heel prick test), and for hearing loss.
Breast screening:
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women.
- All women aged from 45 to 70 are entitled to a free two yearly screening for breast cancer.
- 90-95% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
- Ensure you are enrolled for regular breast screening. The best outcomes require early detection ensuring you will be there for your families’ future.
Contraception:
The range of contraceptive options available are growing all the time
Existing forms include:
- Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms
- Progesterone only oral pills,
- Injectable forms such as Depo-Provera and intrauterine devices.
MORE RECENTLY: the Mirena IUCD has made a significant difference to women wanting long term reversible contraception as well as control of menstrual irregularities.
NEWLY AVAILABLE: contraceptive implant that lasts 5 years, is well tolerated and subsidized. Especially suited for young people, it can be used perimenopausally as well. Ask your doctor about JADELLE.
Fertility
Wanting to delay having a family? Your biological clock may be running at a faster rate than average.