Women’s Health Week runs from September 4 – 8, and even though health should be important year round, it’s the perfect reason to make your wellbeing a top priority.

Start by rearranging your extensive to-do list and pull your health from the back of the queue right to the front. Whether you’ve been meaning to get a check-up or make a plan to cut down on your sugar intake, this week is the time to make it happen. It’s all too easy to let those important check-ups fall by the wayside, so here are some of the essentials for women of all ages.

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Start in your 20s

Even though it’s unlikely anything major will crop up in your 20s, it’s still best to double check for peace of mind, and it will help get you into the habit of keeping an eye on your health for later in life.

• Melanoma checks: It goes without saying that this nasty devil is one of Australia’s worst offenders. In fact, we have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. That’s why you should always wear sunscreen, and start getting checked at a young age.
• Pap smear: This vital test can spot the early signs of cervical cancer, so even if you’re a little squeamish about getting one for the first time, just think how much better it is to have the peace of mind it offers. Take your bestie and get it done – then treat yourselves to brunch after.
• STD tests: This is one of those tests that’s actually most important in your 20s, as sexually transmitted diseases are most common among the young’uns. Aim to get one each year, and/or when beginning a new relationship.

Add a few in your 30s

• HPV screening: The human papillomavirus is a fairly common infection in sexually active women, and it’s also the leading cause of cervical cancer. At around the age of 30, you’ll need to start getting tested as this is when the immune system isn’t quite the powerhouse it once was. Keep it simple by getting this check done with your regular pap smear.
• Full physical: A full check-up with your doctor is a good catch-all for a number of health indicators. They’ll take a look at your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin levels, liver and kidney function, and a few other basics that can indicate if there are any problems. Make sure you sign up for recurring appointments at your local GP each year so you don’t forget.

Keep being responsible in your 40s

• Mammograms: A mammogram is an x-ray that screens for early signs of breast cancer. While you should also be doing regular self-checks, beginning your mammograms in your 40s is a good way of making sure you’re getting checked out thoroughly.
• Diabetes tests: Diabetes is the fastest growing condition in Australia, with 280 Aussies being diagnosed every single day. A healthy weight, plenty of exercise and dietary choices that you won’t be embarrassed to share with your doctor are the best ways to prevent this disease, but getting regular checks is vital as well.

New tests in your 50s and beyond

• Colonoscopy: There aren’t many ways to sugar coat this one so we won’t even try. Just go, then treat yourself to something nice after, and remember that you only need this one every decade or so!

Of course, your family history, lifestyle (such as whether you smoke) and other factors will all play into which tests you should have and how often – so find a doctor you can trust and make regular check-ups a priority.