Care for You at Every Age.

Services For Women Ages 20-39

Ages 20–39: For many women entering their 20s and 30s, pregnancy or contraception are top of mind along with coping with common gynecological concerns.

Common concerns:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Abnormal bleeding
• Fertility issues
• Contraceptive counseling
• Pregnancy
• Cancer prevention

Services:

• Gynecological care: As women enter their 20s, it is important to see a primary care physician or gynecologist for an annual check-up. By keeping an eye on your overall health, you and your doctor will be attuned to any changes that might need attention. Women this age often experience issues with fibroids and endometriosis, which can be treated by a gynecologist.
• Obstetrics care: This is the most common age group of women to consider starting a family. An OB/GYN or certified nurse midwife can work with you on family planning, including contraception and fertility issues. If you do become pregnant, you’ll see your physician or midwife for regular prenatal visits and prenatal testing throughout your pregnancy to ensure you and your unborn baby are as healthy as possible. Penn Highlands DuBois offers many prenatal educational programs to help you and your family prepare for the arrival of your little one.
• Maternity care: Your OB/GYN or midwife also will be with you when you deliver your baby at one of our two birth centers at Penn Highlands Dubois and Penn Highlands Elk. Both maternity units offer state-of-the-art care in a comfortable homelike setting. Moms-to-be have multiple labor and delivery options—even for those whose pregnancies are considered high-risk.

Recommended screenings:

It’s a good idea to get into the good habit of regular preventive screenings. Here’s what you need to know about recommended screenings for this age group:

• Cervical cancer: Starting at age 21 or when you become sexually active, experts recommend routine Pap testing to detect cervical cancer at an early stage. Women in their 20s should have a Pap test every three years. If your results are normal, you can switch to testing every five years from age 30 to 39. At age 30, you also should be tested for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus that increases the risk of cervical cancer.
• Breast health: In addition to self-exams, an annual clinical breast exam by your physician or health care provider can help detect tumors or other changes that could be signs of breast cancer.
• Overall health: An annual checkup with your gynecologist or primary care physician should help keep tabs on changes to your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall physical and mental health.

Services For Women Ages 60+

Ages 60+: Once you’re in your senior years, keeping up with preventive care is the key to staying healthy and active.

Common concerns:

• Maintaining bone density
• Fall prevention
• Cancer prevention
• Heart disease prevention
• Medication management
• Mental health

Services:

Medication management: The average American over age 60 is taking four to five daily prescriptions—often combined with over-the-counters medications like pain relievers and antacids, as well as vitamins and supplements. That can create confusion and combinations that can result in dangerous interactions. Your doctor and pharmacist should be able to offer advice for keeping track of what medication to take when. Every time you see them, be sure you discuss all the medications and supplements you’re taking—especially when you add a new one—so they can ensure there are no causes for concern about interactions.

Fall prevention: Being over age 60 significantly increases your risk for debilitating falls, which are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Problems with vision, balance, dizziness caused by medications, and home hazards all contribute to your likelihood of falling. Your physician can help reduce your risk with assessments, exercises to improve strength and balance, and tips on fall-proofing your home.

Recommended screenings: For women in this age group, some health risks go up and others go down, which means their screening needs change. Talk with your doctor about the screening schedule best for you based on your health history. Most women ages 60-79 need the following screenings:

• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis risk goes up as you age, so women should have a baseline bone density (DEXA) scan at age 65 to measure bone density. Women who are postmenopausal and have risk factors for osteoporosis (such as being small framed) should talk with their doctor about earlier screenings
• Breast cancer: Women should continue having a mammogram every other year as long as they are in good health and are expected to live at least another 10 years.
• Colon cancer: Women should continue on their recommended colonoscopy schedule until age 75. After that, you should discuss the risks vs. benefits with your physician.
• Cervical cancer: Most women can stop regular cervical cancer screenings at age 65, but be sure to talk with your primary care provider about stopping.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol: After menopause, estrogen’s protective effects decrease, dramatically increasing your risk for heart disease. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, your physician may recommend frequent screenings and medication as well as lifestyle changes.
• Hearing: About one-third of people ages 65 to 74 have some form of hearing loss, so you should talk with your physician about more frequent testing if you notice a change in the quality of your hearing.
• Vision: Annual vision testing is recommended after age 60 to check for changes in your prescription as well as testing for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
• Vaccinations: As you age, your immune system weakens . Talk with your physician about vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia, and shingles as well as any recommended COVID vaccines.

Learn more about the unique healthcare needs of senior women.