Life is busy and time is precious. Often (if not most of the) times, your schedule and needs falls on the back burner until you can find a space on your calendar to squeeze it in. And heading to your OB/GYN once a year for your physical is not the first thing you want to pencil in. But Mamas, it’s a must. As we head into Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we are talking three reasons you need to schedule your Pap smear – and why it’s a nonnegotiable when it comes to your health.
Be Preventative
While the test is quick and simple, the anticipation leading up to it is the hardest part. However, whether you’ve had one or multiple Pap smears, it’s important to continue to schedule them based on the recommendations of your doctor. A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer and tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. And even though you may have never had an abnormal Pap smear, it’s important to continue to visit your OB/GYN yearly for preventative reasons. The HPV virus, which can increase your risk of cervical cancer, can suddenly become active after years of being dormant. It’s one simple test that can help you stay proactive and on top of your own health.
Set an Example
We can all attest that as moms our priorities often smush into a pile and get pushed to the bottom. Make this the example that your children see and help them understand that we don’t just go to the doctor when we are sick. Your children may not understand now, but as they grow up they will follow in your footsteps to be proactive themselves. You can help encourage them to take the steps to be safe and schedule their Pap smear or yearly health exam as part of their own personal health routine.
Show Commitment to Your Health
Whether you have daughters OR sons, when you schedule your Pap smear your are proving that your health is important. You are showing your family that your personal health should be at the top of the priorities list because if you aren’t healthy, then how can you be the best version of yourself? Schedule your appointment and show the commitment. Your health should come first.
If you haven’t already, sit down and call your doctor. While you may not need a Pap smear screening every year, you still should visit your doctor for a yearly check up. Yes, the days feel busy. But there is always time to take care of yourself.
Hancock OB/GYN
Hancock Health provides provides expert, individualized care for women in all the stages of their lives—from adolescence and young adulthood through menopause and beyond.
Contact Hancock Health for more information or to schedule your next appointment!
