As women, we're often guilty of putting ourselves last on the list for medical attention. Family members come first. But what better way to show your family that you care than to take better care of your health?

Remember, taking care of your health isn't quite the same as taking care of your kids or husband. Women have special needs and the power to meet them.

Bone and Joint Health
As early as age 30, your ability to build new bone tissue begins to wane. This puts you at risk for osteoporosis, a debilitating bone disease. Osteoporosis can be prevented -- or even reversed -- by practicing the following daily measures:

• Consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium.
• Get 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D.
• Abstain from smoking and heavy alcohol use.
• Engage in weight-bearing activities, like walking.

Exercising regularly and losing weight can also help protect you from osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by pain, swelling and reduced motion in your joints. See your doctor if pain is affecting your daily activities.

Menopause
No two women experience menopause or perimenopause -- the period in your late 30s or 40s leading up to the cessation of menses -- exactly the same. Hot flashes, irregular or heavy periods and incontinence may affect some women, while mood swings, fatigue or a decrease in sexual desire may affect others. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, see your gynecologist. Taking low-dose birth control pills may help ease your discomfort.

How Do You Measure Up?
Getting your cardiovascular risk factors checked every two years (depending on your doctor's recommendation) will help you maintain heart health. The American Heart Association recommends the following guidelines for women older than age 18:

• Total Cholesterol = <200 mg/dL
  • LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol
    = <160mg/dL
  • HDL ("Good") Cholesterol
    = >50 mg/dL
• Triglycerides = <150 mg/dL
• Blood Pressure = <120/80 mmHg
• Fasting Glucose = <100 mg/dL
• Body Mass Index (BMI) = <25 Kg/m
• Waist Circumference = <35 inches

Screenings No Woman Should Be Without
Ask your physician how often you need to undergo these health screenings. Depending on your medical or family history, ethnicity and other risk factors, you may be required to have more frequent screenings.

• Bone mineral density test at age 65
• Colonoscopy at age 50
• Blood glucose test at age 45
• Mammogram at age 40
• Thyroid test at age 35
• Pap test and pelvic exams; monthly self-administered breast exam
• Skin cancer check; monthly self-administered mole exam
• Blood pressure test
• Eye and hearing exams
• Annual/biannual dental exam