It’s summertime and the living is easy... for everyone except Mom. She is still running around doing everything for everyone except herself. The kids are having their back-to-school physicals, the family pets are getting their vaccinations and the car is getting a major tune-up before a big road trip.

Chances are, though, that Mom hasn’t even looked at her own “service manual” in months, maybe years. Our advice to busy moms? When making appointments for your kids each summer, make it a habit to schedule your own. We think every mom’s manual should include an annual physical exam as well as appropriate health screenings.

Guard Against Cancer

Breast cancer: The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 40 have a yearly mammogram. Women with predetermined risks should start before that.

Colon cancer: Risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, so it is important to learn the facts about this disease. As with any type of cancer, early detection is key to survival.

Cervical cancer: While some tests become more important as a woman ages, guarding against cervical cancer is an issue for woman of all ages. A periodic Pap test is the best way to identify it before symptoms become apparent. Also, make sure to ask your daughter’s doctor about the new vaccine to prevent this disease.

Take Steps to Prevent

Heart Disease Heart disease is the most significant health risk for women in the United States. A lipid profile that includes both a measurement of total cholesterol and HDL (“good”) cholesterol is an important part of everyone’s preventive health care. Since high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, make sure to get yours checked as part of your routine medical care.