We understand that you’re busy working and taking care of your family. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. One of the best things you can do to stay healthy is to go to your well-woman checkup.
Your health plan covers a well-woman checkup once a year. At your checkup, your primary care physician (PCP) or gynecologist will give you a:
You might not have any symptoms or signs of problems. But you should still go to your well-woman checkup every year. It’s easier for doctors to treat problems when they catch them early.
You can schedule your well-woman checkup through your obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) or your PCP. You don’t need a referral.
As you get older, you should be more aware of osteoporosis. It's a condition that makes your bones weaker. Nearly half of all women age 50 or older have it. There are no symptoms. So, unfortunately, you may not know you have it until you break a bone.
You should ask your PCP about your bone health at your next well-woman checkup. They can prescribe you a bone density test, especially if you:
You can keep your bones strong by:
You can go to any family planning provider or clinic. Even when they aren’t in our network. You just need to show your Aetna Better Health® ID card at your appointment. We cover the following family planning services and tests:
Prenatal care starts before you’re pregnant. You should start planning for your pregnancy as soon as you start thinking about having a baby.
It’s never too early to start taking prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid). They can help prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. You can get these without a prescription.
Your PCP may want to give you a well-woman checkup. And make sure that you’re healthy. They’ll also answer any questions that you have about your health or getting pregnant.
A balanced diet is good for your health. You should follow a healthy diet before you get pregnant. You should try to consume:
Stay away from alcohol, smoking and drugs. They’re not good for you. And they’re not good for your baby. It’s also a good idea to cut down on caffeine.
Call your PCP or Ob/Gyn. You’ll want to schedule your first visit during the first six to eight weeks of your pregnancy.
AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.
See if Aetna Better Health® Medicaid coverage is available in your state.
See if Aetna Better Health® Medicaid coverage is available in your state.
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Links to various Aetna Better Health and non-Aetna Better Health sites are provided for your convenience. Aetna Better Health of California is not responsible or liable for non-Aetna Better Health content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites or for products or services described on these sites.