Ok, guys, this post isn’t for you. Unless, of course, there are any women in your life whom you love, then maybe you’d want to read on, too.

As I’ve written before, a primary care doc is ideally supposed to be like Valvoline or your local auto shop – for you.

We do a checkup and look at the guidelines for recommended screening and encourage you to get tuned up.

The reality is less glamorous. Primary care docs miss screening tests all the time.

Not to make excuses, but a human being cannot physically think of and do everything in a 15-20 minute visit.

In a perfect world, we’d address your blood pressure, blood sugar, cold symptoms, joint ache, rash, etc as well as screen for colon, breast, uterine cancer, hepatitis, alcohol, tobacco, osteoporosis, and depression risks, etc. all in 15 minutes.

Yeah, impossible.

This is why I strongly recommending that patients who have the ability and interest, take a bit more of a proactive approach to their care.

Fortunately, WomensPreventiveHealth.org put together a handy little chart with screening recommendations for women based on age groups.

I would highly recommend that you at least click the link and look at the chart. Maybe you’d even want to print off a copy. Look through the list under your age group and see if you have had the recommended screening tests or discussions. If you haven’t, then next time you go in for a visit, you could bring the chart along and ask any questions you may have.

I’m sure your doctor would be very impressed that you took such interest and initiative in your health!