OK, women of the world. Grab some paper and a pen and jot down this list of seven check-ups every woman needs. Don't just write them down, though. Make sure you take action on each and every one. They might just save your life.

1. Start with your weight, height, and BMI (body mass index). The scores you get on these simple tests are important because many conditions and diseases are associated with being overweight or underweight.

2. Check your blood pressure, and find out where you stand because hypertension is a disease with no symptoms. High blood pressure puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease -- but there are very effective treatments for this condition.

3. Get a pap smear every year, starting at the onset of sexual activity or around age 20. This is the test that tries to catch cervical cancer in its earliest stages.

4. Conduct a breast self-exam every month. Many women find breast cancer this way. I did.

5. Monitor your skin for new moles and those that change in shape, size, and color. Ask your partner or a friend to help you.

6. Pursue a diabetes screening test if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or come from African-American, Latino, or Asian descent.

7. Cholesterol testing is recommended for women beginning at age 20 (some say age 40 but an earlier baseline reading is best). If normal, you won't have to be tested for five years. High cholesterol increases your risk for other diseases.

There are other screenings you might choose for yourself, like an HIV test, an eye exam, and a dental check-up -- which can turn up abnormalities that might signal cancer of the mouth, neck, throat. I say go for them all. Leave no stone unturned, and be sure you are doing the best you can to ensure your best future.

Source: Woman's Day, July 10, 2007