FOR many reasons, controllable and otherwise, on nearly every health index, Black women have higher instances of undetected, chronic illnesses and shorter life expectancies than their counterparts. Contributing to the poor status of health among Black women are unhealthy lifestyle choices and behaviors, the inability to obtain affordable health insurance, and the fact that Black women tend to overlook proper health care because they are too busy taking care of everyone else. Lack of knowledge about certain health issues has also helped to create a health disparity among Black women, says Adrienne Smith, public health advisor in the office on women's health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "A lot of women aren't aware of the importance of preventive screenings, and knowledge is power," says Smith.

Fortunately, women no longer have to be victims. Women have the power to stay healthy by acknowledging the diseases that afflict them and learning how to keep their bodies free of them. In order to do so, the importance of preventive care needs to be emphasized, and that understanding applies no matter what age. There are health exams that every woman needs, and these exams can be beneficial in identifying serious problems, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Simple, yearly screening tests, such as Pap smears and mammograms, can detect diseases early and that can increase chances of survival. Bottom line: Be concerned and educate yourself on the effective steps needed to live a tong and healthy life.

GENERAL HEALTH

Regular, yearly physical exams are very important, and that importance will increase, as we grow older. Combined with an overall healthy lifestyle, an annual visit to a physician is the best way that women can preserve their health, says Yvonne Collins, M.D., assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "Lifestyle plays a very important rote in our health" says Collins. "Not practicing healthy behaviors such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting regular checkups increases your risk of disease."

A routine, physical exam should include weight, height and blood pressure checks, as well as eye and ear checks. Blood tests, urinalysis and the updating of immunization records also should be done. Proper immunization, at regular intervals, has saved many lives. Twice yearly dental visits for cleanings and checkups also should be on every woman's schedule. Also, an annual visit to the eye doctor will allow the doctor to check your eye for movement, vision, sharpness and pressure. These exams can also determine whether or not you need corrective lenses and to identify new vision problems.

BREAST HEALTH

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (other than skin cancer), and although White women are diagnosed more often, Black women are much more likely to die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. Proper screening is imperative, because with many cancers symptoms usually don't appear until the disease is in advanced stages--and that is too late.

Clinical breast exams should be a part of a yearly health exam for women between the ages of 20 and 39, according to the American Cancer Society, which also suggest women perform breast self-examinations, starting in their 20s.

Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. "A vast majority of cancerous lumps are picked up by the patients themselves, if they are performing the self-exams religiously," says Dr. Collins.

If you're 40 or older, you should have a yearly mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breast tissue to detect breast lumps or suspicious changes that may be too small to be detected during a physical examination. If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history, it's recommended that you discuss your family history with your doctor and start having mammograms earlier. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater a woman's chance for survival. Remember, every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and the risk increases with age. But no woman has to die of breast cancer--a diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.

GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH

Annual Pap smears and pelvic exams should begin after a woman reaches 18, or when she becomes sexually active, whichever occurs first. A Pap smear is a test that examines cells collected from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer and other abnormalities at an early and treatable stage. Annual Pap smears are especially important during a woman's reproductive years. Healthy reproductive organs can help prevent problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

An additional next step is to be screened for common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can cause infertility, and birth defects. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is considered to be a major cause of cervical cancer, which is related to a woman's sexual behavior, says Dr. Collins. So practicing proper sexual safety precautions, such as using condoms or practicing abstinence, are highly recommended.