LIVING in the United States I’ve seen women in my age group struggle with serious health issues, many of which take a toll on them physically, emotionally and mentally. Sometimes their physical health is affected by high levels of stress and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. The things I used to eat in my 20s and 30s, most of them, I don’t eat anymore because I’ve learnt that we are what we eat!

If you’re 35 and up, here are five wellness checks to put on the calendar so you can serve, lead, and love from a healthy, grounded place.

Heart & metabolic check (blood pressure, glucose/A1C, lipids

So many women suffer with high blood pressure and heart issues. High blood pressure and insulin resistance often whisper before they roar. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading, fasting glucose or A1C, and a cholesterol/lipid panel. If you have a family history, you are carrying extra weight, or feel constantly fatigued, don’t delay.

Ask your doctor: “Given my history, how often should I repeat these?” Then pair your plan with sleep, hydration, and movement you’ll actually do.

Cervical & reproductive health (Pap/HPV + pelvic exam)

Your reproductive system deserves attention beyond emergencies. Discuss Pap and/or HPV testing intervals appropriate for you, and schedule a pelvic exam. If you’ve had issues like fibroids, painful cycles, or unusual bleeding, speak up. Early evaluation can protect fertility and peace of mind.

Reminder: Screening schedules vary by age, risk, and country, so follow your provider’s guidance.

Breast health (self-awareness, clinical exam, imaging as advised)

Make monthly breast self-awareness a habit — notice what’s normal for you. Ask your doctor about a clinical breast exam and when to begin imaging (many guidelines start routine mammograms around 40; earlier if you’re high-risk).

Ask your doctor: “With my family history, what is the right screening plan for me?”

Mental & emotional wellness (stress, mood, sleep)

Unresolved stress is a thief. A quick mental health screen for anxiety or depression can change your whole trajectory. Talk honestly about mood swings, burnout, or lingering grief. Therapy is not a lack of faith — it’s a lane of healing God can use.

Power practice: A weekly “peace appointment”— 15 minutes of journalling, prayer, and breathwork. Guard it like any meeting. Start taking supplements such as magnesium and vitamin B12. Once you hit your 30s, you need them.

Whole-body maintenance (thyroid/hormones, eyes, teeth, skin, gut)

At 35+, small drifts can become big detours. Ask about thyroid testing if you’re battling fatigue, hair changes, or weight shifts. Keep your dental cleaning and eye exam on rotation. Do a skin check for new moles or changes. Discuss digestive symptoms — bloating, reflux, irregularity — with your clinician. Many places now recommend colon cancer screening beginning at 45 (earlier with risk factors).

Ask your doctor: “Which baseline tests make sense for me this year?”

How to make it happen

•Book two today: one medical, one mental health check. Momentum beats perfection.

•Create a “health file”: lab results, meds, questions, cycle notes. Bring it to appointments.

•Pair faith with habits: prayer + water, worship + walking, fasting + follow-up.

•Invite accountability: a friend who texts, “Did you book it?”

Your body is not an afterthought — steward it with love. Do the checks, make the changes, and trust the One who heals. Your future will thank you.

Marie Berbick Bailey

Marie Berbick-Bailey is a certified master life coach, women’s resilience & leadership coach, ordained minister, author, motivational speaker, wife, mother and big sister dedicated to empowering women to heal, thrive, and walk in purpose. Connect with her at www.marieberbick.com, www.marieberbickcoach.com, or
e-mail marieberbick@gmail.com.