Women's Health and Fitness Day and which checkups to book

September 30 is National Women's Health and Fitness Day, which promotes health for women at every age. It is a good day to find out which checkups and screenings you may be due for, especially if your own appointments tend to slide while you manage everyone else's.

Official guidance gives a starting point. HealthCare.gov lists well-woman visits for all women, Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer for women ages 21 to 65, and bone density screening for women over 65 or younger women who have gone through menopause. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every other year for women ages 40 to 74.

Cost is a common reason people put this off. HealthCare.gov says all Marketplace plans and many other plans must cover these preventive services for women without a copayment or coinsurance, generally when you see an in-network provider. A quick call to your plan can confirm what yours covers.

Your own schedule depends on your age, health history and family history, so treat the list above as general information. The federal MyHealthfinder tool at odphp.health.gov offers preventive care suggestions based on a few questions, and your doctor or nurse can tell you what makes sense for you. The fitness side of the day can stay simple, like a walk after lunch, and it is wise to check with your doctor before starting something new.

Since the office is closed at this hour, set a phone reminder for 9 a.m. When it goes off, call or use your patient portal to book a well-woman visit and ask which screenings they recommend for you.