Health Checks for Women in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Women in Grand Rapids face many of the same health risks as women across the U.S., but our West Michigan climate, lifestyle, and local resources also shape how and when you should get screened. Regular health checks help catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat.

Local providers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health, along with the Kent County Health Department, all offer preventive care and screenings for women.

Heart Health Checks for Women in Grand Rapids

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for American women, including women in Michigan. Cold Grand Rapids winters, less outdoor activity, and higher rates of high blood pressure and high cholesterol in the Midwest can all increase heart risk.

When to Get Heart Health Checks

For most women in Grand Rapids:

  • Ages 45 to 79: Have a heart health check at least every 2 years
  • If you have diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, a strong family history of heart disease, or you smoke, you may need checks earlier and more often

During a heart health check in Grand Rapids, your primary care provider (PCP) will typically:

  • Check your blood pressure
  • Order cholesterol and triglyceride tests
  • Check blood sugar (glucose) levels
  • Measure weight and BMI
  • Ask about:
    • Family history of heart disease or stroke
    • Diet and physical activity
    • Smoking or vaping
    • Alcohol use
    • Stress and sleep (especially important with long winter nights)

You can schedule these visits with your family doctor, internist, or cardiologist at clinics across Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Diabetes Health Checks for Women

Type 2 diabetes is common in Michigan and is closely linked to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and vision loss. Cold weather, comfort foods, and less physical activity in winter can increase risk.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage:

  • Blood vessels
  • Nerves
  • Kidneys
  • Eyes
  • Heart

A blood test is used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.

Typical fasting blood sugar ranges:

  • Normal: about 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on more than one test

(Your Grand Rapids doctor may also order an A1C test, which shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.)

When to Get Checked for Diabetes

For most women:

  • Age 40 and older: Have your type 2 diabetes risk checked at least every 3 years
  • Any age: Get tested sooner if you:
    • Are overweight or obese
    • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
    • Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
    • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
    • Are physically inactive, especially during Michigan’s winter months
    • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If you are at risk, your Grand Rapids doctor will order a blood test to check your blood sugar levels.

Cervical Screening for Women and People With a Cervix

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular cervical screening (Pap test and/or HPV test) is the best way to protect yourself.

Who Needs Cervical Screening?

You need cervical screening if:

  • You are a woman or a person with a cervix
  • You are age 25 to 65 (some guidelines extend to 74; your provider will advise you)
  • You have ever had sexual contact with another person, regardless of gender or sexual identity

How Often to Get Cervical Screening

  • Every 3–5 years, depending on the type of test and your results
    • Many U.S. guidelines recommend:
      • Pap test every 3 years (ages 21–65), or
      • HPV test every 5 years (ages 30–65), or
      • Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years

Your OB/GYN or primary care provider in Grand Rapids (at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) can:

  • Perform the cervical screening test
  • Discuss self-collection options for HPV testing if available and appropriate
  • Explain your results and follow-up plan

Sexual Health Checks for Women in Grand Rapids

Sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Regular sexual health checks help detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) early, even if you have no symptoms.

What Happens During a Sexual Health Check?

Your Grand Rapids doctor, nurse practitioner, or a clinician at a local sexual health or public health clinic may:

  • Ask about your:
    • Sexual history (past and current partners)
    • Types of sexual activity
    • Use of condoms or other barrier methods
  • With your consent, perform:
    • An exam of your vulva and vagina
    • A cervical screening test if it’s due
  • Test for STIs using:
    • Blood tests
    • Urine tests
    • Swabs from the vagina, cervix, throat, or rectum (depending on your sexual practices)

You can also talk about:

  • Pain with sex
  • Low desire or other sexual concerns
  • Contraception options
  • Safer sex strategies

When to Get a Sexual Health Check

A sexual health check is recommended if you:

  • Think you may have an STI
  • Have a new sexual partner
  • Have had unprotected sex
  • Have symptoms such as:
    • Unusual vaginal discharge
    • Pain, burning, or itching
    • Sores, bumps, or blisters in the genital area
  • Know your partner has an STI
  • Are simply concerned about your sexual health

In Grand Rapids, you can access sexual health services through:

  • Your GP or OB/GYN
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Community clinics and some urgent care centers

If you have an STI, your provider will discuss treatment options, partner notification, and follow-up testing.

Breast Health Checks for Women

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Early detection greatly improves treatment success, and in many early-stage cases, treatment is highly effective.

How to Check Your Breasts

You can follow three important steps:

  1. Know how your breasts normally look and feel
    • Check regularly in the shower, when dressing, or lying down.
  2. Watch for changes, such as:
    • A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
    • Changes in breast size or shape
    • Skin dimpling, redness, or puckering
    • Nipple changes (inversion, discharge, rash)
  3. Report any changes to your doctor right away, even if you recently had a mammogram.

Mammograms in Grand Rapids

  • Ages 50 to 74: Have a screening mammogram every 2 years
  • Ages 40 to 49: Talk with your doctor about when to start and how often to screen
  • If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer or a known genetic mutation (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), you may need:
    • Earlier screening
    • More frequent mammograms
    • Additional imaging (such as breast MRI)

Mammograms are available at many imaging centers in Grand Rapids, including those affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer Health Checks for Women

Colorectal (bowel) cancer is common but highly treatable when found early. Screening looks for signs of cancer before you have symptoms.

When to Get Bowel Cancer Screening

For most women:

  • Ages 45 to 74: Have regular colorectal cancer screening every 10 years with colonoscopy, or more often with other test types
  • Your doctor may recommend:
    • A stool test (FIT or FOBT) every 1–2 years to check for hidden blood in your stool
    • A colonoscopy if the stool test is positive or if you are at higher risk

At-Home Stool Testing

  • You collect small stool samples at home
  • Mail or deliver them to a lab for testing
  • Results are usually available within a couple of weeks
  • If the result is positive, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy

Screening is offered by primary care practices and gastroenterologists throughout Grand Rapids.

Bone Health Checks for Women (Osteoporosis)

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin, brittle, and more likely to break. Women in Michigan may be at increased risk due to less sun exposure in winter, which can lower vitamin D levels.

Who Should Get Bone Health Checks?

  • All women after menopause should have an annual bone health review
  • Women over 65, or younger women with risk factors, may need a bone density scan (DXA)

Risk factors include:

  • Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
  • Low body weight
  • Long-term use of certain medications (like steroids)
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Low calcium or vitamin D intake
  • Limited outdoor activity (common during West Michigan winters)

Bone Density Scan (DXA)

If you are over 70 or at higher risk, your Grand Rapids doctor may recommend a DXA scan to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Immunizations for Women in Grand Rapids

Immunizations (vaccinations) strengthen your immune system by helping it recognize and fight specific germs. Staying up to date is especially important in a community setting and during Michigan’s long cold and flu season.

Talk to your Grand Rapids healthcare provider about:

  • Flu shot: Every year (especially important in fall and winter)
  • COVID-19 vaccination and boosters: As recommended by current guidelines
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis):
    • Once as an adult, then a tetanus booster every 10 years
  • HPV vaccine:
    • Recommended for many women up to age 26, and sometimes up to age 45
  • Pneumococcal and shingles vaccines:
    • Usually recommended for older adults or those with certain health conditions
  • Travel vaccines:
    • If you plan to travel overseas, have an immunization review before your trip

You can receive vaccines at:

  • Primary care offices
  • Pharmacies
  • Hospital-based clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs

Other Important Health Checks for Women

Some health checks are recommended regardless of your age.

Skin Checks

  • Have a skin check every year, especially if:
    • You have a history of sunburns (including on the lakeshore)
    • You use tanning beds
    • You notice new or changing moles
  • See a dermatologist or your primary care provider if you notice any changes

Eye Exams

  • Have an eye exam every 2 years, or more often if:
    • You have diabetes
    • You wear glasses or contact lenses
    • You notice changes in your vision

Hearing Tests

  • Get a hearing test if you notice:
    • Difficulty hearing conversations
    • Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
    • Trouble hearing in noisy environments

Dental Care

  • Have a dental check and cleaning at least once a year
    • Many dentists recommend every 6 months
  • Good oral health is linked to heart health and diabetes control

Pre‑Pregnancy and Pregnancy Checks

If you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant, ask your Grand Rapids doctor about:

  • Pre-pregnancy checkups
  • Prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid)
  • Managing chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
  • Safe medications and vaccines during pregnancy

OB/GYN practices and family medicine clinics across Grand Rapids provide this care.

Local Resources for Women’s Health in Grand Rapids

For more information, support, and screening services, you can contact:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
  • OB/GYN or gynecologist
  • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health women’s health clinics
  • Kent County Health Department – preventive services, immunizations, STI testing, and more
  • Local branches of the American Cancer Society and Michigan Cancer Consortium for cancer screening programs and support

Key Points for Women’s Health Checks in Grand Rapids

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for American women, including in Michigan.
  • You may not feel any symptoms as heart disease develops, so regular checkups are essential.
  • Your doctor will check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight to assess heart risk.
  • If you are over 40, your risk of type 2 diabetes should be checked every 3 years, or more often if you are at higher risk.
  • If you are at risk, your doctor will order a diabetes test to check your blood sugar levels and help you manage your health.

Regular health checks, combined with a healthy lifestyle that fits West Michigan’s seasons, are one of the best ways to protect your long-term health as a woman living in Grand Rapids.