PORTLAND -- For your health, some physicians said there was eight easy self-exams women should be doing every morning that could alert them to serious health problems.
Jogger Kristina Senft runs after work because she doesn't have enough time in the mornings.
"Absolutely rushed in the morning and in need of my coffee. So I'm rushing out the door to get my Dunkin' Donuts coffee," Senft told KGW on the waterfront.
But some experts said some quick self-checks of your body before breakfast could prevent issues in the future.
Doctors said start with checking your hands and nails.
"The nails can reflect many illnesses that are occurring in the body thyroid disease or iron deficiency," Dr. Miles Hassell with Providence Health & Services told KGW.
Dr. Hassell advised patients to be aware of dark lines or spots which could be a red flag for skin cancer.
Next on the checklist -- move up to your armpits.
"Sometimes people can get dark patches in their armpits almost a velvety skin. It can reflect a predisposition to diabetics or another syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, in women."
Another easy thing physicians said to check was the belly area for any strange, abnormal hair growth.
"It can reflect Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a metabolic syndrome that can lead to diabetes or infertility," said Dr. Hassell. "The skin under the hair can tell you various things about health too."
Physicians recommended checking your scalp for shedding or excessive hair loss.
"In some cases this can reflect iron deficiency, thyroid abnormalities or other illness including scalp illness that needs to be treated," said Dr. Hassell.
Experts recommended also looking around your neck to look for skin tags.
"Two or three or four are completely normal. But if you have dozens of them this can be reflection of something we call the metabolic syndrome or predisposition to diabetes. They're easily treated," said Dr. Hassell.
Dr. Hassell said check the eyes for persistent, dark circles under the eyes which could be an indicator of allergies.
"We think if the allergies are controlled this will improve. This is very very sensitive skin and reflect many different disorders unfortunately."
And finally, Dr. Hassell said don't forget to check your tongue.
"Sores that don't heal can indicate cancer that really needs to be treated.We most often see this in smokers or people who drink too much alcohol. But it can occur in anybody," said Dr. Hassell.
"I never heard that before that's pretty interesting," said Senft.
As for Senft, she told KGW she was willing to try these 8-steps as part of her daily routine.
Dr. Hassell said people know their bodies the best, so he advising people to exam yourself for any changes and ask yourself, 'Is this something I should talk to my doctor about?'
Dr. Hassell said because most things were treated better if they were treated early.
