Women are often the decision makers and the care providers in a family,
but it is important for them to take an active role in prevention
and wellness for themselves. Preventive screening tests, regular physical
exams, and immunizations are among the most important health behaviors
a woman can do for herself and her family. Every woman should become
a partner with her health care provider to decide when and what screenings
are appropriate.
Why are routine screenings so important for women? Routine health
screenings and gynecological exams can often detect disease in the
early stages. Consider these statistics: Routine Pap tests, followed
by prompt treatment can reduce almost all deaths from cervical cancer.
Breast cancer mortality is reduced by 30% for women between the ages
of 50 and 69 if routine mammography and prompt treatment takes place.
Immunizations are not just a childhood thing. Adults need them too.
Certain immunizations are required in special job settings or for
travel to certain countries. Annual influenza and pneumonia shots
can protect from illness and disease. Flu and pneumonia are the 6th
leading cause of death each year in the population 65 and over. The
flu shot can reduce chances of getting the flu by 90%.
Knowing the risk is also very important to overall well-being. Risk
factors are things in life that increase the chances of developing
a certain disease or condition. They can include things like family
history, environmental exposures, certain age or sex, ethnic groups,
or a pre existing condition. Parents and relatives help determine
some of what every person becomes. Habits, work, play, environment,
and lifestyle define an individual’s health and risks. Everyone
should find out their family health history and discover if they are
at greater risk for certain diseases. This will allow each person
to make the right choices about crucial screenings throughout their
lifespan.
Many free and low cost screenings are available.
Find out what screenings are appropriate for the woman in her house
and her family. A list of screenings may be requested from the CAMC
Health Information Center at 1-888-Healthy or visit www.4women.gov.,
a project of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office on Women’s
Health.
Anne R. Matics RNC, MS
Education Specialist
CAMC Health Information Center
www.healthinfocenter.org
HealthFest
Charleston Area Medical Center’s will host a two-day HealthFest
at the Charleston Civic Center to highlight health screenings on June
13 & 14. The hospital is teaming with Pfizer and WSAZ-TV to present
the event. Participants may register for screenings or classes at
the centralized Health Information Booth is modeled after the CAMC
Memorial Hosptital Campus resource center. Some screenings will require
fasting and pre-registration. For information call the Health Information
Center at (304) 388-9645 or for registration call (304) 345-9051.
Screenings and education offered at HealthFest include: Heart Health
Consultations, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Stroke Screening,
Mammography with the Image Checker computer aided detection system
for breast cancer )which improves early detection by 25%), breast
cancer risk analysis, carbon monoxide and other cancer indicators,
cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid, fall prevention, diabetes education,
CPR Demonstration, Teddy Bear Fair, anxiety and depression screening,
nutritional counseling, lung screening, skin screening, and information
about SPEAK UP the national campaign that encourages patients and
families to actively participate in their care.
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