Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1030673
To live well and reduce the risk of serious illness, it is important for women to have an annual physical, or checkup. Regular checkups can help find problems early or prevent health problems before they occur. In addition to the annual checkup is a well-woman exam. A well-woman exam is a checkup that focuses on the female reproductive system and sexual health. For example, an annual well-woman exam typically includes a complete pelvic examination. A Pap test to screen for cervical cancer can also be part of a well-woman exam; a Pap test will usually be performed every 3 to 5 years. "The general recommendation is for women to have Pap tests for cervical cancer screening between the ages of 21 and 65," says Candy Birch, M.D., a gynecologist at Washington Regional's HerHealth Clinic. If testing for human papillomavirus, or HPV, is indicated along with the Pap test, the recommended age range is 30 to 65. However, there is more to a well- woman visit than a Pap test. According to Dr. Birch, a well- woman visit is a good time for patients to talk with their doctor about: • Personal health history • Family health history • Concerns about relationships and sexual partners • Eating habits and physical activity • Struggles with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs • Mental health history, including depression • Calculating body mass index, or BMI • Blood pressure measurement • Manual breast exam and mammogram recommendations • Pelvic exam findings • Health topics relevant to age and risk factors • Recommended screenings and follow-up services • Creating a written wellness plan to achieve health goals "Every woman is different, and some may have additional topics to discuss during a well-woman exam," Dr. Birch says. "Always let your doctor know of any new or unusual symptoms or concerns. And take notes if necessary to help you keep track of recommendations for additional screening or follow-up." All About the Well-Woman Exam SATURdAY, SEpTEmBER 29, 2018 | wOmEn'S ISSUE - OcTOBER nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 17 HerHealth Clinic Offers Specialized Care for Women Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Candy Birch, M.D., practices gynecology at Washington Regional's HerHealth Clinic. She and clinic partners Drs. Britte Smith, Laura Collins, Mary Pat Hardman, Kristin Markell, Amy Scott, Julie Wilkie and Erin Large provide a full range of specialized women's care. Dr. Birch earned her medical degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed a residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. HerHealth Clinic serves patients at two convenient locations: in Fayetteville at Washington Regional Medical Center, 3215 N. North Hills Blvd., Suite B, and in Springdale at Washington Regional Center for Health, 813 Founders Park Drive. HerHealth Clinic in Springdale also offers women's primary care. Dr. Birch sees patients at HerHealth Clinic in Springdale. Appointments are available by calling 479.463.5500. More information is available at wregional.com.