You At Your Best

10 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST OcTOBER - wOmEn'S ISSUE | SATURdAY, SEpTEmBER 29, 2018 By Kim marquez NWa Democrat-Gazette Because heart disease is the number one killer of women—killing more women than all forms of cancer combined—the Well-Woman visit is vital for detecting early signs of heart disease. A well-woman visit is an annual physical and discussion about health; it provides women the opportunity to help Identify serious health concerns before they become life-threatening—such as heart disease and stroke. Well-Woman visits are tailored to age, family history, past health history, and the need for preventive screenings. Based on the patient's medical family history, services such as checking blood pressure, height, weight, and temperature are provided. Also, the exam will screen for other health problems that are unique to women, which include mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, prenatal care, bone-mass measurements for osteoporosis; and, "gender-neutral" screenings and services such as colon cancer screening, obesity screening and counseling, and shots to prevent flu, tetanus, and pneumonia. Women's Primary Care at the University of Arkansas With a new Women's clinic at the University of Arkansas, the growing student population now has access to resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The primary care available for students include general medical care, acute care for illness and injury, preventative care, physical exams, minor office surgical procedures, hard to manage chronic medical illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure, wound care, dietician/nutrition services, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and integrated behavioral health. The Women's Clinic treats abnormal menstrual bleeding, breast problems, PMS, abnormal pap smears, painful periods/heavy bleeding, new onset of pain with intercourse, and menopausal symptoms. They also support sexual assault survivors with compassionate follow-up medical care and recovery support. Although the clinic does not treat all illnesses, referrals are provided. These referrals include mammograms, prenatal care/problem pregnancy, psychological care/counseling, nutritional counseling, healthy lifestyle counseling, and smoking cessation. The University of Arkansas recommends vaccines to all students It is important to understand what vaccinations are crucial for your health. The meningitis vaccines are recommended to students who have not been vaccinated or were vaccinated before the age of 16. The University of Arkansas, ultimately, advises students to vaccinate against influenza and have regular physicals, annually. By Kim marquez NWa Democrat-Gazette If you've never been tested or you are unsure of where or what treatment is available for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), Planned Parenthood offers services to test and treat STDs. The Fayetteville Health Center provides STD testing, diagnosis, and treatment, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV (testing and diagnosis only), syphilis, and trichomoniasis (Trich). They also provide STD prevention such as STD and safer sex education, condoms, and the HPV vaccine. How do you get tested? An STD exam requires a genital exam or a urine sample, and an HIV test is done by a blood draw. All testing and counseling are confidential, which are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns. Birth Control Statistics: • Birth control Implant is 99% effective and lasts up to 4 years • IUD is 99% effective and lasts up to 3-12 years • Birth control Shot is 94% effective; it is required every three months • Birth Control Vaginal Ring is 91% effective and is replaced monthly • Birth control patch is 92% effective and replaced weekly • Birth Control Pill is 91% effective; it is taken daily • The female condom is 79% effective • The diaphragm is 88% effective • Birth Control Sponge is 76-88% effective • The cervical cap is 71-86% effective • Spermicide is 71% effective • Fertility Awareness (FAMs) 76-88% effective • Withdrawal (Pull out Method) 78% effective • Breastfeeding as birth control 98% effective must do every 4-5 hours • Sterilization (Tubal Ligation) 99% effective and lasts for life • Vasectomy is 99% effective and lasts for life • Outercourse and Abstinence 100% effective Fayetteville's Planned Parenthood Services & Statistics The importance of STD testing & Contraceptives What is a Well-Woman visit and why is it vital?

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