You At Your Best

sPonsoR Content HerHealth Clinic offers comprehensive care for women sPeCial to nWa DemoCRat-Gazette The obstetricians and gynecologists at Washington Regional's HerHealth Clinic provide personalized care for women of all ages. Physicians include Dr. Candy Birch, Dr. Laura Collins, Dr. Mary Pat Hardman, Dr. Erin Large, Dr. Kristin Markell, Dr. Amy Scott, Dr. Britte Smith and Dr. Julie Wilkie. Specialized care services: - Gynecological exams - Prenatal care - Routine and high-risk deliveries - Infertility treatments - Birth control, including oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, subdermal implants and tubal ligation - Treatment for conditions such as abnormal pap smears, irregular or heavy periods and endometriosis - Surgeries include laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, hysterectomy and endometrial ablation - Minimally invasive procedures, including the use of the daVinci System - Ultrasound and laboratory services HerHealth Clinic serves patients at two convenient locations: in Fayetteville at Washington Regional's Women and Infants Center, 3215 N. North Hills Blvd., Suite B, and in Springdale at Washington Regional's Springdale Center for Health, 813 Founders Park Drive, Suite 201. To schedule an appointment, call 479.463.5500. For more information, go to wregional.com/herhealth. sPeCial to nWa DemoCRat-Gazette "Well-woman exams are an opportunity to discuss your overall lifestyle, family history of disease, weight, blood pressure, vaccinations and which disease screenings are right for you," said Candy Birch, MD, a gynecologist at HerHealth by Washington Regional. "Regular checkups can help your doctor diagnose health problems early, when they are easier to treat and less likely to pose serious risks to your health." A yearly checkup is also a great opportunity to develop plans to prevent future health problems, she added. "For example, if one of my patients asked for help in losing weight or quitting smoking, I would provide recommendations and resources to help her reach her goal of a healthier lifestyle. Patients can really benefit from having a doctor who knows all about them – their personal health history and healthcare preferences," says Dr. Birch. Health screenings and immunizations should also be a topic of discussion at a well-woman exam. Women who have certain risk factors, such as family history for a disease, should ask their doctor which ones are right for them. For women who have no disease symptoms or are not at high risk, Dr. Birch provided these general recommendations: When was the last time you visited your doctor for a checkup? All women should have a health assessment each year, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This type of checkup is often called a well-woman exam, and based on a patient's age and risk factors, it might include a pelvic examination, cancer screenings, STD screening, health counseling and immunizations. Cancer • The American College of Gynecology recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer be given the opportunity to initiate screening at age 40. Those who do not start screening then should begin no later than age 50. • The USPSTF recommends a cervical cancer screening, or Pap test, every three years for women age 21-30. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 may want to ask their physician about combining the Pap test with a test for human papillomavirus, or HPV. For some women, combining the two tests may make it possible to extend the interval between screenings to five years. Women over age 65 who have had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years may be able to skip screening. However, those who have a history of cancer or a precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened. Women of any age who've had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and who have no history of cervical cancer or advanced precancerous abnormalities do not need to be screened. • Colon cancer screening is recommended for women beginning at age 50. There are several colon cancer screening tools, including colonoscopy and Cologuard®. Women should discuss with their doctor which test is right for them. Bone density Women should have a bone density test at age 65 or at menopause if they've already had a fracture or have risk factors for osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis, tobacco use, low body weight or glucocorticoid therapy. Heart disease Regular screening for high blood pressure is important for heart health. Women whose blood pressure is considered in the normal range (less than 120/80) should have it checked every other year. However, if blood pressure is higher than 120/80, it should be checked every year. Additionally, physicians may recommend fasting lipoprotein screening for cholesterol and triglycerides, usually every four to six years. Diabetes Women who don't already have diabetes or prediabetes are advised to have their blood glucose levels checked every three years. Hepatitis B The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults be screened for hepatitis B, which can cause serious liver disease. Hepatitis B can be present in the body for many years without symptoms. Shingles vaccine The CDC also recommends that adults 60 and older get this one-time vaccine to protect against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Flu and pneumonia vaccine Most adults should get a flu shot every year and the pneumonia vaccine at least one time. It's important for women to schedule regular checkups, Dr. Birch said, even if they feel fine and have no signs of illness. "A well-woman exam is an essential part of taking care of your health," she said, "and an opportunity to prevent future health problems." Well-woman exams SATURdAY, SEpTEmBER 28, 2019 | wOmEn'S HEAlTH - OcTOBER nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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