CityView Magazine

tions ��� such as ACOG (American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology) and AAFP (American Academy of Family Practice) ��� to streamline their guidelines. Historically, a woman���s ���annual��� was synonymous with ���annual Pap smear.��� New research, however, shows the necessity of a pap test to be every two to five years, based on age and risk factors. ���HPV is extremely common. Eighty percent of sexually active adults are exposed by age 50, and men are mostly asymptomatic,��� explained Dr. Rerucha. ���HPV causes cervical cancer but grows at an incredibly slow rate. Even if a woman has been exposed to HPV, if she tests negative on her first pap test, the virus is not likely to manifest for up to 10 years later.��� The freedom from an annual pap does not extend to freedom from the annual visit, though. In fact, because women���s healthcare is in such flux, keeping an annual appointment with your primary care physician is more important than ever. Your physician will run a number of screenings to establish your risk for developing an array of preventable diseases, primarily those stemming from high blood pressure and obesity. In addition, an annual check-up with the same physician (as much as possible) allows a relationship of trust and security to grow, which equates to more time spent discussing your concerns and less on family history. One common hurdle in a woman���s annual healthcare visit is where to go. For years, the trend has been to schedule the annual with an OB-GYN. Dr. Rerucha explained that this trend is shifting. ���An OB-GYN isn���t going to do a complete health exam,��� explains Dr. Rerucha, ���they are only concerned with obstetric and gynecologic issues. Women need to see a primary care physician every year ���either a family practice doctor, who will cover all her preventative care needs to include the pap, or an internal medicine doctor who will cover all preventative medical care but the pap. Then she can see an OB-GYN on those years she is scheduled for a pap test.��� festival may 4, 2013 camPbellTon landinG 12:00-5:00Pm free admission canned food donaTions welcome Preparing for Your Annual Visit: To make the most of your annual check-up, spend a few minutes preparing. The following are some guidelines offered by ACOG: When making your appointment, be clear as to the reason for your visit. If you need any special considerations, state them at this time. Also, if you have any new health concerns you wish to discuss, mention them while you are making the appointment. Before your visit, write a list of questions and concerns you may have. Write down any symptoms, along with any physical signs you can show your doctor. List all medicines, prescription and over-the-counter, that you currently take and why you take them. Include all vitamins and herbal supplements. For your first visit, be prepared to provide your health history, both personal and family. Include all illnesses, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, lifestyle habits, allergies and any family history of illness and disease. If you are visiting this doctor for the first time, bring all medical records you have with you. Bring past physicians��� phone numbers and addresses. If you have insurance, bring your card. During your visit, ask questions if you don���t understand the terminology your doctor is using. Never be afraid to speak up. If your visit includes a pelvic exam, be honest with any concerns or worries you may have. Your healthcare provider is responsible for making your visit as comfortable as possible. If you are given a diagnosis that requires further care, understand your treatment options and the consequences of each. Ask questions until you understand every aspect of your condition and various treatment plans. Arm yourself with information. Ask your physician for a list of resources. At the end of your visit, repeat the details of your visit back to your physician. This offers him or her the opportunity to correct any misunderstandings. Grand Prize: 2013 ToyoTa xd adoPT a duck benefiTinG fayetteville Urban Ministry www.fayeTTevilleduckderby.com fesTival duckTiviTies live music, river boaT rides kid���s zone, drum line comPeTiTion food, beveraGe & merchandise vendors CityViewNC.com | 39

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