You At Your Best

18 | YOU AT YOUR beST | nWADg.cOm/YOUATYOURbeST OcTObeR - WOmen'S HeAlTH | SATURDAY, SepTembeR 30, 2017 Take charge of your health by choosing the right PCP sPeCial to nWa DemoCrat-Gazette When you make your health a priority, you feel a greater sense of control and are more comfortable making healthcare decisions for yourself. Taking charge of your health is a lot easier when you have an established relationship with a trusted primary care provider. A primary care provider, or PCP, performs annual wellness exams, treats you for non-emergency acute and chronic illnesses, recommends preventive health measures and — perhaps most importantly — answers your questions and concerns. "When there is an established relationship between a PCP and a patient, the patient is more comfortable asking questions," says Stephanie Lowry, MD, board-certified Family Medicine physician. "A woman's primary care physician should be her health advocate." Dr. Lowry recently joined Washington Regional's HerHealth Clinic to provide primary care alongside the eight women physicians who provide OB/GYN care at HerHealth Clinic, which has locations in Fayetteville and Springdale. "All women should have a PCP, even if they also have a regular OB/GYN physician. At HerHealth Clinic, women can have both, which is a convenient and unique way for women to get continuum of care," Dr. Lowry says. PCPs can offer guidance for immunizations and health screenings based on each patient's individual needs. "Your PCP assesses your health history, current medical treatment plan and lifestyle habits, so they can suggest ways to prevent you from getting ill," Dr. Lowry says. "Ask your healthcare provider which screenings and immunizations are right for you based on your age and risk factors," she says. Here are a few general guidelines: Immunizations • A flu vaccine is recommended each year, unless contraindicated. • If you are 18 years old and have not completed your human papillomavirus (HPV) series for protection against cancer caused by HPV, it is recommended that you complete the series by age 26. • After age 19, a tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (TdAP) vaccine is recommended as one of your tetanus- diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus booster every 10 years or within five years of your last booster if a skin injury occurs that may place you at risk of tetanus infection. • A single dose of shingles vaccine is recommended after age 60. • A pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all people age 65, as well as for people age 2 through 64 who are at increased risk for disease due to certain medical conditions, and for adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes. Breast Health "Women should perform regular breast self-exams and contact their healthcare provider immediately if they notice a change in their breasts," Dr. Lowry says. "Women should have a complete breast exam by a healthcare provider every three years at ages 20 through 40 and every year thereafter." The American Cancer Society recommends women consider mammogram screening every year between the ages of 40 and 44. Women age 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. However, women who have higher-than-average breast cancer risk —those with a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer — should discuss their screening needs with their healthcare provider. Cervical Cancer "Many women think that a pelvic exam is the same as a Pap smear for screening cervical cancer," according to Dr. Lowry, "but actually, the Pap smear is a specific test performed in addition to the routine pelvic exam to assess for changes in cervical cells that may lead to cancer." American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has specific recommendations for cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear based on age and risk factors. In general, a Pap smear is recommended every three years for average-risk women from age 21-29. Beginning at age 30, a Pap smear is recommended every three years or every five years with HPV co-testing. After age 65, women who have three negative Pap smears in a row within the past 10 years should ask their healthcare provider if they need to continue cervical cancer screening with their annual pelvic exam. Women with additional risk factors should discuss cervical cancer screening recommendations with their healthcare provider. Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer The American Cancer Society and ACOG recommend that, at the onset of menopause, all women should be informed of the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report unexplained vaginal bleeding to their healthcare provider. This includes spotting as well periods occurring less than 21 days apart. Colon Cancer Starting at age 50, asymptomatic women should begin screening for colon cancer with a colonoscopy every 10 years. Other screening methods are available, such as CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy and double-contrast barium enema, which are recommended every five years if chosen. People with risk factors such as a history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or family history of colorectal disease or cancer should talk with their doctor about screening at an earlier age. Heart High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends having your blood pressure checked at least once every two years, starting at age 18. If your blood pressure is higher than 120-80 Hg, your healthcare provider may want to check it more often. AHA has specific guidelines for your personal target blood pressure based on age and risk factors, which can be found online at www.heart.org/hbp. Lab Tests Screening laboratory tests, including cholesterol, thyroid and diabetes, may be requested by your healthcare provider. Discuss Your Health Goals with Your PCP Dr. Lowry utilizes these screening guidelines to individualize her patients' care. "Your actions today affect your long-term health, so start looking out for your future health now," she says. Your PCP takes care of the "whole you" over the course of your entire life, creates a wellness plan to keep you healthy, and treats you if you do get sick. If you need a specialist, your PCP will determine who the right specialist is and will coordinate and oversee your care. Your PCP can be a very important advocate should you become ill. So, take charge of your health. Ask your health insurance administrator for a list of primary care providers on your plan, and find one you can develop a relationship with. HerHealth Clinic offers comprehensive OB/GYN care at two locations, including in Fayetteville at the Women and Infants Center at Washington Regional Medical Center and at the Springdale Center for Health at Har-Ber Meadows.

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