What type of Wellness Services are available at Western?

Breast Exams:

Breast Exams are a vital part of physical wellness. Our providers encourage monthly self-breast exams and annual breast exams by a health care provider.

Do you need a Breast Self-Examination guide?

We have FREE self-examination cards - stop by one of our offices to pick one up, or contact the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244 and request a free breast self-examination card.

• The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is working to find a cure and notes:
• All women are at risk for breast cancer.
• Because every woman is at risk for breast cancer,
  you should:
  • See your medical professional to discuss
    your breast health needs.
  • Follow the screening guidelines
  • Learn how to do a breast self-exam
  • During the 1990's, approximately 1.8 million women and 12,000 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
  • This year, an estimated 182,800 women and 1,400 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
  • Approximately 40,00 women and 400 men
    will die of breast cancer this year.
  • Breast cancer is the leading cancer site among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. For women ages 40-59, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths.
  • When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent.
  • Go to www.breastcancerinfo.com for more information.

     

    Mammograms:
    A baseline mammogram is recommended for all women by age 40, followed by mammograms every two years and annually after age 50. However, you may be a candidate for an earlier mammogram, so please contact your doctor or nurse practitioner to find out your needs.
    MBCCCP
    We, at Western Ob/Gyn Ltd. participate in the Minnesota Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program. This is a program that allows women to receive annual physicals, pap smears and mammograms at no cost. There are certain financial guidelines to be able to participate in the program; you may contact our office at 952-442-5927 extension 311, and we will help you determine if you qualify for this free service. There is also additional information available at the MBCCCP
    web site. www.health.state.mn.us/divs/dpc/cc/mbcccp.htm.

    Annual Physicals:
    We encourage our patients to have an annual physical exam. You may schedule your physical with our physicians and nurse midwives. They will provide you
    with a comprehensive examination, and answer your questions.
    As a reminder, many insurance companies allow only one physical per year. Therefore, you should be aware of the date of your last exam. If you had your last physical exam at Western, we can look up the date for you - just ask the appointment scheduler when making your appointment.

Physicals after Hysterectomies:
Women who have had a hysterectomy are still at risk for some cancers, therefore annual pelvic exams are strongly recommended.

Pap Smears: A pap smear is performed to detect the early stages of cervical cancer. Your first pap smear should be when you are 18 years of age, or whenever you become sexually active. Annual pap smears are recommended

Immunizations:
Our providers encourage all women to be current with all immunizations. You may receive immunizations at Western.

What is a Bone-Densitometry Test and Do I Need One?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends the following women get this painless screening:

• Postmenopausal women younger than age 65 with one or more risk factors
• All women older than 65, regardless of risk factors
• Women who have been taking hormone replacement therapy for a long time
  
  

Depending on your family history and other health issues, you may be a candidate for a bone-density test at an earlier age. If you have a family history of Osteoporosis or have symptoms of bone loss, our providers may recommend this test. The bone densitometry test can be performed at Ridgeview Medical Center and our nursing staff will work with you to schedule your appointment.

Ask your doctor if you should get a bone-density test now.

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