Preventive women’s healthcare is as essential as a young adult as it is for post-menopausal women. There are several health screenings, depending on age, that are essential to staying healthy throughout a woman’s life. In addition, making healthy choices and making changes in lifestyle can play a significant role in living a fulfilling and productive life.
Preventive Care Services Available
Making an annual visit to the OB/GYN is important throughout a woman’s life. Women should begin seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 18 and 21 or when they become sexually active if they haven’t seen a gynecologist as an adolescent.
A Pap smear or Pap test is a screening procedure that tests for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus.
Although most cervical cancers are caused by infection from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, not all cervical cancers are from viral infections. Therefore, it is recommended that all women begin their cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear beginning at least by age 21.
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See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
Many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. However with ongoing research and increased awareness and education, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent if detected early.
Fortunately breast cancer is treatable if detected early. This is why it’s important to know family history and get regular screenings.
Some risk factors for breast cancer may include:
- Age: Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50
- Gene mutations: Women who have inherited the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene have a higher risk of developing breast cancer
- Late or no pregnancy: Having first pregnancy after age 30 or never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk
- Physical Inactivity
- Overweight or Obesity
- Family History
Monthly self-breast exams as well as an annual breast exam by a healthcare provider are important in detecting breast cancer early.
Getting regular mammograms starting at age 40 are also important especially if there is a family history. Women should discuss with their physician how often a mammogram should be scheduled depending on family and health history.
By doing self-breast exams at home, many signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be detected early. These symptoms may include:
- Lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
- Mass or lump in the breast area which can feel as small as a pea
- A change in the appearance or texture of breasts and/or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed)
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Redness on the breast or nipple
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To schedule a mammogram, contact one of the Mid Atlantic Women’s Care Mammography Imaging Centers at http://www.midatlanticwomenscare.com/index.php/mid-atlantic-imaging-centers.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
Women who have gone through menopause will experience a drop in estrogen production, which can lead to a significant loss in bone density and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bone to lose strength and density.
It’s important to consult with your provider on how to prevent bone loss as well as schedule a density screening. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
When women come for their well-woman visit, it’s a great time to discuss other aspects of staying healthy other than the annual Pap test and breast exam.
During well-woman visits, providers may discuss immunizations that are important to staying healthy such as the flu vaccination and vaccinations to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital and anal warts and can lead to cervix and throat cancers.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment with a physician or certified nurse midwife.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
When women come for their well-woman visit, it’s a great time to discuss other aspects of staying healthy other than the annual Pap test and breast exam.
During the well-woman visit, it’s a good opportunity to discuss strategies on how to live a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise and good nutrition. Our providers can counsel and provide resources for women on the best way to achieve a healthy lifestyle and diet while taking into consideration possible health limitations and allergies.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
Getting an annual women’s health check throughout every stage of life is very important. There are several health screenings depending on age that are essential to staying healthy throughout a woman’s life. Preventive women’s healthcare is as essential as a young adult as it is for post-menopausal women.
During a well-woman visit, it’s a great opportunity to talk about changes in mood and possible depression. Oftentimes depression can happen after having a baby or during menopause.
Depression symptoms may include:
- Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Pessimism and hopelessness
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
- Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you are experiencing possible signs of depression, Contact us for more information or make an appointment with your physician or certified nurse midwife.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
In the last 50 years a woman’s risk of dying from smoking has more than tripled and is now equal to men’s risk according to the Center for Disease Control.
Smoking cigarettes puts women at risk for:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Lung Cancer
- Emphysema
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
In addition, smoking during pregnancy can cause:
- Low birth weight
- Birth defects
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Complications with the placenta
If you would like to make a healthy change in your life and quit smoking, our providers can provide you with resources to help you reach your goal. Contact us for more information on how to quit or to make an appointment with one of our providers.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
Alcohol and substance abuse is a very serious issue and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
Symptoms of alcohol abuse may include:
- Drinking alone and in secrecy
- Losing interest in other activities that were once enjoyable
- Alcohol cravings
- Making drinking a priority over responsibilities, such as employment and family
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms (sweating, anxiety, etc.)
- Extreme mood swings and irritability
- Feelings of guilt associated with drinking
- Having a drink first thing in the morning
- Continuing to drink, despite health, financial and family problems
- Inability to stop or control the amount of alcohol that’s consumed
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, these health risks can include:
- Liver Damage – Women who drink are more likely to develop liver inflammation than men.
- Heart Disease – Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men.
- Breast Cancer – Women who have about one drink per day also have an increased chance of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not drink at all.
- Pregnancy – Any drinking during pregnancy is risky. Heavy drinking can put a fetus at increased risk for learning, behavioral, and other problems.
The providers at TotalCare for Women can help provide resources in treating alcohol and substance abuse. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
You take care of others. Let us take care of you.
TotalCare for Women is committed to caring for women through every stage of their life.