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Our Health Into Our Own Hands By Susan Shea, Director of Ancillary Services & Practice Operations for White-Wilson Medical Center  Throughout my radiology career, I have recognized a startling trend. Women, who are typically the backbone of the family and are largely responsible for the health of their family, often neglect their own health. This trend is a sad irony - because the most important thing a woman can do for her family is stay healthy. Women’s health is my greatest passion, and I can personally attest to the crucial importance of preventive healthcare. As women, it is so important that we take a proactive approach with our own health! Since January, 2010, preventive health screenings, such as mammograms and bone density scans, declined 30% nationwide. There has also been media hype about recent guidelines suggesting that women wait until they are age 50 to receive regular mammograms. I stand alongside The American Cancer Society, The American College of Radiology and the vast majority of physicians when I say that 50 is too late! I urge every woman to talk to their physician about receiving a baseline mammogram at age 35, and annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Breast cancer is one disease that, if caught early, is treatable. The key to early diagnosis is performing self breast exams monthly, receiving clinical breast exams by your physician yearly, and having annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Most insurances cover mammograms at 100% and many imaging centers (including White-Wilson Medical Center) offer special discounts for individuals who don’t have insurance Working in healthcare, I have met many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Those who are proactive about preventive health are fortunate because in most cases, their cancers were found at its earliest and most treatable stage - just by having their annual mammogram. However, I have also seen the flip side of this scenario, and my sentiments are simple. Preventive care saves lives. It’s the difference between finding a disease early when it is most treatable rather than taking the risk that it will be found too late. As women, it is time that we make a stand for our health despite all of the obstacles that get in our way—specifically time and money. Nothing is more precious than life. Remember we can not do well for others if we first don’t do well for ourselves. Make it count and be proactive with your health. |
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