Do you take advantage of your Well-Woman visits?

Writer - Kim Marquez sheds light on why a Well-Woman visit helps identify serious health concerns before they become life threatening

Because heart disease is the number one killer of women—killing more women than all forms of cancer combined—the Well-Woman visit is vital for detecting early signs of heart disease. A well-woman visit is an annual physical and discussion about health it provides women the opportunity to help Identify serious health concerns before they become life-threatening—such as heart disease and stroke. Well-Woman visits are tailored to age, family history, past health history, and the need for preventive screenings. Based on the patient’s medical family history, services such as checking blood pressure, height, weight, and temperature are provided. Also, the exam will screen for other health problems that are unique to women, which include mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, prenatal care, bone-mass measurements for osteoporosis and, “gender-neutral” screenings and services such as colon cancer screening, obesity screening and counseling, and shots to prevent Àu, tetanus, and pneumonia.

Women’s Primary Care at the University of Arkansas

With a new Women’s clinic at the University of Arkansas, the growing student population now has access to resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The primary care available for students include general medical care, acute care for illness and injury, preventative care, physical exams, minor of¿ce surgical procedures, hard to manage chronic medical illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure, wound care, dietician/nutrition services, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and integrated behavioral health.

The Women’s Clinic treats abnormal menstrual bleeding, breast problems, PMS, abnormal pap smears, painful periods/heavy bleeding, new onset of pain with intercourse, and menopausal symptoms. They also support sexual assault survivors with compassionate follow-up medical care and recovery support.

Although the clinic does not treat all illnesses, referrals are provided. These referrals include mammograms, prenatal care/problem pregnancy, psychological care/counseling, nutritional counseling, healthy lifestyle counseling, and smoking cessation.

The University of Arkansas recommends vaccines to all students

It is important to understand what vaccinations are crucial for your health.

The meningitis vaccines are recommended to students who have not been vaccinated or were vaccinated before the age of 16.

The University of Arkansas, ultimately, advises students to vaccinate against inÀuenza and have regular physicals, annually.