Making the Most of 1 Medical Visit

For a lot of women, your priority is to take care of everyone else; your family,

your work, your community, but you neglect taking care of yourself. That’s why

West Holt Medical Clinic offers women the opportunity

to attend one medical visit (3 hours or less) and get

the six most important tests or screenings you need.

You should know how you stand on each

one of these. Your cholesterol, your pap smear,

your mammogram, your bone health, your

colonoscopy and your skin-testing;

assessing all these for health

is very important. You

might be surprised at

some of the things you read

here. This newsletter will

tell you about the 6 for LIFE;

the six most important screenings

and tests every woman needs to get and

when you should get them.

405 West Pearl Street • Atkinson, NE 68713Clinic 402-925-2631 • Hospital 402-925-2811www.westholtmed.org

Do you want to make

the most of your next

medical visit?Call the medical clinic at

402-925-2631 and ask for a 6 for

LIFE appointment with one of our

women’s healthcare providers.

6for LIFE 6 Lifesaving Tests – 1 Medical Visit

In This Issue• Making the Most of 1 Medical Visit• Six Most Important Tests You Need• What are the costs?• Blood Health Smarts Explained• Meet Our Women’s Healthcare Providers

6 for LIFE a publication of West Holt Medical Services Winter 2016

MammographyTest: Mammogram Women age 40 and older should get a screening mammogram. If there is a history of breast cancer in her family, a healthcare provider may recommend she needs to get a mammogram sooner.

Bone ToneTest: DEXA-scan As we age, the threat of bone fractures and osteoporosis become real. DEXA-scan testing measures bone density and helps predict potential for fractures and osteoporosis. Certain factors increase your risk of osteoporosis—your healthcare provider will help you determine if and when a bone density test is right for you.

Power of the Pap TestTest: Pap test Starting at age 21, a screening pap test may be done every two to three years or as recommended by your healthcare provider. This test is used to detect cervical cancer.

What are the costs associated with each test?

We accept most insurance but you are strongly encouraged to contact your insurance provider to verify that this visit and tests will be covered under your benefit plan.

Additional test to be scheduledat a later date, if warranted.

6for LIFE 6 Lifesaving Tests – 1 Medical Visit

Blood Health SmartsTests: CBC, CMP, LSH, Lipid Panel, Vitamin D To determine your general health status at any age; to screen for, diagnose, or monitor any one of a variety of diseases and conditions that affect blood cells. Eighty percent of heart disease can be prevented with proper lifestyle modifications including proper diet, exercise and smoking cessation.

Skin SenseTest: Screening skin exam In addition to an annual skin exam, every woman, regardless of age, should do monthly self-exams using a hand mirror to check for new moles or skin changes. The earlier this is started, the better you will know your skin.

Breast ExamTest: Breast exam Routine care for women of all ages is vital to keeping you and your breasts healthy and should include mammograms with clinical breast exams, in addition to regular self-examinations.

ColonoscopyTest: Colonoscopy(to be scheduled for a later date)A screening colonoscopy helps find precancerous and cancerous growth in the intestines. Starting at age 50, or sooner if there is a family history of colon cancer, women should have a colonoscopy.

What Is Fasting?When your healthcare provider

orders certain tests, you may be told to fast for several hours before the test or overnight. Fasting is when you consume no food or drinks, with the exception of water, for a set period of time. It’s important to drink plenty of water, not just because you’re not eating, but because it’s easier to draw blood from your veins when you’re well hydrated.

CMPComprehensive Metabolic Panel

Why Get Tested? To give your healthcare provider important information about the current status of your metabolism, including the health of your kidneys and liver as well as electrolyte and acid/base balance and levels of blood glucose and blood proteins; to monitor known conditions, such as hypertension, and to monitor the use of medications to check for any kidney- or liver-related side effects.

Test Preparation Needed? You may need to fast for 10-12 hours prior to sample collection; follow any instructions you are given.

TSHThyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Why Get Tested? To screen for and help diagnose thyroid disorders; to monitor treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Test Preparation Needed? None needed; however, certain medications can interfere with the TSH test, so tell your healthcare provider about any drugs that you are taking. If you take thyroid hormone as treatment for thyroid disease, it is recommended that your blood sample be drawn before you take your dose for that day.

VITAMIN D TESTWhy Get Tested?

To determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency; if you are receiving vitamin D supplementation, to determine if it is adequate.

Test Preparation Needed? None

CBCComplete Blood Count

Why Get Tested? To determine your general health status; to screen for, diagnose, or monitor any one of a variety of diseases and conditions that affect blood cells, such as anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorder or cancer.

Test Preparation Needed? None

LIPID PANELWhy Get Tested?

To assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to monitor treatment.

Test Preparation Needed? Fasting for 9-12 hours before having your blood drawn is required. For youths without risk factors, testing may be done without fasting.

Blood Health Smarts Explained

405 West Pearl StreetAtkinson, NE 68713

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDSIOUX CITY, IAPERMIT NO.41

Loretta Daniels, PA-CNurse PractitionerAvailable Friday,8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments

April Dexter, APRNNurse PractitionerAvailable Monday – Thursday,8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments

Douglas Laflan, MDFamily Practice PhysicianAvailable Monday,8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments

Brian Northcutt, MDFamily Practice PhysicianAvailable the second week of each month, Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments

Amy Rentschler, PA-CPhysician AssistantAvailable Tuesday – Friday,8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments

Meet Our Women’s

Healthcare ProvidersRobert Randall, MDFamily Practice PhysicianAvailable Tuesday and Thursday,8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for appointments