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| An e-health newsletter brought to you by the doctors and staff at Virginia Women's Center Fall 2010 |
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Happy fall from Virginia Women's Center! We hope that you've been enjoying time outside in the cooler weather and that you're looking forward to the beautiful fall colors. Here at VWC, we've been busy with lots of exciting changes of our own. These improvements all have the same ultimate goal: to better care for you. |
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 VWC unveils revamped Web site featuring a secure patient portal
We are excited to unveil a new look and feel at www.VirginiaWomensCenter.com! Our Web site will continue to be a resource-rich guide to help you answer your women's health care questions. However, while perusing, you may recognize some familiar faces as images from a recent employee photo shoot grace the pages.
One of the most exciting features of our new Web site is our secure patient portal. Now, at your convenience - 24/7 - and from the comfort of your own home, you are able utilize the following features:
- Communicate via secure message with your VWC care team.
- Get prompt notification of your lab and test results via secure message.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Request a prescription refill.
- Update and view your medical chart.
- Receive an e-statement through which you can view and pay your bill.
At Virginia Women's Center, as we continue to adopt new technologies that advance the care we provide, your safety is our chief priority. Your medical records and personal information are encrypted and PIN-protected. Our secure patient portal is a technologically sound system that supports a real-time link to our in-office electronic health records.
This is a new patient portal, and to use it you will need to register, even if you registered in the last two years on our previous patient portal. To register, go to www.VirginiaWomensCenter.com and click on the "Register/Sign In" button at the top right corner of the page. Then, click "Register" on the top left hand corner of the page. Follow the steps to create your account. Please note: if you have viewed or paid a bill from an e-statement, you do not need to register. Just click on "Sign in" and enter your username and password.
In order to access all the functions of the secure patient portal, you will need a personal identification number, also known as a PIN. To ensure your privacy and the security of your medical records, PINs are generated and distributed in person. You will receive your PIN at your next visit, or if you wish, you are welcome to come to any one of our locations before your next appointment and one of our patient coordinators will be happy to generate your PIN for you. Even without your PIN, you are able to register on the secure patient portal and request your next appointment.
Read our recent news release to learn more about the use of technology at Virginia Women's Center. Should you have any questions, feedback or suggestions, feel free to contact us at 804-288-4084. |
October is breast health awareness month
Dr. Edmund Schoeffler |
In the United States, it is expected that there will be 207,090 new cases of breast cancer in women in 2010. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Let us join together during the month of October and work hard to educate our loved ones about the importance of breast health and early detection.
"There are three important components that aid in early detection," says Dr. Schoeffler, "and it is my hope that every woman in your life is practicing each of these."
1. Mammograms: What is a mammogram? A mammogram is used to examine the breast tissue by X-ray. It can find tiny lumps before they can be felt. The results of your first exam are compared with later ones to detect changes. Annual mammograms should be performed beginning at age 40 - or sooner if you have a family history of breast or other cancers.
2. Clinical breast exams: What is a clinical breast exam? A clinical breast exam is an examination of your breasts by a health professional. The provider will look for abnormalities in size and shape, changes in the skin of the breast or nipple and location of any lumps.
3. Breast awareness and breast self-exams: There are both benefits and limitations associated with breast self-exams. It is most important that a woman knows how her breasts normally look and feel and is able to alert her provider of any changes. Some women may choose to perform breast self-exams using this technique.
 Virginia Women's Center currently offers our digital mammography services at three locations: our Henrico Doctors' Forest Medical Plaza, our John Rolfe office in the Far West End and our Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville.
VWC Mammogram Technologists: Michele Rolle, Beth Wilson, Mildred Ayala and Sara Wakefield | |
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Special events during the month of October
Extended hours for mammography at John Rolfe
In an effort to celebrate and educate you, our patients, and the community about breast health, we will be offering extended hours for mammography at our John Rolfe location from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the evening of October 28. If you are due for your mammogram, please take advantage of these evening appointment times and make breast health an integral part of your wellness routine. Call 804-288-4084 to schedule your appointment.
Mark your calendars: Women's Wellness Expo
On October 23, River City Charities is sponsoring a Women's Wellness Expo at the Richmond Marriott Downtown. The event will include resources for health and wellness information, screenings and products. The expo hopes to emphasize the importance of prevention and education of women's health issues as well as the availability of resources for women in Central Virginia. Virginia Women's Center will be hosting a booth at the expo and our very own Dr. Elizabeth Roberts and Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch will be giving a lecture from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come out and join us for this free event! |
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Inside look: the Center for Bone Health
 While osteoporosis is typically thought of as a disease that only affects an older population, it can strike at any age. Sharon Street, Certified Technologist in Radiology and Bone Densitometry, says that "at Virginia Women's Center, because we feel strongly that bone health is a crucial part of a complete health program for women, we have devoted our time and efforts to creating the Center for Bone Health."
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and are thus more likely to break. While it can be a debilitating disease, it can be prevented if bone loss is detected early. The prevention of osteoporosis begins in childhood as approximately 85% to 90% of adult bone mass is acquired by early adulthood.
While building strong bones is extremely important in the adolescent years, maintaining those bones requires a lifetime of practicing these preventative measures:
Virginia Women's Center offers bone density testing by using a technology called Dual-energy Absorptiometry - or DXA. Because many women and men are not able to feel their bones getting weaker, they may not know that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. A DXA scan measures bone mineral content and density at specific bone sites, typically the hip and spine. Virginia Women's Center recommends bone density testing for women that are age 65 or older, postmenopausal women or anyone with certain medical conditions that would contribute to low bone mineral density and increased risk for fracture.
Sharon Street, Certified Technologist in Radiology and Bone Densitometry | |
Seasonal flu vaccine
If you are attempting pregnancy, are currently pregnant or breastfeeding during flu season, the flu shot is recommended. Pregnant women should not have the "live" or activated influenza vaccine which comes in nasal spray form. Patients of Virginia Women's Center who have an appointment during flu season will be able to receive the vaccine for the influenza virus. Vaccines may also be available at primary-care physician offices, your job, local pharmacies and some grocery stores. |
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From The Kitchen Of...
A recipe for "Awesome Cocktail Meatballs" from the kitchen of nurse practitioner, Carol Gruber - a special treat just in time for the start of football season!
 Ingredients: - 1 cup of ketchup
- 1 small jar (8 or 10 oz.) of grape or currant jelly
- 1 � small jars of Dijon mustard
- � cup of cider vinegar
- � cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 50-100 frozen meatballs
Directions:
In a large cooking pot, combine ketchup, jelly, mustard, vinegar, water, brown sugar and a few shakes of Worcestershire. Cook on low/medium heat. Stir until sauce is well mixed and consistent. While you're making the sauce, microwave the meatballs. Put about 30 or so in a casserole dish and place a damp paper towel on top. Microwave on high for about 8-10 minutes. When they're done, spoon the meatballs out of the dish and dump them in the sauce. Leave the grease in the dish. Repeat with another batch of meatballs until you have as many as you need. Simmer on low for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Connect with VWC on Facebook and Twitter
Do You Like Virginia Women's Center? Let Us Know.
 If you haven't already chosen to "Like" our Facebook page, do so today. Plus, Virginia Women's Center is now on Twitter - @VaWomensCenter - so be sure to follow us. By connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter, you will receive up-to-date information about our practice and women's health and be able to engage with your Virginia Women's Center community. Our social media platforms are also great resources  for more recipes like the one listed above as well as family-friendly activities to do in Richmond. |
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Centerpiece contains health information for women of all ages and news about Virginia Women's Center. It is not meant to be substituted as medical advice from your doctor. If we have your email address in our electronic medical records system, you should receive a copy automatically. Virginia Women's Center will not share your email address with anyone outside our offices. Be sure to set your email filter to accept mail from [email protected].
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