As we enter a new year, the physicians and staff of Virginia Women's Center send our best wishes to you and your family for a year of health and joy. No matter what stage of life you are in, Virginia Women's Center is dedicated to providing the utmost quality care. An integral part of good care, however, is prevention. Below is a list of recommended screenings, depending on your age and health history, that are vital parts of a complete health program for women.

As Dr. Elizabeth Roberts states, screenings are "so easy to put off, so look for ways to make them easier." For example, you could designate a month in which you have all your screenings performed or find a friend and schedule your appointments on the same day.

Please note: These are the general recommendations for the age at which to begin screening and the frequency of screenings. It is important for you and your health care provider to determine the frequency of screenings based on your individual health and family history.

Annual well-woman exam: An annual exam is more than just a Pap test. It includes a complete review of your medical history, a pelvic exam, a breast exam, health counseling and the opportunity to ask questions and build a relationship with your health care provider. Additionally, it may include lab tests or a Pap test.

The age at which to start annual well-woman exams varies depending on the individual's health and maturity. Generally, we recommend that a woman have her first gynecologic visit in her early teen years.

Image courtesy of Joe Mahoney.

Pap test: A Pap test is a simple screening test that helps detect abnormal cells on a woman's cervix. Beginning at age 21, a woman should have a Pap test every two years until age 30. Women aged 30 and older should have a Pap test every two years until she has had three normal results in a row. After that point, she can have Pap tests every three years. There are circumstances where these recommendations would not apply, so it is best to speak with your health care provider to determine the frequency on an individual basis.

Mammogram: Mammography is a good way to find cancerous growths in the breast before they are large enough to be felt. It is recommended that women over age 40 have a mammogram annually. Again, there are certain circumstances or family history that might warrant earlier screening. Virginia Women's Center offers screening mammograms at three of our locations: Henrico Doctors', Memorial Regional Medical Center and John Rolfe Commons.

Colonoscopy: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Routine screening can help detect colorectal cancer early enough to be treated. A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon using a small, lighted instrument. It is the preferred screening method and it is recommended that women have a colonoscopy every ten years after age 50. Again, there are certain circumstances or family history that might warrant earlier screening. While colonoscopies are not performed at Virginia Women's Center, they are an important component of a woman's health.

Bone Density Screening: At Virginia Women's Center, we use a technology called Dual-energy Absorptiometry-or DXA. This bone densitometer measures bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites (mainly the hip and the spine) that are most susceptible to fracture because of osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. Because of the prevalence of these diseases, especially in post-menopausal women, it is recommended that women age 65 and older be tested for bone density every two years. For women with certain risk factors or family histories, earlier screening might be recommended. Virginia Women's Center offers bone density screenings at two of our locations: Memorial Regional Medical Center and John Rolfe Commons.

Our certified bone densitometry technologist, Sharon R. Street, RT(R) (CT), with our full-body bone density machine. Image courtesy of Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D.

By Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D. 

A new year is upon us and we are once again encouraged to make resolutions and goals for our lives. "Out with the old and in with the new" seems to epitomize the act of shedding old habits and creating new and healthy lifestyles. One of these healthy habits is to take control of our lives by becoming more organized. In this article, I will discuss the psychological importance of being organized and provide specific suggestions to help you achieve this goal in 2012. 

What does it mean to be "organized"?  On the one hand, this adjective refers to an orderly, physical presence exemplified by a clean desk or a neat household. It also refers to someone who is able to multitask successfully by organizing his/her time. While there is an extreme version of this in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, as these individuals are compelled to put things in order for the purpose of managing their anxiety, the quality of being organized is highly valued in our society. It is easier to be in relationships with individuals who are organized, because they tend to be on time for appointments and follow through on their commitments. 

Although some people are naturally organized and able to manage their time effectively, all of us have the capacity to live a more organized life; it just may require extra effort. Attention to our physical surroundings is a good place to start in fostering organization. It is difficult to achieve any of our goals if our physical space is disorderly. We end up spending an inordinate amount of time trying to find important papers on our desk or locating phone numbers. Furthermore, there is a psychological benefit to purging and cleaning out our lives. In some respects, organization of our possessions is like a review and inventory of our lives. 

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Image courtesy of Cheryl Woods Photography.

By Michele J. Rolle, chief mammography technologist

She arrived late for her appointment, not unlike other patients who were surprised by the heavy storm.

I couldn't help but notice that she appeared uncomfortable as she sat in the waiting room. When it was her turn, I called her back to the mammography suite. She never lifted her head as I instructed her to remove everything from the waist up.

Once we were inside the exam room, I questioned her briefly about her breast health history. She answered softly. At first I thought she was somewhat fearful about having a mammogram. We approached the mammography unit together. She removed the cape from her shoulders. I took a deep breath to keep from responding inappropriately to what I saw. Her breasts and upper torso were covered with bruises.

I wrapped my arms around her, and for a moment neither of us spoke. Her tears flowed. She explained that the bruises were inflicted by her husband, who beat her in an area that would not be seen easily. My question was whether she was safe now. Yes, she was living in a shelter for battered women. I told her I was relieved that she was free from further abuse.
I gently completed her mammogram with all the compassion and professional care I could muster. She dressed and before she left the mammography suite I promised that what we shared behind closed doors would remain confidential.

I never saw her again.

This encounter and countless others remind me of why I come to work each day. Besides providing breast imaging, I am here to serve my patients, some of whom are at their most vulnerable.

What I have learned in more than 25 years in this profession is that my observation has to be keener than just what is required to properly position my patient. I have learned that even in the midst of my most hectic day, when it seems that having two more arms and an extra room would not be enough, I must sharpen my senses to the most important priority of the day: my patient.

I believe we are drawn to the challenging profession of health care because of our need to serve mankind, and we must remain committed to reach beyond boundaries to rescue a patient who is silenced by a crisis.

Just the other day as I entered the pharmacy in the pouring rain, there in the doorway stood a woman who looked as if she could have been my age. She seemed baffled by the sudden downpour as she looked in the direction of what must have been where her car was parked. It was obvious she didn't have an umbrella, and as I approached with mine still open, I offered to walk with her to the car. Her response of "no thank you" was surprising but understandable. I asked again: "Are you sure? I really don't mind walking with you to your car," but she declined.

I gave myself a quick once over to see if I looked strange. I was still wearing my medical scrubs, which are recognizable as such by most people. Then it occurred to me, generally speaking, we are unaccustomed to strangers demonstrating care for our circumstances.

How sad.

I believe the power of caring is demonstrated every day. Sometimes it makes the news. Most often, no one hears about average people who provide an umbrella of care for strangers. Maybe we make their day by holding the door or offering a kind morning greeting to someone who lives alone.

Whichever way you choose to demonstrate your power of caring, don't stop!

And the next time you find yourself caught in an unexpected downpour, give in to that stranger offering an umbrella.

Michele J. Rolle is chief mammography technologist at the Virginia Women's Center in Richmond.

Michele's article was featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sunday, December 11. Thank you, Michele, for sharing this powerful story with the Richmond community.