Published: May 08, 2008 10:45 am         

Parkview Encourages Women to get Check-Ups

MEXIA, TX - Picking up the dry cleaning, cooking for the family, taking the dog to the vet, making doctor’s appointments for the kids. Who is it that usually accomplishes all of these tasks? If your household is like most, it is done by the woman of the house.

“Women are generally the caretakers,” explained Maura Plemons, RN, Director of Parkview Regional Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics. “And so often, they spend so much energy taking care of the family that they neglect to take care of themselves.”

That’s why Parkview is joining with health providers across the country in promoting National Women’s Health Week May 11-17. This special week serves as a reminder to encourage women to schedule a health check-up with their health care provider.

“Regular check-ups are important,” stated Dr. Jerry Simmons, a family medicine provider at the Parkview Rural Health Clinic. “It gives us a chance to schedule routine screenings, such as mammograms and Pap smears, so that we can detect diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some women require testing earlier, and some more often, but they won’t know unless they have regular appointments with their provider.”

The nationwide effort of National Women’s Health Week starts off this year with the sixth annual Women’s Health Check-Up Day on May 12. Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, the effort focuses specifically on preventive screenings that can save lives.

“Many diseases can be successfully treated if the warning signs are noticed and they are caught early enough,” Dr. Simmons further explained. “With regular check-ups, we can discuss with the patient what tests are right for the patient and how often they should be completed.”

Parkview wishes to urge women to take the first step in taking care of themselves: make an appointment with your regular physician. For a checklist of screenings you can take with you to your appointment, visit www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthywom.htm. In addition to the checklist, there are suggestions on what you can do to be healthy, such as:

• Be tobacco free

• Be physically active

• Eat a healthy diet

• Stay at a healthy weight

• Take preventive medicines if you need them

For more information on Women’s Health Week or with help finding a local physician, contact Parkview Regional Hospital at (254) 562-5332.