Women’s health event aims to pack the Hyart

By: 
Patti Carpenter

October is the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In observance of the month, North Big Horn Hospital is offering something different this year to all women in the community: an event called “Pack the Hyart in Pink” sponsored by NBHH in partnership with the Hyart Theatre in Lovell.

Women of all ages are invited to celebrate women’s health at a complementary screening of the movie “13 going on 30.”  The viewing, which begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Hyart Theatre, includes free popcorn and soft drinks.

North Big Horn Hospital’s women’s health providers Ali Wagner, FNP and Brenda Arnett, FNP, along with the hospital’s radiology staff will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions regarding women’s health issues and recommended health screenings available at North Big Horn Hospital.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 360,000 people (men included) will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the end of this year. However, advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of patient survival. According to the foundation, when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99 percent.

Women’s wellness screening recommendations include an annual breast cancer screening (mammogram) for all women starting at age 40; a cervical/pelvic exam every 3-5 years starting at age 21; a Dexa scan screening to measure bone density for all post-menopausal women ages 50-65; a colon cancer screening every 3-5 years for all women age 45 and older; a lung cancer screening for any woman with a 30 pack per year smoking history starting at age 55 through age 80; a once in a lifetime screening for both hepatitis C and HIV; an annual blood pressure check for women age 28 and above; and an annual bloodwork screening that includes screening cholesterol levels. Women 40 years of age and older can self-refer for a state-of-the-art digital mammogram directly with the hospital’s radiation department.

The hospital district has consistently offered at least one women’s health event every year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the past several years. It’s usually very well attended and has proven in the past to be not only a bonding experience for different generations of women but an informative experience for those attending.

 

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