- Breast health. The National Cancer Institute recommends yearly or every other year screening mammograms for women over the age of 40. And women who are at high risk for breast cancer should take additional steps to protect and track their health. The Women's Imaging Center at El Camino Hospital has a screening tool that can help you determine your risk level, and our High-Risk Breast Program offers leading-edge identification, diagnosis and treatment options that can help save your life.
- Bone health. Strong bones are important for an active and healthy lifestyle. Osteoporosis robs women of the critical bone density – often before they even know it. One out of every two women past menopause has osteoporosis – yet it's both preventable and treatable. Engaging in regular, weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can all help keep your bones healthy. Our Bone Density center offers quick and painless bone density screenings that will help identify your risk for osteoporosis, so you can take steps now to help prevent it.
- Pelvic health. Good pelvic health goes well beyond reproductive concerns. Endometriosis, incontinence, and excessive bleeding are pelvic health problems that can be painful and affect the quality of your life. But there's no need to suffer when there are so many effective treatments available. From exercise programs that strengthen pelvic muscles to cutting-edge robotic surgical options, comprehensive pelvic health care can help keep you active and enjoying life.
- Mental health. Mental health issues affect more than 20% of the population, and can greatly diminish the quality of life or even lead to disability. Mental illness affects both men and women, but women are at a higher risk for many disorders, and can have symptoms that are very different from men. Post-partum depression, stress, and anxiety are all common yet serious health issues for women. Left untreated, they can all lead to other conditions and even increase the risk of heart disease. If you have persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, have difficulty concentrating, have lost interest in previously enjoyable activities, or experience fatigue or sleep issues, talk to your doctor. Medications, talk therapy, and stress-reduction programs are all effective, and can help you get back to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. El Camino Hospital has extensive behavioral health services, and specialized treatment programs including:
- The Maternal Outreach Mood Services program, which offers a day treatment program to help new or expecting mothers that are dealing with anxiety or depression.
- The Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction program, which helps you develop techniques to cope with everyday stress or intense situations.
This article first appeared in the April 2014 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
