How to Get the Most Out of Your Annual Exam
Whether you dread or look forward to your health report card and check-up, if this is the one time you see your doctor each year, try to make the most of it!
Read moreAsk Sofia: What Does a Normal/Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?
Pap smears swab the cells in your cervix. Many women have normal results, but what does it mean if yours is abnormal?
Read moreImmunizations
Immunizations are not only important for children; they are necessary for adults as well, especially as you age. If you have not received certain vaccinations through adulthood, now may be a good time to talk to your healthcare provider about immunizations.
Read morePreconception Planning
If you feel ready to become pregnant, you may make an appointment to discuss preconception counseling. Your caregiver will help you maximize your health to prepare to nurture your baby. During this visit, you may talk about lifestyle and nutrition, start prenatal vitamins, have a blood test, and review medical history.
Read moreDo I Still Need an Annual Exam after Menopause?
Yes, at Clinic Sofia we like to see our patients – no matter what your age – once a year. While the focus of your annual visit will change over time, we still perform preventative screenings such as breast exams, mammograms, screenings for colon cancer and ovarian cysts, and cholesterol checks, among others.
Read moreGetting Your First Mammogram
Let’s face it: Few women are excited about having their first mammogram (or even their second, third or tenth one). However, for most women, a mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is the best way to detect breast cancer as early as possible, since it can detect lumps so small that they can’t be felt.
Read moreAsk Sofia: Why Do I Need an Annual Mammogram?
Most organizations today – including Clinic Sofia – encourage women to receive an annual mammogram starting at age 40. We are always happy to discuss the benefits and risks of an annual screening – the best tool for detecting breast abnormalities – as well as the procedure itself.
Read moreChanging Pap Smear Guidelines
When patients visit Dr. Jewelia Wagner, many of them ask about Pap smear guidelines, wondering how often they need to get one. “The guidelines on Pap smears changed recently, so it’s no wonder there are a lot of questions on this topic,” she said. “I’m happy to report that most patients no longer need an annual pap, however, we still want to see you every year to make sure everything else is going well and to offer assistance with any issues.” A screening for cervical cancer, a Pap smear involves collecting cells from the opening f the cervix, which are then examined under a microscope.
Read moreAsk Sofia: When Should I Bring My Daughter in for the First Time?
Girls now start puberty as early as age 8 and often begin menstruating around age 12, so this is a great, thoughtful question. Dr. Donna Block says that unless your daughter is having menstrual or gynecological issues or is sexually active, most girls don’t have their first pelvic exam until later in high school or […]
Read moreThe Questions You Should Be Asking Your Doctor
If you are experiencing certain symptoms or reaching a milestone in your life or your health, you might already have a few questions in mind for your next doctor’s visit. We are always here to listen and to answer your questions and provide information as best as we can.
Read moreWhat Happens at a Prenatal Visit
You’ve seen the plus sign or the little blue line on the at-home pregnancy test. What’s next? It’s time to call your doctor to set up your first prenatal visit. Regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy will focus on both health and education – for you and your growing baby.
Read moreCommon Concerns for Women Post-Menopause
While the hot flashes may have tapered off, women may have a new set of concerns, changes and challenges post-menopause. Following are some of the questions we hear at Clinic Sofia; please contact us if you have further questions or concerns. How will I know when I’m post-menopausal? Generally, when you have not had a […]
Read moreBreast Self-Exams
you are familiar with your breasts – how they feel, how they look, how they react – then you are more likely to notice if something changes or goes awry. You are the best expert on your body, and self-exams only take a few minutes to perform.
Read moreClinic Sofia Partners with New River Medical Center
Clinic Sofia patients now have even more options when it comes to health care: Clinic Sofia and New River Medical Center recently partnered to bring gynecological services and specialized care for women in the Monticello community. Appointments begin Oct. 26. Clinic Sofia will also provide both gynecological and obstetrical services at the New River Medical […]
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