Learn about what’s new in local health care with Freeman Health System’s online newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about new doctors at Freeman, Breast Cancer Awareness month, upcoming events, and much more below.
New 3D Mammogram with Patient-Assisted Compression
Freeman Women’s Pavilion is equipped with the latest generation of 3D mammography equipment with patient-assisted compression. Freeman is thefirst and only in region to invest in GE’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta, a 3-D mammography system that enables women to determine the pressure applied for compression, improving women’s experience and delivering better images. This self-compression tool helps give women a sense of control by enabling them to manually adjust the degree of breast compression.
Fear of pain is one of the most common reasons why women do not schedule a mammogram. A recent study conducted found that painful exams explain why 25% to 46% of women failed to return for further breast imaging. The Pristina approaches this problem in two ways: by making the paddles that compress the breast more flexible and by putting compression control in the hands of the patient.
Call 417.347.7777 to schedule your mammogram today and learn more here.
Interventional Cardiologist Added to the Freeman Team
Freeman Health System is pleased to welcome rheumatologist Dr. Justin Reed to its medical staff. Dr. Reed brings with him his expertise in a new specialty at Freeman. Freeman is expanding its services with Freeman Rheumatology, located at 931 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, in the Freeman Center for Geriatric Medicine.
Rheumatologists diagnosis and treat diseases that affect the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and bones. They also treat systemic autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma.
Dr. Reed said he is excited to be able to bring a limited but much-needed service to the community.
“Rheumatologists deal with very complex diverse set of diseases,” Dr. Reed said. “It’s challenging because a lot of our diseases present insidiously. They can masquerade as other diseases before they fully present themselves in the textbook fashion. So, it takes some patience and diligence and getting to know your patients on a personal level.”
Dr. Reed is currently accepting patients by referral only. Learn more here.
Be a Flu Fighter with Worksite Clinics
It isn’t too late! Maintaining your annual flu vaccination is important because flu viruses evolve quickly and immunity can decline over time.
Freeman offers employers the option to be billed directly or to file insurance, if this is a covered benefit of your plan. On-site flu clinics offer:
- Convenience – clinics visit your work site
- Flexible scheduling – appointments available for all shifts, including nights and weekends
- Efficiency – ability to vaccinate about 45 people per hour
To schedule an on-site flu clinic, please contact Raenna Diaz, Freeman OccuMed On-Site Coordinator, at 417.347.6934. For more information on billing your group health insurance, please contact Shelby Allen, Freeman Prevention & Wellness Supervisor, at 417.347.5646.
National Health Observances
As you plan your Employee Wellness programs and communication, you can find resources at the Department of Health and Human Services Monthly Observances Calendar. Each month focuses on approximately three to six topics of interest. Here are just a few resources for September:
- The Institute of Healthcare Advancement focuses on Health Literacy in October. Check out the resources, PSAs and the Empowering Health Literacy for All webinar (October 5).
- October is a time to raise awareness about breast cancer. Encourage ladies to talk with the doctor about mammograms. You can also check out the 2030 Healthy People cancer-related initiatives.
- Spread awareness and highlighting efforts to prevent and address domestic violence is another major October health related campaign. Check out and share the Office of Women’s Health’s resources on domestic or intimate partner violence.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? Early diagnosis is critical to survival. Check with your primary care provider to see if you need to schedule a mammogram, and visit freemanhealth.com/breastcancer to learn more about Freeman’s breast cancer services.
Freeman also sponsors the Espresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group on the first Tuesday of each month at Joplin Avenue Coffee Shop. To RSVP, to Marcella at 417.347.2662.
Early Detection Screenings Save Lives
Freeman Screen Team offers four screenings for just $100.
- Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening
- Osteoporosis Risk Screening
If you’re interested in learning more about these screenings, check out the poster below or call the Screen Team at 417.347.6555.
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