a mammogram
Get ready, get set, then get it done
Good for you:
You’ve decided to schedule a mammo-
gram. When you finally make that call, think about go-
ing to an imaging center that features Soft-Touch Digital
Mammography like the one you’ll find at the Los Robles
Imaging Center in Moorpark.
The Los Robles Imaging Center in Moorpark offers
MammoPads to make the experience as pleasant and
pain-free as possible.
MammoPads are soft foam pads that cushion the breast
during a mammogram. They provide a warmer, more com-
fortable surface and they significantly reduce discomfort
for most women.
Whether this is your first mammogram or you’re a
veteran of the test, it’s helpful to follow these suggestions:
Before your appointment.
Choose a date for your ap-
pointment that’s about a week after your period ends (if
you’re still menstruating). Your breasts will be less swollen
and tender at that time, which will help make the mam-
mogram more comfortable and the images clearer.
Exam day.
Wear pants, shorts or a skirt so you can easily
remove your top and bra before the exam. Don’t use deodor-
ant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, ointment or perfume
under your arms or on your breasts that day. During the
exam, each breast will be compressed in the machine for
a few seconds while a series of pictures are taken.
Afterward.
Within a week, you will receive a letter from
the Los Robles Imaging Center with the results of your
mammogram.
Don’t forget:The American Cancer Society recommends
that women 40 and older get the test every year.
Additional sources: American College of Radiology; Office on Women’s Health; Radiological
Society of North America
Congratulations—you’re the owner
of a new
hip! Soon you’ll be reacquainting yourself with favorite
activities that not so long ago gave you more pain than
pleasure.
But don’t get ahead of yourself. The trick is to be active
without doing too much too soon.
If you’ve attended the Total Joint Program Education
class at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, you know
how important it is to follow a comprehensive program—
one that gives you clear guidelines for what to expect and
do before, during and after surgery.
At first, to avoid common postsurgical problems like
hip dislocation, you’ll need to take extra care even when
doing everyday activities such as:
Sitting.
To be safe, use a chair with arms. A raised
chair or stool is often easier to use. Don’t cross your legs
or bend forward while seated.
Sleeping.
Position yourself on your back with your
legs slightly apart. Or if you sleep on your side, put a pil-
low between your knees. A firm bed that’s not too low
is usually best.
Climbing stairs.
If you must use the stairs, step up first
with your unaffected leg and then bring your other leg up
to the same step. Follow that with your cane or crutches.
On the way down, reverse the process.
Exercising.
When and how much depends on your
specific condition. Activities may include walking, using
a stationary bike or swimming.
Your doctor, physical therapist and others will help
design the best rehab plan for you.
To have a Total Joint Program pamphlet mailed to
your home and for further information, call Britt Fuller,
our Total Joint Program coordinator, at
805-370-4694
.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institutes of Health
How to protect that brand-new hip
W
e l l n e s s
Prepare for your homecoming
One useful thing to do
before hip surgery is to
prepare your home for your
return after your operation.
Plan to:
■
■
Rearrange furniture so it
will be easy to maneuver
with a walker or crutches.
■
■
Clear the floors to reduce
your risk for falling. For in-
stance, pick up throw rugs
and move electrical cords.
■
■
Make sure helpful items
will be on hand. This might
include: a long-handled
sponge for bathing, a
shower chair, a raised toilet
seat, a long-handled shoe-
horn and a reacher.
■
■
Move regularly used
items close by. For example,
relocate things you use
that are normally up high
or down low in your kitchen
to counter level. Place the
phone, TV remote control,
medicine, tissues and other
items within arm’s reach of
a firm chair with a higher-
than-average seat where
you’ll recuperate.
Sources: American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institutes
of Health
To schedule
a mammogram,
call
805-523-8062
.
2
w i n t e r 2 0 1 3
H E A L T H
s c e n e
1 3,4,5,6,7,8