Ocala Health

Events & Classes Calendar

Ocala Health wants you to make informed decisions about your health. We offer several classes free of charge to the community. Please check the calendar on our home page for upcoming events!  ocalahealthsystem.com

American Diabetes Association Recognition

Discuss Diabetes Self-Management Education with your physician. Ocala Health offers a program Recognized by the American Diabetes Association. For more information, please call our team at 352-237-2441.

Mistaken Identity

Check out our Horse Fever horse, “Mistaken Identity” located outside West Marion Community Hospital”  http://bit.ly/HHxiaZ

Join Us Tomorrow

We are holding a seminar titled “Treatment of Common Anal and Rectal Conditions” at our Senior Wellness Community Center tomorrow (4/11) from 2-3pm. Please register by calling 1-800-530-1188 or by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/HxygNd

Preventive Measures for Women's Health

Throughout their lives, women can take important steps to detect diseases early and stop their development. Women should visit their doctors regularly for overall check-ups, but here are a few of the most important tests they should undergo.

• Mammogram
  Women with risk factors for breast cancer may want to consider having annual mammograms beginning at age 35; however, most women do not need to have them until age 50.

• Osteoporosis screening
  As women’s estrogen levels drop after menopause, they begin to lose bone mass, leaving them at increased risk of fractures. Women over the age of 65, or women with additional risk factors, should have bone scans once a year to spot early signs of osteoporosis.

• Pap smear
  To prevent cervical cancer, women should have pap smears every two years. This test removes a few cells from the cervix, the entrance to the uterus, to test for signs of cancer. Women who have had genital warts should have yearly pap smears, because human papilloma virus, the virus that causes genital warts, has been connected to cervical cancer. Women over 30 can also consider Gardasil, a vaccine against human papilloma virus, to reduce their risk of cancer.

• Pelvic exams
  Women of all ages should have regular pelvic exams to check for infection and other signs of disease, including sexually transmitted diseases and ovarian cysts.

• Blood glucose test
  Diabetes is a serious complication of obesity that can lead to vision problems, neuropathy, and numerous other complications. Early detection allows for early treatment and control of the disease. To test for diabetes, women should undergo a blood glucose test every three years, or more often if they have additional risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.

To avoid devastating health problems later, take the time now to visit your doctor and gynecologist for these important tests. They can detect the early signs of diseases and help prevent more serious health issues. For more information about taking steps to protect your health, contact Ocala Health System at (352) 401-1000.