Well Woman Care
What is Well Woman Care?
Well Woman Care occurs at an annual or biannual patient visit to our Marin County, Greenbrae OB-GYN office. This health screening is performed to evaluate a patient’s current health status and may include blood tests, a clinical breast examination, mammogram, pelvic examination and Pap smear. Counseling or education may be offered to encourage healthy lifestyle changes.
Why is Well Woman Care important?
Well Woman Care is a classic example of the old saying about an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Many health conditions occur slowly and are the result of lifestyle factors: diet, exercise or health habits. An annual visit is an opportunity to catch problems early or to identify trends, such as weight gain, that may cause problems later in life. It is also an opportunity for our patients to ask questions and address any concerns with Dr. La Follette, developing a stronger doctor-patient relationship while providing an educational opportunity to learn more about individual health issues.
Who needs Well Woman Care?
Well Woman Care goes beyond the needs for care during the reproductive years. Young women who are sexually active may need birth control, which means various aspects of their health should be monitored. During the reproductive years, both Well Woman and obstetric care are important. Women of any age who have chronic medical conditions need it to help prevent complications and catch problems early. Finally, women who are postmenopausal may need symptom management for menopause or care for conditions such as osteoporosis.
How are Well Woman Care and cognitive function connected?
Part of maintaining health into old age is keeping the brain in good shape, along with the rest of the body. A regular schedule of Well Woman Care exams provides an opportunity for the doctor to identify small problems early and to reinforce healthy habits. Exercise, for example, promotes not only heart health but cognitive function. If any questions about cognitive function arise, the doctor can make a more detailed assessment or a referral to a specialist.
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Dr. La Follette feels as though it is her responsibility to stay current with all aspects of women’s health. This includes new non-invasive ways to screen for colon cancer (Cologuard), better ways to preserve cognitive function with supplements and recommendations from the local Buck Institute of Aging, and staying abreast of cutting-edge technologies and treatments. They would like to be known as a resource for your health questions and concerns so they may assist in directing your care and lead you to good health outcomes.
*We do not quote aesthetic prices over the phone, and pricing is talked about at your initial consultation. An initial consultation is $250 that can be applied to treatments.