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Women's Health

Breast Health Center

The Hamot breast health center, located within the Hamot Imaging Center at Sterling Square, offers screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, bone density screening, health education and wellness resources. Our experienced and caring staff includes board certified radiologists, registered mammography, ultrasound technicians, friendly office assistants and a full time certified breast health navigator. This team provides education, compassionate support and care coordination for patients with breast disease throughout Hamot and the community.

Hamot's breast health navigator is specifically trained in breast health care. Educated in understanding of the types of breast disease, including cancer, signs and symptoms, early detection techniques and treatments the navigator helps patients and families to steer through the maze of care providers, patient support organizations and related components of the healthcare system.

The breast health navigation program provides education and emotional support for patients and family members, and acts as a liaison between the patient and treatment. With guidance from the Breast Health Navigator, patients can count on the timely delivery of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up services, a key component to successful recovery. Specific duties include:

• Serving as an educator while supporting the patient and family in coping with the psychological aspects of breast cancer.
• Coordinating appointments with providers for the timely delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Facilitating communications between patients and providers.
• Providing educational resources to patients and their families.
• Supports the breast cancer patient and her family in understanding and coping with the strong emotions that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis.

There is no charge for the Breast Health Navigator services. Her only goal is to help ensure truly seamless care and to provide support for patients and families. To schedule an appointment, please dial (814) 877-5395. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mammograms are available at the following locations:

• 3406 Peach Street; Erie 16508; 877-5381
• 41 W. Main Street; North East 16428; 725-0727
• 991 Rt. 19; Waterford 16441; 796-6330
• 7287 West Ridge Road; Fairview 16415; 474-1732
• 208 Waterford Street; Edinboro 16412; 734-5220

The Beyond Breast Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hamot Health Connection, 3300 Peach Street, Sterling Square. The group is for women diagnosed with breast cancer, this wellness-oriented group focuses on emotional support, sharing experiences, information updates and positive reinforcement. For more information call (814) 877-6145.

Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States. One in five women has some form of heart disease. Twice as many women will die of heart disease than of breast, lung and other cancers combined. More women who have had a heart attack die within a year compared to men who have heart attacks. Almost one in two women will die of heart or blood vessel disease. Fifteen percent more women die of heart disease each year than men and about 63 percent of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.

Women often have symptoms that are atypical and different than men. They can be less obvious and include:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, tightness or pain in the center of the chest, sometimes extending down the left or both arms.
• Pain or discomfort in the lower chest, upper back, shoulders, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath or breathlessness.
• Unusual fatigue or tiredness (weakness and exhaustion).
• Flu like symptoms (nausea & cold sweating), dizziness and palpitations.
• Gastric upset.
• Vague feeling of anxiety.

You need to be aware of the fact that heart disease does not only affect men. The things that put women at risk for heart disease and stroke are essentially the same for men, except that women tend to be older when the disease strikes. You need to know your risk factors and take steps to modify those things that you have control over. Risk factors include:

• Age, gender, family history and race - all of which can't be changed or controlled.
• Smoking (controllable risk factor) - women who smoke have a higher risk of heart attack than nonsmokers. Smokers may have a heart attack 15 to 20 years earlier than nonsmokers.
• High blood pressure (controllable risk factor) - women have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) if they are overweight, have a family history of high blood pressure or have reached menopause.
• High cholesterol (controllable risk factor) - high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) increase the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL (good cholesterol) lower the risk of heart disease.
• Obesity (controllable risk factor) has been recognized recently as the number two killer of Americans. Body shape influences the risk of heart disease. Women with a large waist to hip size or apple shape have a higher risk than those women with heavy hips and thighs or pear shape.
• Diabetes (controllable risk factor) - women with diabetes have three to seven times the risk of heart disease than women who do not have diabetes.
• Increased stress (controllable risk factor) - there will always be stress around us, but unhealthy responses to stress can lead to other risk behaviors such as smoking and overeating.
• Physical inactivity (controllable risk factor) - decreased physical inactivity can lead to weight gain which can result in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

OB/GYN

Gynocology patients are cared for by a skilled group of board certified physicians in a women's surgical unit when a stay in an acute care service is necessary. The nursing staff is qualified and knowledgeable in its care of the acutely ill woman.

If you are like millions of Americans, you plan to eat healthier. To increase your chance of success, make a plan that is realistic and obtainable for you, and make changes gradually. Surround yourself with healthy foods that low in fat and calories. Having a positive, healthy environment helps ensure success. Performing at least thirty minutes of exercise most days of the week will boost your immune system and aid in a healthier lifestyle.