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Wellness program offers events, screenings

For more information on Health 1st, visit the Wellness Wednesday table in the Children’s Hospital lobby between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 30.

Health 1st, the MUSC Employee Wellness Program, focuses on physical, nutritional and emotional health and injury reduction. This program encourages MUSC employees and others through the community to participate in programs that promote the health and well being of the MUSC community.

Health 1st events
  • Worksite Screening: Subscribers of the State Health Plan can receive this thorough preventive health screening  at work. The next screening will be May 8 at Cannon Place. This screening, valued at $200, is available for $15. Employees without this insurance can participate for $38. This screening includes height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and a blood lipid profile.
  • Wellness Teams: Start Walking and Get Healthy! Join a wellness team in June to walk your way to prizes, friendship and a healthier, happier you. Form a team and receive free pedometers.
  • La Leche League: Breastfeeding or considering it? La Leche League of Charleston offers mother-to-mother support, monthly meetings, and telephone help from accredited leaders. Meetings are at 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in Room 204 at the Harper Student Wellness Center.
  • Mammogram Screening: Looking for a convenient way to have your mammogram? The Hollings Cancer Center van is coming to MUSC June 18.
  • Cookbook: MUSC’sWomen’s Club, Heart Health and Health 1st have teamed up to create MUSC’s first heart healthy cookbook. Submit recipes to catjan@musc.edu or drop them in the collection box near the cafeteria
  • Midday Mile:Health 1st will begin a mile walk at noon once a week starting in June.
 
Preventive screening—tests to find cancer early
According to the American Cancer Society, there are variations in how often a person  should have a screening based on family history, tobacco use, sexual practices, etc. It is recommended adults should seek a doctor’s advice regarding screening frequency. The following is an abbreviated guide:
  • Women—age 20 to 29: Cervical—conventional Pap test yearly or every other year liquid-based Pap test and every three years for a clinical breast exam. Age 30 to 39: Cervical—conventional or liquid-based Pap test every two to three years or Pap test with HPV DNA test every three years and a clinical breast exam every three years. Age 40 to 49: A mammogram every year as long as the woman is in good health and has  a clinical breast exam prior to mammogram
  • Men—age 20 to 44: At the time of a check-up, examination for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, and testes. Age 45 to 49: At the time of a check-up, examination for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes and testes. Every year:  A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) testing for men at high risk for prostate cancer (black men and men with a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age). Age 50 and older: At the time of a check-up, examination for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes and testes. Every year: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) should be offered to average risk men. Information should be provided about the benefits and limitations of testing so that an informed decision can be made about testing. Men at high risk should also have a PSA and DRE every year.

Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.

   

Friday, April 25, 2008
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.