| DRAGON TALES April 2010 by Phyllis Parker Calendars adorn walls, refrigerator doors and travel in purses, wallets, brief cases, outlining activities of daily lives from January to December each year. There is one very important appointment that should appear on every woman's calendar if she is between the ages of 40 to 49. It should be her yearly mammogram. Women between 50 to 69 should have an appointment every second year. Women in these age groups , if they have not been screened, should discuss with their doctor the need to make an appointment. Women can also choose to contact the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program directly at 1-800-565-0548 to set up an appointment. The web site is www.breastscreening.ns.ca A mammogram is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. Five regional centers in Nova Scotia now have new digital mammography equipment. Hospitals in Bridgewater, Truro, Amherst, Antigonish and our own Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow now have this equipment installed and in use. This technology has been around for 5-10 years but has only more recently been used for breast imaging. David Quann Diagnostic Imaging Manager at the Aberdeen Hospital says the " biggest plus" for this new equipment is that it uses a lower dose of radiation, during its' operation, than older type machines. It also provides a higher resolution image - in other words a much clearer "picture" of breast tissue. All Aberdeen Hospital mammograms are read by technicians here but can be made available through a provincial network when consultations seem necessary. Local technicians, the patient's own doctor and a breast cancer specialist in Halifax , or elsewhere, can all look at the same image at the same time. These consultations are a valuable aid because they can be done quickly and easily and decisions regarding treatment can then be made. Following all breast screenings, letters with results are sent to both doctor and patient. At a later date the patient will receive notification of date and time of next year's follow-up appointment. It is our hope that increasing numbers of Nova Scotian women will have mammogram appointments on their calendars! Early detection improves the chance for a cure. In Other News....... The dragon boat is back in the East River. Equipment (paddles, steering oar, lifejackets and other assorted gear) was moved from winter storage back to our waterfront storage shed by four team members plus two husbands. The dragon head, tail and drum have been kindly refurbished by Brenda and Kirby Tucker and will arrive back shortly. Look for us on the water soon!!! For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333 |
|
| "The Dragon symbolizes success, prosperity and good luck. The spirit of the dragon guards its human cargo from the forces of nature." | |
| Web site developed by Lucas Technology & Analytics, 2005 |
