By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT — Because the 21st Century woman leads a full, hectic lifestyle, she will often neglect her health.
University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center, located at 158 W. Main Road (Route 20), is proud to present a solution: The Center for Women’s Health.
“This is something we have been looking for ever since the obstetrics unit closed in 2004,” said Carol Kercher, nurse practitioner, whose national certifications are in women’s health and family practice. “Here woman can come and get everything done in one visit, which is usually within an hour and a half.”
The center’s main focus is on professional women age 40 years and older. The visit includes a comprehensive physical exam with blood tests, mammograms, bone densitometries and referrals to specialists as indicated are available.
“Our goal is to provide excellence in service in a uniquely convenient format,” Kercher said. “The lab work is done right here in the exam room.”
Kercher, who is the provider for the patients and does the exams, works under the center’s medical director, Dr. Sam Ahuja, a board certified obstetric /gynecologist.
“Our hours are flexible to meet the needs of busy women,” she said.
Robin Bolender, a women’s health nurse, works individually with clients to assess risk factors for health problems including cervical cancer, breast disease, elevated cholesterol, cardiac risk, colon cancer, osteoporosis, bone and joint pain, thyroid problems, depression and others.
“My passion is educating women in breast self examination,” Bolender said.
“We want to be very clear, we work with the patient’s family doctors, this is an added service.”
Women can be referred by their family physician or just make an appointment. The center accepts private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and there is a grant program for women between 40 and 64 years of age who have no health insurance and qualify under income guidelines. It is called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project.
“Under this program women receive a mammogram and Pap Test and if they are diagnosed with a problem through the program all of their treatments will be covered,” Kercher said.
Contact The Center For Women’s Health at (440)593-0165.
