Watch Us Grow! | |

Search our Physician Database to find the one that is right for you.

Watch 60 Second Housecall

Every Monday thru Friday

On WTVA at Noon and Ten ...

Make someone's day a little brighter with a hand-delivered e-mail greeting!

NMMC Women's Hospital - Women's Health Concerns

Women's Health Concerns

NOW MORE THAN EVER, women are raising their consciousness of the unique needs and challenges they face in managing their own health. They have begun to play a stronger role in their care and are asking questions about their health and their health care providers. The many affiliates and services of North Mississippi Medical Center recognize this and offer a variety of women's health services throughout north Mississippi, northwest Alabama and portions of southwest Tennessee. Dedicated to caring for a woman's health throughout her life, these programs focus on every aspect of well-being.

Primary Care

Your first level of care at any age. A primary care physician is one who assumes overall responsibility for a patient's medical care. While primary physicians do not treat every medical problem, they do determine if a patient should be referred to a specialist (such as a surgeon or cardiologist) for further care.

Family Medicine Physicians offer continuing and comprehensive health care services to people of all ages. Family physicians care for women's general health care needs, from routine cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings, to family planning and menopause issues.

Internal Medicine Physicians diagnose and treat diseases in adults, typically from the middle teens on up. Some internists have pursued additional training in the area of women's health concerns.

Obstetrics-Gynecology. Obstetrics involves caring for a woman from preconception (when a woman is planning to become pregnant) through labor and childbirth, and after the baby is born. Gynecology covers a woman's special health care from puberty through menopause, and includes issues ranging from nutrition to hormones.

Obstetrician-gynecologists are physicians who specialize in women's general medical care, treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, and care of pregnant women. They also provide a wide range of gynecological surgery options.

Pediatrics. Mothers do everything they can to help their children stay well and happy. So do we.
  • Area pediatricians provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents
  • Satellite clinics by pediatric subspecialists from Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center
  • Pediatric speech, physical and occupational therapy
  • NMMC's Home Health Agency staff with specialty training in pediatrics

For the name and phone number of a North Mississippi Medical Center physician near you, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

top

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety include difficulty sleeping, outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Anxiety causes a woman to feel nervous or "on guard" and easily startled. Treatment for anxiety is individualized, based on the severity of symptoms and level of function.

top

 

Arthritis

Your primary care physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, an internal medicine physician who specializes in treating rheumatoid diseases such as arthritis.

  • Physical and occupational therapy programs available by physician referral
  • Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
  • Arthritis Foundation's Aquatic Program, a water-based exercise program for people with arthritis

For more information, call your local NMMC Wellness Center:

Baldwyn (662)365-7873

Hamilton, Ala. (205) 921-2997
Iuka (662) 423-1980

Pontotoc (662) 489-1335
Tupelo (662) 377-4141
West Point (662) 495-9355

top

Breast Health

  • Medical and surgical services provided by qualified physician
  • Screening & diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound, galactography
  • Mobile mammography unit

For mammogram information, call:

NMMC & Mobile Unit (662) 377-4158

NMMC-Eupora (662) 258-6221
NMMC-Hamilton (205) 921-6280

NMMC-Iuka (662) 423-4502

NMMC-West Point (662) 495-2331


Screening mammograms available by self-referral

  • Breast health specialists at NMMC Breast Care Center
  • Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System, a technologically advanced device that is used for stereotactic breast biopsy, an alternative to open surgical breast biopsy
  • Ultrasound-directed biopsy and cyst aspiration allows physicians to obtain a small sample of suspicious breast tissue or fluid during a diagnostic ultrasound study. This eliminates the need for a separate biopsy procedure.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy to diagnose the spread of breast cancer by examining one or two lymph nodes to which the cancer might first spread
  • Manual lymphatic treatment for lymphedema
  • For more information, call (662) 377-4158

top

Cancer

Since 1991, the NMMC Cancer Center has provided a full scope of services to diagnose, treat and help prevent cancer.

  • Approved by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer
  • Radiation oncology accredited by American College of Radiology
  • Teaching Hospital Cancer Program
  • Access to clinical trials
  • Chemotherapy provided by medical oncologists
  • Three-dimensional treatment planning to pinpoint exact location of tumors and minimize radiation doses to uninvolved organs and tissues
  • Conformal therapy, external radiotherapy in which the prescribed dose volume is made to conform closely to the tumor volume
  • Brachytherapy, internal radiation treatment given by implanting radioactive material directly into the tumor or very close to it
  • Joyce B. Atwell Cancer Resource Library
  • Social services
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Personal needs retail center
  • Shuttle service
  • Support groups and programs

Back to top

Depression

  • Unlike grief or passing sadness, does not usually respond to changes in circumstances or go away with time
  • Can last for months or years if not treated
  • Can result in disruption of relationships and professional productivity, disability or even death
  • Help for postpartum depression, a common problem following the birth of a child

Back to top

Diabetes

NMMC's Diabetes Treatment Center is dedicated to helping women with diabetes better understand their disease and inform them of new medications and technologies.

  • One of only three Diabetes Centers of Excellence in Mississippi recognized by the American Diabetes Association
  • Diabetes treatment and consultation services for all ages

For more information, call (662) 377-2500.

Back to top

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Back to top

Eating Disorders

Many people, especially women, have disordered eating behaviors and unhealthy attitudes about food, weight and body image. With the proper treatment, women can gain control over disorders which are caused by a preoccupation with food. For help with an eating disorder, call (662) 377-3161 or 1-800-442-2238.

 

Back to top

Geriatrics

Women today often find themselves "sandwiched" between two generations which require a great deal of their time and energy. With people living longer and couples having children later in life, many middle-aged women are caring for their own children while tending to aging parents in need of attention. The NMMC Behavioral Health Center treats adults of all ages in its inpatient and outpatient programs. For older adults, the facility offers outpatient individual, marital and group counseling. Also, psychologists provide special testing to determine the causes of problematic symptoms, such as memory loss, motor skill changes and mood disturbances. After the testing, follow-up recommendations are offered to the patient and family, with the option for further collaboration and teamwork with physicians and other health care providers."

In addition, NMMC's Home Health Agency mental health specialists serve patients in a 17-county area. For more information on any of these services, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Back to top

Heart Disease

Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. Fortunately, there's much you can do to help protect yourself from the leading cause of death among American women. Click here for more information about HeartCaring.

Back to top

Hormone Replacement Therapy

As a woman ages, her body begins to slow its production of estrogen, a hormone that seems to protect women from heart disease and osteoporosis.

  • HRT helps control hot flashes, insomnia and other symptoms and helps protect a woman from heart disease and bone loss.
  • Ask your primary care physician about available treatment.

Back to top

Incontinence

Women of all ages experience bladder control problems. It is important to realize that incontinence is a medical problem and no cause for shame. Nearly every woman with a bladder control problem can be helped. Ask your physician, gynecologist or urologist - a physician who specializes in bladder problems - about treatment options.

Back to top

Menopause

Menopause and its associated estrogen loss bring special health considerations.

  • Symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes and vaginal dryness
  • Health concerns such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and colon cancer
  • Ask your primary care physician about available treatment

Back to top

Migraines

Many women use the word "migraine" to describe a particularly painful headache. Migraine is certainly that, and a lot more. Fortunately, physicians can offer hope to migraine sufferers. For more information, consult your physician.

Back to top

Osteoporosis

As a woman ages, she begins to lose more bone than her body makes. This process weakens her bones and increases the risk that they will fracture or break.

  • Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center at IMA-Tupelo
  • Board-certified rheumatologists at IMA-Tupelo
  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone density
  • Physical and occupational therapy programs throughout NMMC facilities

For more information on the various osteoporosis programs and services available, call  1-800-843-3375.

Back to top

Parenting

Women are vitally concerned about the health and well-being of their children, and they usually bear the burden of getting help when emotional, behavioral or learning problems appear. Evaluation and treatment through the NMMC Behavioral Health Center can help families cope with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse and other emotional or behavioral disturbances.

Back to top

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can provide numerous benefits to improve your looks, attitude and sense of self-esteem.

  • Plastic and reconstructive surgeons can alter portions of the face or body in shape or form.
  • A variety of aesthetic services such as skin care, chemical peels, treatment for pigmentation problems and other conditions
  • For a plastic or reconstructive surgeon near you, call 1-800-843-3375.

Back to top

Pregnancy - NMMC Maternity Services

We want to help make bringing your child into the world a magical and memorable event. North Mississippi Medical Center offers expectant moms more than they expect:
  • Obstetricians care for normal and high-risk pregnancies at NMMC Women's Hospital in Tupelo, one of the few freestanding hospitals in Mississippi dedicated to women's health, and at NMMC-West Point.
  • Prepared childbirth classes in Tupelo, Iuka and West Point.
  • Sibling and breastfeeding education programs
  • Ultrasound and other newborn studies
  • Family-centered care with freedom to choose the birth experience most meaningful to parents in a home-like environment
  • Certified lactation consultants and breastfeeding educators
  • NMMC Women's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit with equipment, facilities and specialty staff for 50 critically ill newborns
  • Board-certified neonatologists
  • Air and ground transport teams for critically ill newborns
  • Telemedicine consultations with pediatric subspecialists at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center

For the name and phone number of a North Mississippi Medical Center physician near you, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Back to top

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional, and its long-term emotional and psychological damage can be devastating. It can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty relating to others, withdrawal or even suicide. For more information, call (662) 377-3161 or 1-800-442-2238.

Back to top

 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

For a woman, a sexually transmitted disease can be a time bomb. Many of these diseases can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer and other health problems. If you have any questions, consult your physician.

Back to top

Skin Conditions

Dermatologists have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancers, melanomas, moles, contact dermatitis and other skin conditions. Dermatologists also help women with cosmetic skin disorders, such as hair loss, nail problems and scars. For a dermatologist near you, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Back to top

Smoking

Individuals who want to quit using tobacco products are invited to find out how with a free program presented by the ACT (A Comprehensive Tobacco) Center and taught by North Mississippi Medical Center. The seven-week program and nicotine patches are free for registered participants. For more information on class dates and times, call (662) 377-5787 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Back to top

Stroke

A stroke is similar to a heart attack. It occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Treat every warning sign of stroke as an emergency and get treatment immediately. For more information about stroke prevention and treatment, ask your physician or call the Community Health Department at (662) 377-3867.

Back to top

Substance Abuse

NMMC's Behavioral Health Center offers help for those struggling with alcohol and drug problems, as well as information for family members and friends on how to help loved ones. For more information, call (662) 377-3161 or 1-800-442-2238.

Back to top

 

Thyroid

Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. If you feel unusually sluggish or restless, the problem may be a thyroid disorder. Consult your physician for more information.

Back to top

Vaccinations

  • Flu Shot
    Every year to prevent the flu
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine
    Once around age 65 to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia
  • Tetanus Shot
    Every 10 years to prevent tetanus, a serious bacterial infection

Back to top

Wellness

Diet and Exercise

A woman who exercises regularly and eats healthy foods feels better. She also faces a lower risk of health problems, including heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes.

  • One-on-one outpatient nutritional counseling provided by clinical dietitians throughout NMMC
  • Help with diabetic meal planning, weight reduction, prenatal nutrition and gestational diabetes management
  • Instruction for managing diets low in sodium and cholesterol, and high in fiber
  • Group nutrition classes for weight loss and cholesterol reduction
  • Wellness facilities throughout NMMC with a wide variety of exercise equipment and classes for all ages and fitness levels
  • Free community health programs

For more information on NMMC Wellness Centers or Live Well programs available, call:

Eupora (662) 258-6221
Hamilton, Ala. (205) 921-2997
Iuka (662) 423-6051
Pontotoc (662) 489-1335
Tupelo (662) 377-4141
West Point (662) 495-9355

 

Therapeutic Day Spa

The NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo offers a Therapeutic Day Spa that promotes well-being in a quiet, serene setting. Services include facials, body treatments, massage therapy, manicure/pedicure, aroma therapy, yoga and herbal consultation. NMMC Wellness Centers in Baldwyn, Iuka, Pontotoc and West Point offer massage therapy, and some offer additional spa services. Call your local Wellness Center or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for more information.

Back to top

When to See Your Physician

The best prevention is early detection. Schedule these important health tests by age and frequency as recommended.

Blood Pressure

  • To check whether your blood pressure is too high 21 and over, at least once every two years and more often if directed by physician.

Blood Sugar (Glucose)

  • To check your blood sugar levels
  • Every three to five years

Bone Density Scan

  • To check the thickness of your bones
  • As directed by physician

Breast Self-Exam

  • To detect changes in breast tissue or appearance
  • 20 and over, monthly

Cholesterol

  • To check amount of different types of fat in your blood
  • Every five years or as directed by physician

Clinical Breast Exam

  • To look for changes and feel for any lumps
  • 20-39, every three years;
  • 40 and over, annually

Dental Check-Up

  • To check for cavities and gum disease
  • 18 and over, annually or as directed by dentist

Digital Rectal Exam

  • To screen for colorectal cancer
  • 40 and over, annually

Electrocardiogram

  • To test heart function
  • 18 and over, as directed by physician

Eye Exam

  • To check your vision and look for other conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma
  • 18 and over, annually or as directed by physician

Fecal Occult Blood

  • To screen for colorectal cancer
  • 50 and over, annually

Hearing Test

  • To check how well you hear
  • As part of routine physical exam

Mammogram

  • To look for changes too small to be felt in breast tissue with either a clinical or breast self-exam
  • 40 and over, annually

Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

  • To detect uterine abnormalities and changes in other female organs
  • 18 and over, annually or as directed by physician

Routine Physical Exam

  • To maintain health and catch problems early
  • 18 and over, as directed by physician

Skin Cancer Checkups

  • To check for changes in any moles or for growths or sores that don't heal
  • Self-exams at least every three months; clinical exams as part of routine physical exam

Sigmoidoscopy

  • To screen for colorectal cancer
  • 50 and over, every three to five years

Back to top

Additional Services

Appointments

The Appointment Desk, 1-800-843-3375, is a free physician referral service. All calls are answered by referral specialists who provide timely appointments with NMMC health care providers. The Appointment Desk is operational 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Lunchtime Learning

A Woman's Place Lunchtime Learning Series features monthly programs for women about women's health issues. For upcoming topics, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Nurse Link®

Nurse Link®, 1-800-882-6274, is a free telephone health information service. Callers speak directly to a registered nurse and get immediate answers. Using computerized medical protocols, nurses direct callers to the most appropriate medical treatment.

Speakers Bureau

A Speakers Bureau featuring experts on many health topics is also available to provide speakers for community and church groups. For more information, call the Community Health Department at (662) 377-3867.

Spirit of Women

For more information about NMMC's Spirit of Women program, click here.

Support Groups

NMMC recognizes that women need the support of other women who are in similar situations. For this reason, a number of support groups are available throughout the health care system to allow women to discuss personal concerns, issues and feelings.