Harney District Hospital (HDH), Harney County Health Department, and Burns Dental Group are teaming up to provide several health screening opportunities for the community as part of Harney Health Screening Week taking place March 5-9. Participants will be entered into prize drawings for each screening completed, and the public is encouraged to follow HDH’s Facebook campaign where screening information will be presented throughout the week.

Getting screened is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. “Screening” refers to tests or physical exams that check the body for diseases or health conditions before there are signs or symptoms. The earlier problems are found, the easier they usually are to treat. There are numerous screening tests available for all areas of health. It’s always a good idea to talk to your primary care provider about what tests may be recommended for you, based on your age, sex, and medical history.

Harney Health Screening Week will include:

Breast Cancer Screening (mammograms) – Wednesday, March 7, Harney District Hospital

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer than others because of their personal or family medical history or because of certain changes in their genes. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

If you are due for your regular mammogram, this is the day to get it done! Everyone who is screened on this day will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 VISA gift card, and two winners will be drawn. You must be eligible (within the guidelines for age and frequency) and appointments are required – call 541- 573-8359.

Diabetes Risk Assessment – Thursday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Grocery Outlet

CDC data shows there are 84.1 million adults in the United States, more than one third of all adults, that have prediabetes, and 90 percent of them are unaware of it. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke is increased with this condition.

HDH Dietitian Amy Dobson will be providing Diabetes Risk Assessments on Thursday, March 8, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Grocery Outlet. The process involves filling out a questionnaire, and if desired, getting a blood glucose test. Each participant will get one entry into a drawing for each test completed, and two winners will receive a $50 Grocery Outlet gift card. This is a free screening, and no appointment is required.

Oral Cancer and Skin Cancer Screening – Friday, March 9, 9 a.m. – noon, Harney County Health Department

There were nearly 40,000 new diagnoses of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in the United States and nearly 9,000 deaths in 2012. Oral cancer screening is an exam, often performed by a dentist, to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. If the cancer can be identified early, there is a greater chance for a cure. Dr. Michelle Crabtree, dentist with Burns Dental Group, will be providing oral cancer screenings at Harney County Health Department on Friday, March 9, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

At the same time and location, you can also receive a skin cancer screening with Family Nurse Practitioner and Harney County Health Department Director Jolene Cawlfield. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. During a skin exam, a patient’s skin is checked for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.

Each participant will get one entry into a drawing for each screening completed, and three winners will receive a $50 VISA gift card. Both screenings are free, and no appointment is required.

For further information, call 541-573-8614 or email scate@harneydh.com. Follow HDH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/harneydh to learn more about different types of screening during Harney Health Screening Week, March 5 – 9.