RMH Series Will Focus on Health Topics of Interest to Women

T.J. Pulliam, M.D.

David Shin, M.D.

ROCKINGHAM – Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States. Heart disease, once generally considered as a killer of men, now kills one in four women in the U.S.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of both colorectal cancer and heart disease and having appropriate screenings for each can save lives. These are topics for presentations scheduled for the annual “Just for You” Women's Series at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital.

The 2014 series begins Tuesday, April 8, with a presentation called “A Screening Colonoscopy May Save Your Life” by T.J. Pulliam, M.D., of FirstHealth Gastroenterology in Rockingham.

According to Dr. Pulliam, most cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented with screening and colonoscopy is the most effective screening tool. Precancerous and cancerous growths throughout the colon can be found and either removed or biopsied during a single procedure.

During his presentation, Dr. Pulliam will discuss the risk factors that are linked to an increased chance of colorectal cancer as well as when individuals should have their first screening colonoscopy. Only about half of the people who should be screened are actually being tested.

“That leaves a lot of people at risk for a potential colon cancer diagnosis,” he says.

The Richmond Memorial Women's Series will continue on Tuesday, April 15, with a discussion of “Symptoms & Risk Factors Associated with Heart Disease in Women” presented by David Shin, M.D., of FirstHealth Cardiology in Rockingham.

Although once considered a disease of older women, heart disease can affect young women, too. “Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously,” says Dr. Shin.

Each health care discussion in the Women's Series will be followed by a second presentation. On April 8, this part of the program will focus on “Community & Container Gardening” by Paige Burns and Susan Kelly of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. On April 15, representatives from the Richmond Memorial Hospital Pharmacy will discuss the topic “Vitamins – Do You Know What You're Taking.”

The annual Women's Series is sponsored by the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, which supports FirstHealth services for residents of Richmond County. Both programs will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Richmond Memorial Hospital.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required and can be made by calling (800) 213-3284. Refreshments will be provided.