SOUTH OGDEN -- The need for annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer is a message women often hear and many ignore. Why?
"Mammography is not fun to do," said Sally Gale, director of the Ogden Regional Medical Center Health to You program.
That's why Ogden Regional Medical Center hosted a two-day pampering party this week for members of the program she directs.
Dozens of women who had tests also received facials, manicures, pedicures, back massages and snacks Monday and Tuesday, donated by students from Marinello Schools of Beauty, Nicholle Roberson with Arbonne International Cosmetics and Applegate HomeCare & Hospice.
"If they can come and enjoy an event like this, it gets some of those women who have gone five and 10 years," Gale said. "Women over 50 are supposed to have a mammogram every year."
The party was just the ticket for Mary Goodwin, of Ogden, to have her test done. Goodwin, 56, admitted to not having had a mammogram for a decade before she was screened Tuesday.
"You need to take care of yourself," she said while getting her nails done. "I've ignored myself. It's time to stop."
"Every year in the United States, 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer," wrote Jose Perez-Tamayo, director of Woman's Imaging at Utah Imaging, in the hospital's February newsletter to its Health to You members. "It's something we don't want to think about, yet early detection is key to survival, and knowledge is power."
Perez-Tamayo will discuss breast cancer detection at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the hospital's Oak/Cedar Room. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to 1-866-887-3999.
Julie Call, a radiologist and technician at the hospital, said nearly all women have opportunities to receive regular mammograms without out-of-pocket cost to them as insurance companies pay for the procedure 100 percent. She said those without insurance who qualify may pick up a voucher for the procedure from county health departments.
Women who were current on their mammograms and men who were members of the group were invited to have bone-density tests at the pampering party.
Dent Mason, 71, of South Ogden, got a bone-density test and enjoyed all the same pampering as the women. He especially enjoyed the pedicure and manicure.
"I learned a couple of things I can do to take care of the cracks in my feet," he said.
Pointing to a clear coat of nail polish he received, he expressed excitement over how it would help his nails to keep from cracking.
"They split, and I have to clip them right down to the quick," he said.
Annual membership in Health to You is $20, which, Gale said, members recoup if they attend just one activity sponsored by the organization.
Another upcoming activity for members is a free kidney health screening.
Specifically targeting those with diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease or with a family history of those conditions, the event is planned for April 7 and 8 at the hospital's Legacy House, 5526 S. Adams Ave.
The group also annually sponsors free blood work, flu shots and a health fair for members.
Call Gale at 801-479-2019 for information about joining Health to You or for registering for upcoming events.
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