A reminder to smokers: a low-dose CT lung scan Is quick and easy and can detect lung abnormalities not visible on a standard chest X-ray. Early detection of lung cancer can improve outcome treatments—and may save your life. The scan is recommended for current or former smokers between 55-80 who have a 30 pack-year history (packs-per-day X years smoked = pack years). https://stpaulradiology.com/services/ancillary/lung-screening
Staying active and fit can be a challenge these days, but staying aware of your health is crucial. Wednesday is National Women's Health & Fitness day, which focuses attention on women's health while encouraging everyone to participate. Find some ideas for how to celebrate at https://bit.ly/2G1j5k5.
The year is passing quickly and many physicians are seeing fewer patients in order to ensure patient safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. If you need an annual checkup, contact your doctor today to make an appointment. And if you need an annual health screening, call us at 651.632.5700.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. And suicidal thoughts can occur to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Even though such thoughts are common, however, they are not normal, and may indicate an untreated mental health condition. During National Suicide Prevention Month, find out how you can help yourself and others get help without stigma at https://bit.ly/315GJ5R. If you have suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text NAMI to 741-741 to reach a Crisis Text Line counselor.
As participants in the Image Gently campaign to lessen the amount of radiation exposure to children during imaging, we are pleased to see research that indicates the use of ultrasound rather than CT when evaluating children for appendicitis. The study found that the shift toward ultrasound also has improved patient outcomes and reduced the number of surgeries. Read more at
https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/ultrasound-surpasses-ct-in-imaging-kids-for-appendicitis.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn more about the leading cause of death among children under age 14. Pediatric cancer presents special challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. St. Paul Radiology technologists are trained in the unique needs of children during diagnostic imaging and we work closely with board-certified pediatric radiologists to minimize the amount of exposure to radiation while obtaining accurate images. Learn more about childhood cancer at https://www.nfcr.org/blog/pediatric-cancer-facts-and-the-need-for-improved-treatment/.
A surprising myth about breast cancer is that mammograms can cause cancer to spread due to breast compression during the procedure. Not true. And since mammograms use very small doses of radiation, the risk of harm from radiation is extremely low. If you have concerns about whether to have a mammogram, talk to your physician or call us anytime. We're happy to answer your questions.
The Minnesota Department of Health reports that COVID-19 is far from over in our state, with the number of confirmed cases trending upward. Please continue to take precautions that will protect yourself and others: wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands frequently. If you have any questions about the pandemic, call the department's hotline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, M-F, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/prevention.html
Friday, October 16, is National Mammography Day, a reminder to all women that the best defense against breast cancer is early detection. Call us today to schedule your breast screening at 651.632.5700. Learn more about mammography at https://www.midwestradiology.com/services/imaging/mammography.
Registration is open for the 24th annual Radiology Technologist Seminar, hosted by Midwest Radiology! The virtual event is November 7, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Details and registration information are available at https://bit.ly/3n7KsKr. Join us!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease and its prevention. As we have learned in 2020, we depend on each other as we go through life. Let the women in your life know how important they are - and that they deserve the resources to take care of their health.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a long-term disease that makes it hard to breathe. If you have COPD or another lung disease, you may be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The American Lung Association invites you to learn more about managing COPD during the pandemic. https://bit.ly/2TASe1H
Election day is finally here! Today is the last day to make your voice heard, so mask up and head to the polls. If you have any questions, visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, join the hundreds of Minnesotans who participate in Buddy Check 11, in which you and a buddy you choose remind each other on a regular basis to be breast aware. One you join, you'll receive an email on the 11th of each month to remind you. Here's the link to enroll - simply check the box next to Buddy Check 11 to sign up for reminders. https://www.kare11.com/email.
With COVID-19 spiking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages Minnesotans to follow new guidance for Halloween that discourages high-risk parties and house-to-house trick-or-treating. Low-risk activities include a scavenger hunt style trick-or-treat with household members and a virtual costume contest. Check out the website for more activities at low, medium, and high risk levels. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween
St. Paul Radiology offers Computer Aided Detection (CAD), a new technology that aids the radiologist in identifying subtle changes in the breast. The computer highlights potential areas of concern in a mammogram that the radiologist analyzes to determine if further evaluation is needed. You can be confident that you'll receive state-of-the-art care at SPR!
During Cervical Health Month in January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition offers a free download of 10 facts about HPV and cervical health to keep you informed and to share with others. Learn more at https://www.nccc-online.org//images/pdfs/10ThingsHPV_CCAM.pdf.
Winter storms are a fact of life in Minnesota. As much as we may love the snow, we also must be mindful of the dangers that blizzards and severe storms can cause. Pay attention to weather reports and public service announcements as the season continues — and when conditions are dangerous, keep off the roads. We want you to stay safe and warm!
As 2021 begins, we want to again thank our outstanding team of technologists who apply their training and expertise to ensure that every image is of outstanding quality and every therapeutic dose is precise. We are proud to work with every one of you!
Finally, a new year! Happy 2021 - we look forward with you to better days.
What's the best way to thank healthcare workers this holiday season? Wear a mask! Doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 helps ease the strain as these dedicated people lead the fight against the pandemic. https://bit.ly/3mu01un
On behalf of St. Paul Radiology, we wish you a very warm and happy holiday season!
