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Women's Health

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While both genders share many of the same health concerns, there are some health issues unique to women. Spencer Hospital provides a myriad of services designed to meet the special health needs - preventative, diagnostic and treatment - of women.

Contact our Women's Health Coordinator, Mindy Sylvester, to assist you with determining what services may be appropriate for you. Mindy can be reached at 712-264-6649 or toll free at 1-866-302-1404.

Obstetrical Services

Welcoming Baby
Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life's greatest joys. The Spencer Hospital professionals strive to make this memorable experience as comfortable and joyful as possible for mom, baby and the entire family.

Our spacious, private birthing suites combine home comforts with modern medical technology. Moms experience labor, delivery and after-care stay all in the same comfortable room. During labor and delivery, you can determine with your physician if you need and want pain control assistance. Numerous pain control techniques are available to you, including epidural anesthesia.

Best Care for Better Babies
Babies may not come with an instruction sheet, but babies born at Spencer Hospital to come with the availability of a home care pediatrics nurse. Our Best Care program helps Mom with her health, feeding and care concerns regarding her new baby.

Early Pregnancy Education Classes
This class is for pregnant women from the beginning of your pregnancy up to 27 weeks gestation. We discuss diet, activity and the exciting development of your baby. These classes are free of charge, and instructed by the Best Care of O.B. nurses.

Childbirth Education Series

Expectant moms (and dads) will feel more prepared to welcome their new baby when they know what to expect. Our Childbirth Education Series provides information for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. For a complete list of 2006 classes and course descriptions, please click on this link: Childbirth Education Classes.

Breast-Feeding Support Group
We offer a weekly Breast-Feeding Support Group to provide support and encouragemet to breastfeeding moms. Call our OB Department, 264-6314, for more information.

Lactation Consultations
Complimentary individual consultations with our Board Certified Lactation Consultant are offered to new mothers. Please call our OB Department, 264-6314, for an appointment.

High-Risk Obstetrics & Perinatal Consultations
Avera Health-Spencer Family Care offers consultations for their high-risk expectant moms with perinatologist Dr. Naomi Wahl of Avera Health in Sioux Falls. Patients may see Dr. Wahl via telemedicine in Spencer or schedule appointments in Sioux Falls for further evaluation.

Infertility Consultation & Treatments
If a couple is experiencing challenges with starting a family, our local physicians can perform some initial procedures. Also, OB/Gyn Specialist dr. Brian Wilson of Northwest Iowa Surgeons in Spencer and Dr. Jane Gaetz of Avera Health in Sioux Falls are able to perform surgical procedures to optimize outcomes.

Diagnostic Services:

Bone Density Testing
One of the primary risk factors for osteoporosis is unavoidable for many of us - being female. If you are a woman, you need to know your bone health. Visit with your physician to determine if you should have a bone density scan to check your bone health.

Digital Mammography

Early detection of breast cancer greatly increased the odds of successful treatment. We have technicians who make the procedure as quick and comfortable as possible. We also have the state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment with Computer-Aided Diagnostics to provide the best possible images. Personalized education is also provided.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound is an exellent way to check on your developing baby if you are an expectant mom. This diagnostic test is also valuable to assist in evaulating other health concerns as well including breast and pelvic exams.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
If a mammogram detects an abnormality, typically a surgical or needle biopsy is ordered to study the tissue. The stereotactic imaging aids the radiologist in determining the exact location of tissue to biopsy.

Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy creates a "live x-ray," providing a physician the ability to watch your organs function. Fluoroscopy is frequently used to observe digestive tract functions and to visualize the reproductive system in women.

Gynecological Services:

Peri-Menopause/Menopause
Side effects related to peri-menopause and menopause, such as infamous hot flashes, generate much discussion about artificial hormones, alternative medications, diet and exercise to help relieve the symptoms. The health professionals of Avera Health - Spencer Family Care can assist you in making the best choice.

Compounding Pharmacies for Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
After a consultation with your clinician, you may decide to try bio-identical hormone therapy. There are several pharmacists in the area who work with your clinician to design a program to match your health needs and goals. Sue Terrell, RNP, of Avera Special Family Care, specializes in the use of bio-identical hormones.

Nutrition & Fitness:

Athletic Enhancement and Adult Wellness
Let our Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches provide you with an individualized fitness regime. Our Master's level trainers have the education and experience to determine a health program which will maximize your success. For more information on Athletic Enhancement, call 264-6633.

Nutrition Consultations
Our registered and licensed dietitians can help you devise a nutritional program to fit your life style, health needs and personal preferences. Our dietitians can provide counseling for weight loss/maintenance, heart checks, diabetes management, cancer nutrition and osteoporosis treatment.

Rehabilitation Services:

Physical / Occupational Therapy

Post operative physical therapy (PT) /ccupational therapy (OT) following orthopedic surgeries.

Referral to PT for evaluation of muscular or joint pain (i.e. pelvic pain, low back pain, hip pain, shoulder pain). Specialized exercise routine with therapists to strengthen muscles, to reduce pain and get the patient back to regular activities.

Lymphedema treatment related to post-mastectomy or other medical trauma includes therapeutic massage and extremity wraps to help reduce swelling.

Continence and Biofeedback Therapy
Of the 19 million North Americans who suffer from urinary incontinence, 80% of them are women. There is no need for embarassment! It is important to understand incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging, nor is it necessary to accept long-term incontinence after child-birth. In many cases it can be cured; and it can always be managed. Our physical therapy therapists are available to help recognize challenges with different kinds of urinary incontinence. They can create an exercise and therapy regimen to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. We can help women of all ages / needs by using biofeedback therapy.

Cardio Rehab / Pulmonary Rehab

Post cardiac-event exercise

Smoking cessation

Diabetic training

Sleep studies

Miscellaneous Services:

Women's Health Educational Resource Center

Library / Media Area to include educational information on such topics as: Anxiety/Depression, balancing work and family, breastfeeding, cancer, children's health, chronic illness.

Women's Health Coordinator's Office - Available for free individualized educational consultation on issues relating to health, disease and wellness promotion.

Women's health series programs scheduled on topics such as bio-identical hormone therapy, free of charge, light meal, great educational component from local clinicians and physicians.