Health Department offers free testing for women

Women can receive free health tests, including bone scans and body-fat testing, on May 12 at the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Wendy Doely, director of Reproductive Health Services, said the event has proved popular in the past three years.

"Last year, we had 107 women show up for screenings and education," she said. "We had people lined up down the street at 6:30 a.m."

Doely said women of all ages participated, but the majority were 30 and older. She recommends that women plan for about two hours for downtime between tests and to visit information booths set up by community agencies.

"It's first come, first served," she said.

Not all health-insurance policies cover preventive screenings, she said, but no one is questioned about their coverage or income on this day of free testing.

Doely said that this year women can sign up for consultations about such problems as urinary incontinence, nutrition and fitness.

In past years, bone-density tests have been popular. Health officials use a special machine that painlessly measures the density of women's forearms.

"It's better than a heel scan," Doely said.

Women receive the results as soon as the test is complete. Doely said the staff recommends that women discuss results with their doctors to determine their risks for osteoporosis.

Body-fat testing also has been popular, she said. This measurement is taken with a caliper pinch at the waist and hips, providing important health indicators for heart disease and other problems.

"It's much better than BMI [body mass index]," she said.

Women also flock to the low-cost cholesterol testing. Doely said the test requires fasting for an accurate measurement. Those tested will receive their results through the mail.

Other services include breast exams, HIV rapid testing, blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing and adult immunizations.

Doely said a number of women took advantage of the HIV rapid test last year.

"We typically get 20 to 25 who aren't especially at high risk," Doely said. "They take the test because it's available and free."

Most never had been tested and participated in screening to put their minds at ease. Those tested receive results before they leave the clinic.

Scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the testing takes place at the health building, 1035 First Ave. W., in Kalispell.

The event celebrates Women's Health Week and Discover the Heart Truth with testing and educational consultations.

Sponsors include the Friends of Family Planning, the Flathead City-County Health Department and a grant from the Office of Women's Health.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.

The HIV and other tests reflect the goal of Women's Health Week to raise awareness about manageable steps women can take to improve their health. The focus is on the importance of incorporating simple preventive, positive behaviors in everyday life.

With heart disease the No. 1 killer of American women, the Heart Truth for Women campaign seeks to educate women about their risks and ways to decrease those risks.

To model good behavior, the Health Department will provide healthy refreshments of fruits, vegetables and granola bars during the festivities.

Doely said the department has received good feedback from participants. She also has been asked for a similar day for men but has not found grant support.