Access to Care

Key Concepts/Main Points

• Increase participant’s awareness of the importance of examining her breasts, having a Pap smear, not douching and practicing good oral hygiene.
• Teach the participant the warning signs of common health problems.
• Show her how, when and where to seek care from a medical provider.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• When was the last time you went to the doctor?
• When was the last time you went to a dentist?
• How often do you give yourself a breast exam?
• Do you ever douche?
• Have you had a Pap smear? If so, when?

There are many things you can do to monitor your health:

• Perform a breast self–exam. 8 out of 10 cases of breast cancer are discovered by women while performing a breast exam.
• See a health care provider for a pelvic examination, Pap smear, mammogram (if you’re over 40 years old) and breast exam once a year. These routine examinations can detect pre–cancerous cells, cervical inflammation, STDs, and breast cancer.
• Visit a dentist for a regular cleaning every six months.
• Do not douche. The vagina does a great job of cleaning itself naturally; douching actually increases your risk for infection.

Tips for Instructor:
Section Goal:

Discuss the important aspects of women’s health. Focus on the areas where the participant is currently lacking and equip her with the knowledge and resources she needs to establish good health care habits.