Acknowledging breast cancer awareness month and the importance of early detection, Centegra Health System’s nationally recognized breast program continues to sponsor Mammo Monday events throughout McHenry County during the month of October. Centegra also is offering and sponsoring other activities to help raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Earning full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), Centegra’s breast program meets the most rigorous standards, demonstrating Centegra’s proactive commitment to providing the best possible care, treatment options and support to patients.Women are encouraged to attend a Mammo Monday event on their own or bring their daughters, sisters and friends to a special, private setting to take control of their breast and bone health. Offerings include screening mammograms, bone density screenings, free expert bra fittings and light snacks.Upcoming Mammo Mondays will be offered at the following locations and times:
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at Centegra Gavers Breast Center
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10 at Centegra Hospital-McHenry
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at Centegra Health Center-Huntley
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women 40 and older to maintain breast health and as a proven way to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage. Centegra is committed to maintaining the health and wellness of women in the community and celebrates the commitment women make to breast health.At Centegra, a mammogram is more than just a screening. It is a caring experience leaving women wondering why they did not make their mammogram appointment sooner. Centegra offers four convenient, high-tech imaging suites in Crystal Lake, Huntley, McHenry or Woodstock, so a mammogram experience is always close to home. Centegra also provides mammograms in a relaxing atmosphere with the latest state-of-the-art digital mammography, a MammoPad for extra physical comfort and caring Associates dedicated to making every mammogram experience focused on each individual.Quick 30-minute appointments are easy to schedule and are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome at Centegra Health Center-Huntley and Centegra Gavers Breast Center-Crystal Lake. Physician orders are needed for a mammogram screening and a bone density exam. Patients should bring a physician order to the appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 815-334-5566 or visit centegra.org/mammo for more details. Financial assistance is also available.In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Centegra is also offering Mini-Me Time from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Centegra Gavers Breast Center, 360 North Terra Cotta Road in Crystal Lake. The event is designed for busy women who need a little “me-time.” The following free benefits are offered:
- Mini massages
- Mini meditations
- Nail art
- Snacks
- Raffle prizes
- Tours and
- Breast health education
In addition, staff from Centegra Gavers Breast Center will be available to answer questions and screening mammograms will be offered by appointment only. A physician order is required and insurance will be billed. To RSVP for Mini-Me Time, call 877-CENTEGRA. To schedule an appointment for a screening mammogram, call 815-334-5566.Mammo Mondays and Mini-Me Time are part of Centegra’s Pearls for Wellness program. Women who participate in select health and wellness programs will be rewarded with a genuine cultured freshwater pearl from Dalzell Jewelers and Centegra Health System to begin building a keepsake necklace. Women can go online to centegra.org/pearl to sign up for the program and see a complete list of qualifying health and wellness services.Community members can also join Centegra at several walk/run events to help raise awareness for breast cancer.
- Paws for a Cause Community Dog Walk at noon Sunday, Oct. 9 at Horse Fair Park in Spring Grove. For more information or to register, call 815-675-2008 or visit www.pawsforacausewalk.org. Proceeds to benefit Centegra Gavers Breast Center.
- Care4Breast Cancer Walk/Run at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct 23 at Woodstock North High School. For more information or to register, call 815-334-8987, ext. 25 or visit hpclinic.org. Proceeds to benefit the Family Health Partnership’s Breast Cancer Fund and support the women of McHenry County.
- Northwest Trail Run: 5 & 10 Mile Run at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at Veteran Acres Park, Crystal Lake. For more information or to register, call 815-444-2900 or visit signmeup.com/77771. Proceeds to benefit the Centegra Gavers Breast Center.
In addition, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center Bridge Spa in Crystal Lake and Huntley will offer a free gemstone Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon nail decal to every paying manicure client in October.Centegra Health System and the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation partner year-round to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection. The Get Checked! program provides information on lifestyle changes and guidelines for routine screenings that can make a big difference in one’s life. The Gavers Cancer Resource Library is also featured at Centegra Sage Cancer Center in McHenry and offers touch-screen computers and a library inventory of books, journals and booklets. Information in the library is available in English and Spanish.Centegra Hospital-McHenry is recognized as having one of a few cancer programs in the state to receive the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Additionally, all the Centegra Sage Cancer Center nurses are oncology certified.Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations, including hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock, Immediate and Physician Care Centers, Centegra Sage Cancer Center, Health Bridge Fitness Centers and more. As the region’s leading healthcare provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit centegra.org, search Centegra Health System on Facebook and Twitter or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).
