November 5, 2009
Reprinted with Permission of the Daily Republic | www.DailyRepublic.netBy Amy Maginnis-Honey |
Daily RepublicFAIRFIELD - From pink fuzzy slippers to help in dealing with life's more delicate subjects, like incontinence, the Center for Women's Health will have it covered.
The center, slated to open in January, is part of the NorthBay Healthcare system. It's located in the Gateway building, adjacent to the NorthBay Medical Center at 1101 B. Gale Wilson Blvd.
Jane Prather, who is the service director for women's health, believes it to be the only such resource center in the county.
It's open to all women, not just those with health services provided by NorthBay. Men are welcome, too.
The idea is to bring all women's health issues under one roof. Offerings will include pre- and post-menopause consultation, an obstetrics/gynecology practice, urogynecology (urinary incontinence), cardiovascular and peripheral artery disease screening, and holistic health.
And, there's a retail store that carries pink fuzzy slippers, eye masks, jewelry and miniature inspirational books, with more to come.
The resource center opened Wednesday. It offers health-related books, donated by the staff of NorthBay. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays through the end of the year.
Health and wellness classes will be offered in the resource center conference room, in addition to support group meetings.
Dr. Andrew Lin, obstetrics/gynecology medical director, said there's something for everyone at the center.
'It's an alternative,' he said. 'It's comprehensive.'
Lin said he feels the ideal age to start using the center's services is after a woman graduates from pediatric care, probably around ages 16 to 18. And, he said, the help and information will carry them through menopause and beyond.
Surveys were taken and a focus group employed to find out what women wanted in the center. The three main things: To have staff on hand, getting help filtering through the information and a happy place.
'We want them to leave with a smile on their face,' Prather said.
Prather said two women visited the resource center Thursday morning. One was looking for information on health insurance and skilled nursing facilities. The other just happened to work at a skilled nursing facility.
'They both walked out happy,' Prather said.
The center welcomes donations of health-related, gently used books, CDs, DVDs and books on tape. They can be dropped off during open hours.
Vacaville residents can take such donations to the NorthBay Guild Thrift Shop on Main Street or Merriment on Main on Dec. 1.
For information, call Prather at 624-7991 or visit http://www.northbay.org and click on health care services, then women's services.
Reach Amy Maginnis-Honey at 427-6957 or amaginnis@dailyrepublic.net.
