Women’s health specialty care services offered now by OSF’s Deena Brown, APRN

Appointments available from 1 to 4 p.m. every Friday

Deena M. Brown, APRN, a board-certified family nurse practitioner (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners), is now offering women’s health specialty care appointments through OSF Medical Group in Alton.

Female patients 14 years-of-age and older seeking access to women’s health specialty care can meet with Brown from 1 to 4 p.m on Fridays in the OSF Medical Group office location at 2 St. Anthony’s Way, Suite 300 (Alton). Appointments can be scheduled by calling (618) 462-2226.

Brown’s decision to expand her health care practice is centered on the objective to encourage preventive health for women. “There’s definitely a need for better access to women’s health specialty care services in the Riverbend region,” she said. “I see this as an ideal opportunity to compliment my primary care practice – which I’ll continue to provide to local residents.”

Brown’s women’s health specialty care will encompass a variety of services that make up what’s considered to be included in an annual “well woman” exam, including but not limited to:

• Vital sign check: including weight, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI)
• Breast exam: clinically indicated for women over 40 annually; this includes visual and manual exams of both breasts, underarms and the area underneath the clavicle for changes or abnormalities
• Pelvic exam: includes examination of the external genitalia; speculum exam of the vagina and cervix and internal exam of the uterus, cervix and adnexa (biannual)
• Cancer screening: learn more about breast, cervical, and other types of gynecological cancers
• Sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes
• Health maintenance: learn what prevention measures are recommended; screenings and immunizations based on age and other risk factors
• Health lifestyle counseling: counseling and risk factor reduction interventions to minimize health risks
• Contraception: learn about choosing the right birth control method for you
• Preconception counseling: if you’re planning to become pregnant, it’s recommended to speak with a woman’s health care provider to discuss any risk factors

For more information about Brown and all primary and specialty care providers with OSF Medical Group in the Riverbend region, visit online at www.osfsaintanthonys.org.