"What should I know about well‑woman care across different life stages?" Heather Wetmore, PA-C, Family medicine primary care provider at Carson Valley Health, explains how routine primary care and preventive screening change from young adulthood through menopause. This extended discussion covers cervical cancer screening and HPV testing starting around age 21, perimenopause awareness in the early to mid‑40s, when to consider mammograms and diagnostic imaging, and bone density screening in the late 50s or menopausal years. Heather also reviews common follow‑up steps for abnormal results—repeat tests, colposcopy with possible biopsy, diagnostic mammograms with ultrasound—and why those screens are not immediate diagnoses. You’ll hear practical prevention advice on diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene (consistent bedtimes, sunlight exposure, daytime activity, cool sleep environment), plus how primary care can address anxiety or depression through therapy and medication management as part of a holistic plan. The episode emphasizes building a long‑term patient‑provider relationship so screenings and lab results can be trended over time and shared decisions made based on your individual risks and preferences.
Learn more about Heather Wetmore, PA-C