General

A new website has been launched that provides up to date information on risk factors for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and is the most common cancer in women in the United States. However, in Australia, at least 1 in 4 of the cases are preventable.  Family history or age cannot change, but the consumption of alcohol, exercise, and obesity are examples of risk factors that can potentially be changed. Even though the risk factor website was

A research team from the Universities of Hartford and Connecticut has devised a new biosensor to diagnose breast cancer less invasively as compared to the current approach. A new biosensor chip has been designed to identify a breast cancer biomarker in the blood within 15 minutes. During the test, the patient's blood sample flows through the biosensor chip, which captures and immobilizes specific proteins present in the blood sample.  Read the full article here. 

Radiation is a common treatment for breast cancer, but it comes with its own risks. A report by CBS2’s Max Gomez finds that there is a new technique that may help protect women’s hearts. The new technique has patients wear a snorkel-like device during radiation. They take a deep breath and hold it; increasing the distance between the heart and the area of the breast getting the radiation. Find the full article on CBSNewYork here.

The Office of Civil Rights recently audited “covered entities” and found that ZERO fully complied with HIPAA requirements. In recent article in HME News entitled, “HIPAA compliance: Providers have homework to do,” Wayne van Halem, president of VGM’s The van Halem Group, says this is a “wake-up call” for HME providers. Van Halem goes on to say, “Our industry is really vulnerable here. This is an opportune time for providers to say, ‘This

Wendy Miller, BOCO, LO, CDME Chief Credentialing Officer Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) There are many ways a mastectomy fitter certification can help your business—or your career.  Most importantly, a certified mastectomy fitter provides a valuable resource for women in need of specialized information and assistance. Benefits for Your Business In today’s competitive marketplace, having a certified mastectomy fitter on staff can be the advantage you need. A

essential Advantage The members-only news magazine, essential Advantage, has mailed! Watch your mailboxes for your copy. If you'd like to view the digital version click below. Q1 Table of Contents: Profession or Industry, Does it Make a Difference? by Jim Lawson Keeping Your Customers Safe - Risk Management Tips for Preventing Customer Injuries in Your Store by Linda Braden Value of Advocacy by Mike McGill Getting the Most from Your Essentially Women Membership by Nikki Jensen Member

Women’s health care group donates post-mastectomy products to RCBH          Waterloo, Iowa – A women’s membership group donated more than 650 post-mastectomy items to the Regional Center for Border Health (RCBH) in Sommerton, Arizona.   The donations will support Yuma County breast cancer survivors utilizing Regional Center for Border Health’s Well Woman HealthCheck Program.    In January, Essentially Women, a membership

We would like to encourage you to speak with your female clients about a taboo topic Vaginal Dryness. You take care of your client’s health care needs on a daily basis. You listen to their problems, work towards a solution and give personal advice. Vaginal dryness is a common health condition menopausal women often experience but especially women who take anti-oestrogen medication for the treatment of breast cancer; this can continue long after the treatment is completed. Vaginal dryness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Essentially Women announces date, location for annual Focus conference Waterloo, Iowa – Jan. 9, 2016 – Planning is well underway for Essentially Women’s annual education conference and trade show. Focus: The EW Conference, will take place September 16-18, in Minneapolis, Minn. The three-day Focus Conference will provide EW members with continuing education and training opportunities, resources to improve operational efficiencies as well as connect

By Mike McGill, VGM Marketing First appeared in 2016 Q4 Essential Advantage Located in the southwest corner of Arizona, 14 miles equidistant from the California and Mexican borders, sits the growing city of Somerton.   Known for its cultural diversity, annual Tamale Festival and being the native region of the Cocopah Native American tribe, Somerton has a rich history of being a caring community that hosts events and celebrations to raise awareness and funds for philanthropic initiatives. Embedded