Month: June 2021
Women’s Health Check Program

By: Brie Veltri, Health Program Specialist, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
What is Women’s Health Check
Women’s Health Check provides FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic testing for women who qualify. Service providers include public health districts, primary care offices, hospital systems, mobile mammography services, community health centers, and more. Local Coordinators across the state can answer questions about eligibility, covered services, and can also enroll women into the program.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid: Women screened or diagnosed with cancer and certain precancers through Women’s Health Check may be eligible to receive treatment through Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid.
Why it Matters
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for Idaho women. If caught early, your chances of survival increase greatly. Cervical cancer is preventable with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early.
Who Women’s Health Check Serves
- Those without health insurance or those with Medicaid
- US Citizens or Legal Permanent Resident for at least five years
- Low income women
- Women ages 21-64
Spread the word about the free screenings available through
If you (or anyone you know) might qualify, contact a local women’s health check coordinator for more information
Women’s Health Check!
Enroll Today!
Local coordinators across Idaho can provide more information and assist in enrollment. For more information contact a local coordinator to learn how out program can help you. Call one today!
- Panhandle Health District (Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties)
- Tina Ghirarduzzi / 208-415-5140
- Southwest District Health (Adams, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties)
- Karen Douglass / 208-365-6371 ext. 5601
- South Central Public Health District (Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties)
- Melinda Bauman / 208-737-5900
- Southeastern Idaho Public Health (Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Butte, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power Counties)
- Darlene Davis / 208-239-5290
- Eastern Idaho Public Health (Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties)
- Rachel Mugleston / 208-533-3198
- Lucy Castaneda / 208-533-3209
- Terry Reilly (Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee Counties)
- Don Morrison / 208-466-7869 ext. 1223
- Family Medicine Residency of Idaho (Ada and Elmore Counties)
- Ilian Mendez / 208-514-2500 ext. 1024
- Saint Alphonsus Breast Care Center (Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington Counties)
- Debbie Sager / 208-367-8332
- St. Mary’s Hospital (Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce Counties)
- 208-962-3267
Ways to reduce the risk of cancer:
Mastering Mindfulness

Four Simple Ways to Pay More Attention to the Current Moment
The Cambridge Dictionary defines mindfulness as “the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment, thought to create a feeling of calm.” It means being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings instead of going through life on autopilot. Mindfulness matters because it can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It has also been associated with a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem.
Research shows the average person spends nearly 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they are doing. That means we are spending almost half of our time operating on autopilot. During a busy workday finding time for a 30-minute mindful exercise can feel impossible. But that does not mean you cannot be mindful at work. Mindful exercises can be as short as you want. Even one minute of consciously connecting with one of your senses can be classified as a mindful exercise. You do not even need to close your eyes or be sitting down. Be creative and find short times in your day to add a bit of mindfulness. Think of mindfulness as a muscle. The more you exercise your mindful muscle, the stronger it becomes. Use the four simple strategies below to help you cultivate more mindfulness in your day-to-day life.

Take Some Deep Breaths
Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often.

Enjoy a Stroll
As you walk, pay attention to your breath and the sights and sounds around you. If thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.

Practice Mindful Eating
Be aware of taste, textures, and flavors in each bite. Listen to when your body is hungry and full.

Do a Body Scan
Bring your attention to how each part of your body is feeling. This can help you connect with your body.
More Mindfulness Resources:
- Wandering Mind Not a Happy Mind
- How to Practice Mindfulness Throughout Your Work Day
- 10 Ways to Be Mindful at Work
- Stressing Out? S.T.O.P.
Summer Safety

National Safety Month in June is an opportunity to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths at home, at work, on the roads, and in our communities. It’s almost summer which means it’s time for fun in the sun, water sports, road trips, campouts, and BBQs! Make safety a priority for a happy and healthy summer with family and friends.