{"id":21919,"date":"2025-01-17T12:20:15","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=21919"},"modified":"2025-01-17T12:20:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:20:15","slug":"we-are-womens-advocates-promoting-cervical-health-at-rhhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/01\/17\/we-are-womens-advocates-promoting-cervical-health-at-rhhd\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cWe are women\u2019s advocates\u201d: Promoting Cervical Health at RHHD"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">January is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccc-online.org\/cervical-health-awareness-month\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cervical Health Awareness Month<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Anyone with a cervix\u2014the lower part of the uterus\u2014is at risk for cervical cancer. You can resolve now to get up-to-date on important prevention measures like pap and HPV tests. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guidelines for screening can feel a little complicated. CDC recommends <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cervical-cancer\/screening\/index.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">starting pap tests at age 21<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to look for precancerous cells, for example, but if your test comes back normal, you won\u2019t need one every year. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to have a care provider who can help you stay on top of your cervical health needs. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christy Smith is one of the extraordinary nurse practitioners at RHHD who staffs our Family Planning and STI clinics. In her 30 years as a nurse practitioner, she\u2019s worked in rural Michigan clinics and served the Alexandria area. Through it all, she has been committed to women\u2019s health: \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I just feel such an incredible calling to support women so that they can also support others in all of their many roles. So often, I see women focusing on everyone else, and I want them to take care of themselves as a basis for taking care of others\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Connecting with a Nurse Practitioner like Christy helps you keep track of your cervical health. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I want to teach people the very basics of their bodies and to help them understand what we can do to keep you healthy. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019re working to establish a relationship so that we can monitor health over the course of your life and make referrals to specialists if we need to. The goal is to make sure that nothing gets to a point where we can\u2019t help.\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Christy encourages people to take steps to support cervical health, which often lead to greater health overall! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Staying healthy is good for your whole body.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay on top of your regular check-ups in addition to cervical screenings. <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cYou\u2019re more than just your cervix!\u201d Christy says. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The annual exam checks breast health, ovary health, and mental health. That annual health check is important, because all of those things make up a bigger picture of how a person is doing overall.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Quit smoking.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Tobacco use can increase the risk for all kinds of cancer, Christy says: \u201cit\u2019s almost like adding gasoline to a fire.\u201d Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer because it can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/about\/cigarettes-and-cancer.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">damage the DNA of the cervix and or weaken the immune\u2019s system ability to fight viruses like HPV<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0Richmond residents can get help with quitting through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/free-from-smoking-program\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Free From Tobacco program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, and all Virginia residents can use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/quitnowvirginia.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Quit Now Virginia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Approach sexual health without shame. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christy knows that talking about cervical health can feel challenging: \u201cAnything dealing with sexual health often feels a lot more personal to people. We tell people that this is a normal, healthy part of taking care of yourself. I try to spend a lot of time with my patients because I want them to know we\u2019re in this together to get you to the healthiest level. This is a safe space with no judgment.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you have a provider you trust and who helps you talk openly about sexual health, that can lead to better health outcomes. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christy says that beginning a sexual relationship with a new partner can be an important time to test for STIs. STIs can also put you at higher risk for cervical cancer, so knowing your status helps your provider help you! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn about different types of tests. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At RHHD\u2019s Family Planning clinics, Christy and her colleagues conduct <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cervical-cancer\/screening\/index.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">pap tests and age-appropriate HPV tests<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. They learn about their clients\u2019 ages and risk factors to determine which test is right when. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If someone receives abnormal pap smear results, clinical guidelines might suggest conducting more regular tests or connecting the person to follow-up services. In either case, Christy says the most important thing is close communication with the patient: \u201cIt\u2019s so important to follow the medical advice you get. And we\u2019ll bug you until you do! Several of our nurses follow paps closely. We track who is due when for follow-ups and we\u2019ll call or send a letter.\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Get vaccinated. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An early way to protect against cervical cancer is to vaccinate for HPV. There are many types of HPV, and the vaccine protects against types most strongly associated with cancers, including <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. CDC says that HPV vaccination has the potential to\u00a0prevent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/vaccines\/index.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The HPV vaccine is most effective when it\u2019s given to a young person before they are exposed to HPV. That\u2019s why in Virginia, t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">he HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, before they start seventh grade.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christy says that approach prevents the spread of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">HPV and the different types of cancer HPV can cause: <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI tell women, protect yourselves, but by golly I\u2019m going to make sure my sons are also vaccinated. It\u2019s a prevention on a very basic level that can impact multiple people.\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christy also reminds people that even with the HPV vaccine, \u201cyou still need to follow testing guidelines based on your age and pap history.\u201d Together, the HPV vaccine and regular screening are powerful tools against cervical cancer! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ready to make your cervical health a priority? Use the following resources: <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">RHHD offers Family Planning clinics, which include pap and HPV tests along with annual breast exams. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule an appointment at our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/henrico.gov\/health\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Henrico clinics<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> by calling 804-501-4651 for our West location or 804-652-3190 for our East location.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule an appointment at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/resource-centers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Southwood Resource Center<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> online or by calling 804-205-3501. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/primary-care-richmond-and-henrico-health-districts\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">primary care provider<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can connect you to cervical health tools.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Virginia\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/every-womans-life\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Every Woman\u2019s Life program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> helps uninsured, low-income women find cervical and breast cancer screening options. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can also learn more about HPV vaccinations on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/childhood-immunization\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">RHHD\u2019s Childhood Immunization page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2025\/01\/Christy-Smith.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-21913\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2025\/01\/Christy-Smith.jpg\" alt=\"Christy Smith\" width=\"347\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2025\/01\/Christy-Smith.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2025\/01\/Christy-Smith-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW70307699 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW70307699 BCX0\">Christy Smith, RHHD Nurse Practitioner<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW70307699 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Anyone with a cervix\u2014the lower part of the uterus\u2014is at risk for cervical cancer. You can resolve now to get up-to-date on important prevention [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":383,"featured_media":21913,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"modified_by":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>\u201cWe are women\u2019s advocates\u201d: Promoting Cervical Health at RHHD - Richmond City Health Department<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/01\/17\/we-are-womens-advocates-promoting-cervical-health-at-rhhd\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\u201cWe are women\u2019s advocates\u201d: Promoting Cervical Health at RHHD - Richmond City Health Department\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. 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Anyone with a cervix\u2014the lower part of the uterus\u2014is at risk for cervical cancer. 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