+ What does a women’s health exam entail?

A women’s health exam, also known as a well woman exam, is your annual exam with your primary care physician. Generally performed once a year, a women’s health exam consists of routine examination procedures. Wellness exams include: height and weight measurements, blood tests, listening to your heart and lungs, and checking reflexes. Additionally, your physician will perform a Pap smear, pelvic, and breast exam.

+ What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a test that takes a swab of the cells from your cervix. The swab is sent off to the lab and tested for any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells within the cervix. Based on the results of your Pap smear, additional testing or follow up visits may be required.*

+ What is a breast exam?

An annual breast exam, given by your physician, is when your doctor will examine around the breast, feeling the breast for any lumps for abnormalities. They will often check in to see how often you are performing self-examinations. Self-administered breast exams are recommended once a month. Based on what your doctor finds, additional testing may be required.

+ What else should be addressed during a women’s health exam?

Your physician will want to be updated on any lifestyle changes. They will want to make a note of any changes to your family medical history, exercise, diet habits, and especially your health. If you notice any changes to your health or any concerns, this is the best time to consult your physician.

+ How do I prepare for my women’s health exam?

In order to make the most of your well woman exam, make a list of everything that you are concerned about in regards to your health. Note any significant changes to your lifestyle including professional and personal. Make a list of any new medications you are taking and bring them with you. Most importantly, make note of any new conditions that have risen within your family since your previous visit. These need to be added to your family medical history.

+ Schedule An Appointment at our clinic

To schedule a women’s health exam with one of our providers at Eagle Ridge Medical Clinic, call our office at (604) 945-0032.

+ Who is a geriatric patient?

Geriatric patients are older people with overall physical, age-related impairments. Patients are labeled geriatric based on “health” rather than age. Even though, there is no set age for when a patient becomes geriatric and needs geriatric care, it most commonly begins in the late-60s to mid-70s.

+ What does a geriatric exam entail?

Geriatric exams vary based on the patient. Sometimes two separate examinations may be required because the patient becomes fatigued. Generally, in a geriatric wellness exam, a physical examination will be given. The patient will be asked about any changes to their lifestyle, body, any new symptoms or ailments. At this stage in life, many tests are required for preventative screening. Some of these include:

• arthritis screenings
• cancer screenings
• dementia screenings Additionally, if the patient has a caregiver (which many do), the physician will check for any signs of neglect or elder abuse.

+ What are the signs of elder abuse?

The signs of elder abuse can include:

• frequent bruising in hard to reach areas
• finger marks (bruises) on the skin
• fear of caregiver
• bruises to the genitalia

+ How long should a geriatric exam last?

Geriatric exam lengths different depending upon the patient’s needs. Geriatric exams generally take longer than physical exams for younger patients. Physicians need to take their time with the patient, giving them time to recall their day to day and any concerns or symptoms that should be addressed. The physical will have to rely on the patient’s recollection of their day to day, as well as any other clues that the physician may be able to spot: significant weight fluctuation, signs of depression, overall physical and mental health. It is important to find a physician that is patient and has experience with geriatric care.

+ Schedule a consultation in Coquitlam, British Columbia

If you would like to schedule a geriatric care visit at Eagle Ridge Medical Clinic, please call our office at (604) 945-0032 for an appointment.

+ What is PRP?

PRP, which stands for platelet-rich plasma, is just as it sounds. It’s plasma enriched by platelets. Plasma is filled with proteins that help blood clot and promote healing. By injecting PRP into areas of concern, the platelet-rich plasma stimulates the body to grow healthy, new cells.*

+ Where does PRP come from?

PRP comes from the patient’s own bloodstream. Blood is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. By separating the blood particles, using a process called centrifugation, your provider is able to isolate the PRP and prepare it for injection.

+ What does PRP for joint health treat?

PRP can treat the following joint health concerns:

• knee pain
• arthritis
• hip pain
• joint osteoarthritis
• ankle pain
• elbow pain

+ How long does PRP take to work?

PRP for joint health is not a quick fix. Over time, as the tissues are repaired, the pain begins to dissipate. The treatment time line and healing process is different for every patient. Generally, if there are no signs of improvement after a few months, another injection will be tried or alternative course of treatment recommended. Ultimately, your injection amount and treatment length will be determined by your doctor.

+ Am I a candidate for PRP for joint health?

In order to determine if you are a candidate for PRP for joint pain, a conversation with your physician is required. Ultimately, your doctor will decide if PRP injections are right for you. However, if you are experiencing joint pain, it is worth a conversation with your provider to see if PRP can alleviate your symptoms.

+ Schedule a Consultation with Eagle Ridge Medical Clinic

If you would like to learn more about PRP for joint health, please call our Coquitlam office at (604) 945-0032 to schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

+ What is derma needling?

Derma needling, also known as microneedling, is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure that triggers collagen and elastin production beneath the skin. Using a needling device, your provider makes tiny punctures into the top layer of your skin. This stimulates collagen production. Another term for derma needling is collagen induction therapy. As the name suggests, the needles stimulate the skin cells, telling them its time to release more collagen and elastin into the body and repair any damaged areas. Combined with PRP, derma needling offers an excellent option to rejuvenate and repair the skin without undergoing surgery.*

+ What is PRP?

PRP, which stands for platelet-rich plasma, stimulates the healing process during a procedure. It is used by many physicians to speed up the recovery process following derma needling procedures. After drawing a sample of the patient’s blood, the provider places the blood sample into a centrifuge. The centrifuge machine spins the blood around, separating the components. This makes it possible for your doctor to remove just the plasma. Once the plasma is separated, your provider prepares it for injection.

+ What can PRP with derma needling treat?

At Eagle Ridge Medical Clinic, we use derma needling with PRP to treat different skin conditions caused by sun damage, acne, and aging. Some of the most common conditions include:

• wrinkles
• fine lines
• brown spots
• sun spots
• hyperpigmentation
• enlarged pores
• acne scars
• loose skin

+ How does the procedure work?

First, the provider will identify the areas of concern and review what to expect during the procedure. This generally takes place during an initial consultation to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for derma needling. Your provider will also give instructions on how to properly prepare for the procedure. On the day of the procedure, your provider will make sure that nothing has been done that could adversely affect treatment. For example, it is not recommended to use any self-tanning products or spend time in the sun before your derma needling procedure. Additionally, it is highly encouraged to stay hydrated. Once your provider has assessed any concerns, the treatment begins. From there, a derma needling device is used to stimulate the skin. Finally, the provider injects the plasma into the skin, stimulating the healing process.*

+ Are there any side effects?

Though unlikely, side effects may occur. Some common side effects include:

• bleeding
• bruising
• peeling
• skin sensitivity

+ Schedule a consultation at our clinic

To learn more about derma needling with PRP and to find out if you are a candidate, please call our Coquitlam office at (604) 945-0032 to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

+ What are neuromodulators?

Neuromodulators are injections that relax wrinkles within the skin.* Different types of neuromodulator brands include: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. At Eagle Ridge Medical Clinic, we use Botox and Dysport for cosmetic procedures.

+ What is Botox?

Botox, the first neuromodulator created, is still the most popular on the market. It is used for both cosmetic and medical treatments, and it is still considered the most effective and diverse injectable available. Botox temporarily freezes the signal transmission from the nerves to the muscles, stopping the creation of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as reducing the appearance of preexisting ones.*

+ What can Botox treat?

Cosmetically, Botox can treat the following concerns:

• fine lines
• wrinkles
• forehead lines
• crow’s feet
• gummy smile
• frown lines

+ What is Dysport?

Dysport is a different brand of neuromodulator. It is considered by some to spread farther, work quicker, and last longer than other neuromodulators.* Thus, Dysport is commonly used to treat larger areas of wrinkles. Dysport is an excellent option for those patients who have found Botox injections ineffective.

What are the side effects of using injectables? Botox and Dysport are both cosmetic injectables, and, while side effects are minimal, they may occur. Additionally, some of the most common side effects include:

• redness
• swelling
• sensitivity
• bruising
• headache

+ How long do injectable treatments last?

There is no definitive time frame on how long injectables will last; time frames will vary depending upon the patient. Generally, neuromodulator treatments last for several months.* However, they are not permanent and will need to be continued to keep wrinkles and fine lines from reappearing.

+ Schedule a consultation at our clinic

To learn more about injectable treatments, please call our office at (604) 945-0032 and schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

+ How does SculpSure work?

SculpSure is a non-invasive, non-surgical laser treatment. Using energy, the laser transforms the energy into heat that targets fat cells. Once identified, the laser heats up the stubborn fat, breaking it apart. Eventually, the fat cells are eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system. Cells that have been successfully removed will not regenerate. However, it is important to note that proper exercise and diet plans should be followed to prevent new fat cell growth.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

+ What is submental fat?

Submental fat is the fat that forms in the region underneath your chin. When submental fat grows prominently in this region it can cause facial fullness, also known as a double chin. Submental fat can be hard to reduce with diet and exercise alone. It can also be caused by a variety of factors. *Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

+ What can cause submental fat?

Submental fat can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• weight gain
• diet
• genetics
• aging

+ What are the side effects from a SculpSure treatment?

One of the most inviting things about this treatment is that there are little to no side effects. Because it is non-invasive and non-surgical, the risk for side effects is minimal. During treatment, patients have reported experiencing some tingling and pinching sensations. After treatment, signs of redness, swelling, bruising, and soreness may occur.

+ Am I a candidate for SculpSure?

Ideal candidates for SculpSure treatments are individuals who maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. They are near their ideal body weight but are only looking to address a few pockets of stubborn fat.

+ Schedule an appointment at our clinic

If you would like to learn more about SculpSure treatments and to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, call our clinic at (604) 945-0032 and speak to a member of our staff.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.