Womens Health Archives - Health Partnership Clinic

Women’s Preventative Healthcare: Building Healthier Communities Through Early Care

May 26, 2026/in Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Eva Clark, WHNP

Women’s preventative healthcare is essential to maintaining health, identifying concerns early, and improving quality of life at every age. At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we are committed to providing affordable, accessible preventive care services for women in our community.

By focusing on prevention, education, and early detection, HPC helps women take control of their health and reduce the risk of serious illness.

What Is Preventive Healthcare?

Preventative healthcare includes medical services designed to prevent disease, identify health conditions early and promote overall wellness. For women, preventive care often includes:

Annual wellness exams
Blood pressure and diabetes screenings
Breast exams and mammogram referrals
Cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears)
Reproductive and family planning services
STI testing and treatment
Prenatal and postpartum care
Vaccinations and immunizations
Mental health screenings and counseling

These services help healthcare providers identify potential concerns before they become more serious or difficult to treat.

Why Preventive Care Matters for Women

Many health conditions affecting women develop gradually and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. Regular preventative visits can help detect conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety.

Early detection often leads to more effective treatment, lower healthcare costs, and better long-term outcomes. Preventative healthcare also supports healthier pregnancies, improves chronic disease management and encourages women to build lasting relationships with their healthcare providers.

Women’s Healthcare at Health Partnership Clinic

HPC provides comprehensive, compassionate care for women throughout every stage of life. Our providers offer patient-centered care focused on prevention, wellness, and helping women feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.

In addition to women’s health services, HPC offers integrated care that includes:

Primary care
Behavioral health care
Dental care
Substance use disorder services

This coordinated approach allows patients to access multiple healthcare services in one convenient location.

Addressing Barriers to Care

Many women postpone healthcare visits due to challenges such as cost concerns, lack of insurance, transportation issues, work schedules or childcare responsibilities. HPC helps address these barriers by offering affordable payment options, sliding fee discounts for eligible patients and coordinated care services designed to improve access to healthcare.

Prioritize Your Health

Preventative healthcare is one of the most important investments women can make in their well-being. Routine screenings, wellness visits and open conversations with healthcare providers can lead to earlier diagnoses, healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life.

Whether you need a routine wellness exam, reproductive healthcare, prenatal care, chronic disease management, or mental health support, Health Partnership Clinic is here to help.

Call us at 913-276-7098 to schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health providers today!

The Importance of Prenatal Care: A Key to Healthy Pregnancy and Baby

December 29, 2025/in Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Eva Clark, MSN, APRN, WHNP-B, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Health Partnership Clinic

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation and change. While the journey can be beautiful, it also brings challenges and requires special attention to ensure the health of both mother and baby. One of the most important steps in ensuring a successful pregnancy is prenatal care.

At Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we understand how essential it is for expecting mothers to receive comprehensive, high-quality care. Prenatal care involves regular check-ups and medical assessments to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing baby. It provides the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and can significantly reduce risks and complications.

Why Prenatal Care Matters

Monitoring Maternal Health

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes that can impact her health and well-being. Regular prenatal visits help healthcare providers monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure, weight and overall health. Conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or anemia can be detected early and managed to prevent complications. Early detection and management are critical for reducing the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and other adverse outcomes.

Tracking Baby’s Development

Prenatal care includes regular ultrasounds, blood tests and screenings to monitor the baby’s growth and development. Through these tests, healthcare providers can detect potential issues like birth defects, growth restrictions, or developmental delays. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of the pregnancy, and in some cases, it can help prepare the mother and healthcare team for a planned delivery or special care after birth.

Addressing Lifestyle and Nutrition

Prenatal visits also provide the perfect opportunity to discuss lifestyle choices that may impact pregnancy, such as diet, exercise and avoiding harmful substances. A healthy pregnancy requires proper nutrition, and healthcare providers can guide women on the necessary vitamins, minerals and balanced diet needed during pregnancy. FQHCs work to make sure that expecting mothers have access to nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout their pregnancy.

Preventing Pregnancy Complications

Prenatal care is key to identifying risks that could lead to complications. Conditions like preeclampsia (a form of high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes are more easily managed when detected early. In some cases, prenatal visits allow healthcare providers to take preventative measures that help reduce the risk of these conditions developing or worsening.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Pregnancy is not only a physical journey but an emotional one as well. FQHCs provide support for the emotional and mental health of expecting mothers. During prenatal visits, healthcare providers can screen for signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that may arise. Early intervention and support for mental health are crucial for both maternal well-being and bonding with the baby.

Education and Birth Planning

Prenatal care is also about educating expectant mothers about what to expect during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Health professionals provide information on the birth process, pain management options and how to recognize signs of labor. This knowledge helps empower women to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and delivery. Birth planning can also include discussing any specific preferences for labor, such as whether a mother wants a natural delivery or an epidural and how to prepare for a safe postpartum recovery.

Access to Prenatal Care at Federally Qualified Health Centers

One of the primary goals of FQHCs is to increase access to health care for populations with limited access and that includes ensuring pregnant women receive proper prenatal care. Many FQHCs offer services on a sliding scale based on income, making care affordable for everyone. For those without insurance or those with limited financial resources, FQHCs serve as a vital resource for affordable, quality prenatal care.

Additionally, FQHCs often offer support services such as case management, transportation assistance and even language support to ensure all expecting mothers receive the care they need. No one should have to go through pregnancy alone or without access to the care and support they deserve.

Prenatal care is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. From routine check-ups and screenings to education and mental health support, prenatal visits provide vital services that reduce risks, prevent complications and enhance the pregnancy experience.

If you’re expecting, or planning to become pregnant, we encourage you to seek prenatal care early and regularly. If you’re looking for a trusted healthcare provider, consider visiting a local federally qualified health center like HPC, where quality care is accessible to everyone. Healthy mothers and babies are our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

To learn more about HPC’s prenatal services, visit https://hpcks.org/prenatal-services/. To schedule a prenatal appointment, call 913-276-7098.

HPC Mobile Mammography Events

October 14, 2022/in Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

Awareness is Key in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Nearly all of us have known someone with breast cancer and had our lives affected by that diagnosis. Breast cancer is something that affects all women and some men. Knowing your risk and getting the right screening test is important and can save your life.

We know that mammography is the most effective tool used today to find breast cancer in most women. In partnership with Diagnostic Imaging Centers, P.A., we provide monthly onsite mammograms. Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a mobile mammogram event on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Olathe location, 407 S. Clairborne, Olathe, Kan. Participants received a gift bag and refreshments. Mammograms are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required for these monthly events.

Screening mammograms are available to area women who are 40 and older, low income and uninsured. Clinic staff will enroll eligible women in Kansas’ Early Detection Works, and insurance will be billed, if insured.

To schedule a mobile mammogram appointment, call 913-276-7098.

If you are unsure if you need a mammogram, please talk to your health care provider about your risk level and the appropriate testing for you. To schedule an appointment to see a provider at HPC, call 913-648-2266.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, staff will celebrate on Wednesday, Oct. 5 by wearing pink and enjoying cookies in the Staff Break Room. A Word Search Puzzle contest is also open to both staff and patients. Completed puzzles must be sent to Debbie Sparks (Dsparks@hpcks.org) by Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Prizes will be awarded both to an employee and patient on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer

August 1, 2022/in Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Kare Lyche, MD, Family Physician, Health Partnership Clinic

Cervical cancer is cancer of the mouth of the uterus. It is thought to be caused by human papillomavirus or HPV which is a sexually transmitted disease.

There are several things that you can do to prevent cervical cancer, the most important by far is to have a pap smear. Pap smears are given to woman ages 21-65. The frequency of your pap smear depends on the type of pap smear and your age. The second most important thing you can do is to get the HPV vaccine. It is offered to all children between the ages of 11 and 12. If you miss that window, it is available to all women with a uterus up to age 45.

To learn more about cervical cancer and how to prevent it, watch our video:

Cervical Health Awareness: Tips to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Vaccination can prevent cervical cancer!

January 13, 2020/in Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

Elizabeth Lewis, WHNP-BC, MSN, BSN, RN
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women around the world. Human papillomavirus infections (HPV) is a virus that is responsible for most cervical cancer. There are more than 200 types of HPV, with only a handful being responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

Every year in the United States, seven million new people will be infected with HPV. HPV is globally the most common sexually transmitted infection; approximately 80 percent of sexually active people will have the virus at least once during their lifetime. The most common way to get HPV is sex, and risk increases with new partners and the number of lifetime partners.

How is HPV Spread?

HPV is spread from skin-to-skin contact. Consistent condom use decreases this risk but does not eliminate the risk. In one study, even women who had never had sex, HPV was found in eight percent of those sampled.

Most HPV infections, including the types that cause cancer, will resolve within 12 months. Infections that continue after 12 months increase the likelihood of precancerous or cancerous lesions. There is exciting news for prevention!

The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine has been shown to decrease incidence of cervical cancer by at least 71 percent. The Gardasil vaccine can protect people from nine types of HPV, including the types associated with the most cancers. In the U.S., the rate of HPV detected in women decreased by 71 percent from the years before we started vaccinating to the years after. Also, Gardasil has just received FDA approval to expand the age you can get the vaccine.

You can now get the vaccine from age nine to 45 years of age. The vaccine is for any gender! It is best to get the vaccine long before you ever have sex, but it is not too late to get it or complete your series if you haven’t gotten three doses. This vaccine prevents cervical cancer! There is patient assistance available if you can not afford the vaccine.

Even with the vaccine, if you are between the age of 21-65, you should get pap smears on the right schedule. The schedule for pap smears has changed over the last decade. If you are unsure when your last one was or when your next one is due, contact your healthcare provider. If your last pap smear was abnormal, make sure you follow up as directed because early intervention also saves lives.

More Information

You might be eligible for a free pap smear or mammogram. To learn more, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/edw/.

For more information about HPV and cervical cancers, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call 913-648-2266 today.

Join the fight against Breast Cancer: Education and Awareness Key for Women

October 3, 2018/in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Womens Health/by Health Partnership Clinic

Post written by Catherine Rice, VP of Marketing and Outreach

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer.

About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

This October, Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

HPC will host a Think Pink Day on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 (click here for more information) at their Olathe campus, 407 S. Claiborne Rd., Olathe, Kan. for women age 45-64 who haven’t had a mammogram in more than a year.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Women are encouraged to call 913-648-2266 for an appointment, however, walk-Ins are welcome.

Breast health information will be available at all clinic sites, and staff are invited to wear pink on Fridays. Staff may also participate in a crossword puzzle and word search contests.

At the Olathe location, patients are invited to enter their name into a door prize drawing. One winner will be drawn on Oct. 31.

Participants will receive a clinical breast exam, enroll in Early Detection Works (EDW), schedule a mammogram appointment, learn more about breast health and enjoy refreshments. Patients and staff are encouraged to wear pink!

HPC providers offer the following advice to women:

If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your provider about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every two years. You may also choose to get them more often.
Talk to a provider about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your provider can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.

Resources:

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/.

National Cancer Institute

Information about free or low-cost mammogram screening programs is available through NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237.

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society provides lists of resources where you can receive a free or low-cost mammogram based on your location. When you go to their website, Cancer.org, look for the blue “My ACS” in the top right corner.

When you click on that, you can enter your zip code. Scroll down to the Local Resources section and click on Health Care and Screenings. You can search these resources for free or low-cost mammogram screenings in your area. Learn more at https://www.cancer.org/.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation

The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail. NBCF continues to grow every year to help more and more women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and providing free mammograms to women in need. Visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

8 Important Health Tips for Women

September 26, 2018/in Womens Health/by Catherine Rice

Amalia Almeida, APRN

Post written by Amalia Almeida, APRN
Board-certified nurse practitioner, specializing in women’s health, Chief of Clinical Services and Quality

Putting your health first should be a priority, but many women are so busy with childrearing and careers that they often put their health needs on the back burner.

With National Women’s Health and Fitness Week, it’s a great time to remind women about the benefits of exercise and physical health. There are many ways you can keep healthy even when you’re on a tight budget.

What are some important health tips for women?

-Get your mammograms once you reach ages 40-50, every year between 45-55, and every two years after age 55.

-Get a Pap smear checkup if you are between ages 21 and 29. You should get a Pap test every three years. If you are between ages 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test together every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.

-It’s important to remember that your body needs to be taken care of. If you, for example, were to drive around in a car with a wheel put on wrong, you either wouldn’t get far, or your car would wear down quicker and easier. That’s why it’s important that you take these eight steps to keep your body healthy:

1.) Now, this may sound silly, but posture.

Posture is very important, and it is something many people should really work on more. Various things affect good posture.

When you are at school or work or even just hanging out with friends, good posture is often lacking. People slouch because they get too comfortable and they think it looks cool.

Slouching wears down your bones and muscles while creating problems and strains in your muscles. Sit up and stand up straight!

2.) Get active!

With heart disease as a leading cause of death in the United States, it’s important to get active. I recommend exercise at least 30 minutes a day five times a week, but anything is better than nothing.

You can walk around a track for 30 minutes, walk around your neighborhood if it is safe, walk your dog, go to a fitness class at the gym, garden, swim, bicycle and so much more!

3.) Avoid drugs and alcohol.

If you do drink, limit it to one glass a day of wine (5 Fl oz), one beer (12 Fl oz), or 80 proof distilled spirits (1.5 Fl oz).

4.) Protect your skin from the sun!

Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear hats, sunglasses and watch for unusual marks and burns you may obtain from the sun. See a doctor immediately if you find a suspicious spot.

5.) Take some time to “smell the roses”.

It is important to take time to just relax and remember what is important to you. If you enjoy gardening, or cards, or painting…or whatever… do those things!

6.) Meditate or find some way to make yourself relax.

Try meditation. Do yoga, cardio, or take walks.

7.) Eat healthy.

The word “healthy” doesn’t solely refer to low fat, sugar or calorie foods. It also refers to non-processed foods, foods that are natural, and foods that are actually meant to be digested.

I recommend limiting soda pop, ramen noodles, potato chips, fruit snacks and other processed foods. Eat food with fiber. Fiber is very important for the body, but many people cut it out accidentally because they don’t like the taste or how it mixes into food.

For example, many people use all-purpose flour when they could use whole wheat flour in cooking. Fiber is good for the body because it helps with healthy bowel movements and softens the stool.

Eat your greens! Many people skip this because salad is not filling. However, adding some lean protein such as chicken or chickpeas can make it filling and healthy. Many essential vitamins that fight off diseases and form antibodies come from eating fruits and veggies.

8.) Mental health.

Mental health is very important to your overall life. Remember to enjoy the little things, slow down and find ways to get your brain working. Read a good book, play sudoku or do math…do things that make you think! Just watching television or playing on your phone is not healthy.

It’s essential to take care of your health. With these eight steps, you should be on a good track!

For a well-woman checkup, call Health Partnership Clinic at 913-648-2266. Go schedule yours today!