Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and transmitted and stored just like computer files. On the Full Field Digital unit we are able to see your images immediately without having to run films or the reading of plate as in Computed Mammography. Another advantage is that it reduces the need for retakes due to the fact that the Radiologist is able adjust the brightness, contrast and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest.

Lastly the digital images can be easily stored, copied without any loss of information and received in a more streamlined manner eliminating dependence on only one set of "original" films.

Breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in their lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in women. Numerous studies prove that early detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer.

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that nay be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. the use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancer at earlier stages. Now with the new technology of the Full Field Digital unit, great promise in the fight against breast cancer has arrived.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35-40, beginning at age 40, women should have an annual screening mammogram.

Keep in mind that any woman that feels a lump, has dimpling of the skin, an inverted nipple that is a new finding, or has a bloody nipple discharge, should their physician so that a Diagnostic mammogram can be performed immediately.

Some of the known risk factors for breast cancer include:

• family or personal history of breast cancer.
• early menstrual onset/late onset menopause
• use of oral contraceptives
• use of hormone replacement therapy
• alcohol use (2 or more drinks/day)

Unity Healthcare is at a crossroads. We cannot continue as a viable organization without change, in part, because of our in between size as a small rural hospital, past financial stresses and the need for improved quality, updated facilities and technology. We must change. Doing nothing to address our situation is not a choice.

The Unity HealthCare Board of Directors identified a clear option – affiliate with a larger health care organization. After a review of potential affiliates, the Unity Board selected Trinity Regional Health System as its partner. Trinity Regional is the best choice for Unity to be successful and retain a strong hospital and physicians clinic in Muscatine County. The referendum allows Unity the legal mechanics to affiliate. Unity is asking the Muscatine County area voters to vote YES to retain a local hospital and physician clinics needed in our community.

Vote YES to preserve local healthcare on May 5th.

The referendum action by the Muscatine General Hospital Board of Trustees requires any affiliation agreements to preclude that from happening. In addition, MGH Board of Trustees will have the right to repurchase the hospital if an affiliation partner would attempt to vacate Muscatine. Unity will not enter into any agreement that jeopardizes local health care.

Unity will continue services they offer today. The decision to affiliate with a larger health care system will allow Unity to offer improved services and more types of services to Muscatine County and surrounding areas. Unity has been constrained both operationally and financially; an affiliation would provide much needed resources to improve local health care options.

This would be a very challenging situation for the residents of Muscatine County, because Unity is unable to remain independent long term. If voters vote No in the referendum, they are saying with their vote that we do not need local health care or a local hospital. This would significantly impact the businesses and residents in our region. It is critical voters understand how important it is to vote Yes on May 5^th.

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission of Accreditation of HealthCare Organizations' national standards for health care quality and safety, Unity HealthCare has earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™. The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ is for all services including hospital based substance abuse treatment services, home health, hospice, personal care and support services. According to Karmon Bjella, President and CEO of Unity HealthCare, "Accreditation by the Joint Commission sets Unity HealthCare apart. We seek accreditation because we have had a long-term, proactive commitment to the Muscatine Community in providing safe, quality, local health care."

The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site evaluation of Unity HealthCare in October 2006. The accreditation award recognizes Unity HealthCare’s dedication to complying with the Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

Unity HealthCare is a non-profit, integrated health system, located in Muscatine, IA. The mission of Unity HealthCare is to deliver caring, accessible, high quality and cost effective health and wellness services to all we serve, maintaining high ethical standards and honoring patient rights.