Watch the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcast every Tuesday through Thursday on Action News 5 WMC-TV at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 31 – Flu Shots

Fall is here and with fall comes flu season, which can start as early as October and last until May. Every year five to 20 percent of Americans get the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications from the flu and about 36,000 people die. This is why it is so important for people to get vaccinated, especially for those who are in a high risk group.

According to Dr. Jeff Lowrey, medical director, the high risk group includes "anyone over 50 years of age, younger children, people who live in nursing homes and those who have chronic health conditions."

Even people who are not in a high risk group should get vaccinated because it is the best way to help prevent catching the flu and feeling those nasty symptoms of a high fever, body aces and cough. For more about flu season, read "Flu Season: How to Be Prepared."

Breast Center - Wednesday, Nov. 1

The Methodist Breast Center offers patients a relaxed, comfortable setting for all services involving the diagnosis of breast cancer. "We do screening and diagnostic mammography. We do breast biopsies using ultrasound and steriotactic guidance," said Dr. Linda Hodgkiss, medical director.

The center's medical professionals provide quality care with the latest technology such as Confirma, a software technique that helps quickly and more accurately interpret breast MRI studies. A nurse navigator helps women who have an abnormal mammogram move through the diagnostic process. The nurse also provides emotional support, answers questions and is a resource for patient information.

The Methodist Breast Center is located at 7945 Wolf River Blvd. For more information, please visit our mammography services. Call 901.516.6777 for an appointment.

Flu Shots - Thursday, Nov. 2

Fall is here and with fall comes flu season, which can start as early as October and last until May. Every year five to 20 percent of Americans get the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications from the flu and about 36,000 people die. This is why it is so important for people to get vaccinated, especially for those who are in a high risk group.

According to Dr. Jeff Lowrey, medical director, the high risk group includes "anyone over 50 years of age, younger children, people who live in nursing homes and those who have chronic health conditions."

Even people who are not in a high risk group should get vaccinated because it is the best way to help prevent catching the flu and feeling those nasty symptoms of a high fever, body aces and cough. For more about flu season, read "Flu Season: How to Be Prepared."