I had been a bit nervous all day wondering what my thermogram process would entail. Would I need to undress completely? Would I be offered 1 of these paper gowns that opens in the front and barely covers me? Would there be any heat coming out of the digital camera? I had been avoiding a mammogram following studying the newest information about the dangers connected with X-ray knowing that I was potentially putting myself at higher danger by not taking cost of my health. It was my massage therapist who informed me about thermography as an adjunctive tool for breast cancer screening and now I find myself lost in my thoughts as I am driving to my thermographic appointment.

As I entered the lobby, I noticed that the temperature was cool and refreshing. The paintings on the wall were vibrant and cheerful with many colors that caught my eye. I felt at ease correct away.

I was quickly greeted by the thermographer. She guided me to her office and there I felt all the tension melt away. She showed me around the office explaining the need for a cool temperature and allowing me to browse her assortment of literature, leaflets, handouts and brochures. It smelled like my grandmother’s garden in the spring. Just a hint of orange blossom, honeysuckle, green apple all mixed with a light touch of rain forest greeted my nose. The plants were lush and wholesome and soft music was playing in the track record. The lights were dim and I could nearly imagine myself back in grandma’s Arizona space.

The thermographer asked if I had any questions and of course I stated no, trying to show her that I was relaxed, and not a bit nervous. She smiled knowingly and asked me to make sure you step behind the space divider and alter into a robe she set out for me. The robes were soft cotton and tied in the front. She then asked that I fill out the paperwork. She explained that I would need to do my greatest to maintain my arms away from the side of my physique so I could cool down and she could get a more correct image. She then study over my information and asked me questions about my health in common and particularly breast health. All the whilst, I was grateful for the complete coverage of the cool, cotton robe and remembered to maintain my arms away from my physique.

Subsequent, I moved to the scanning area where I was shown the six various positions needed for the scan. She then asked me to sit on the stool and flip my back to her. At this point, she asked me to drop my gown. I was informed to maintain my fingers on my waist whilst she took my thermal picture. I discovered that it usually requires twelve-15 minutes for the temperature of my skin to come to equilibrium with the temperature of the space. Once my temperature stabilized, the scanning began. Throughout the scan, she asked that I raise my fingers above my head and stay still allowing me to rest my fingers back on my waist in between the various poses. The digital camera did not emit any heat and never touched my physique. The complete scan time was about 5 minutes.

Once we were done, I changed back into my clothes and thanked the technician for a soothing and comforting expertise. Prior to I left the office, I picked up a couple of of the breast health brochures to reveal with my family, friends and colleagues.

Thermographic screening is not coated by most insurance companies but is remarkably affordable for most people. For more information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go to www.proactivehealthonline.com.

Brenda Witt is co-owner of Proactive Health Options in Southern California. She is an American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County area.