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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local advanced registered nurse practitioner says underprivileged women aren’t getting checkups as often as they should. As a result, they are finding out about their medical problems too late.
Jacksonville’s first Black-owned women’s clinic on the Westside is doing its best to help.
Jamie Neal, who is the ARNP at Life Tree Women Care, said that often times, women don’t get checkups the way they should because of their finances or because they are too embarrassed.
“Financially is a big one, but just access. Some people have insurance or are already covered, but they don’t have the access, meaning they call the doctor’s office, and they have a problem and have to wait 2 or 3 months to get in and be evaluated,” Neal said.
Neal has specialized in women’s health care for over 20 years. She said the list is long when jotting down reasons why women don’t get checkups — from having uncomfortable medical provider experiences to fear of getting bad news.
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“I encourage every woman over 21 to be evaluated by a medical provider every year just to make sure your blood pressure is stable, your body weight is what it should be,” Neal said.
Mom to be Autume Liddell is 37 weeks pregnant and has a baby girl on the way. She said regular medical checks up are key to living a long and healthy life.
“People might be a bit nervous to find out negative information but I say it’s better to know than not to know so that you can plan ahead for whatever might come,” Liddell said.
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Neal emphasizes that preventative care varies on a case-by-case basis and should never be neglected.
“In order to stay ahead of the game in your health, you should be evaluated,” Neal said.
Neal said it’s not just women who don’t get their checkups the way they are supposed to, but also men.
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