Dr. Jennifer Ashton to Provide Free Gynecological Care to Female Veterans
One-third of VA Medical Centers Do Not Currently Have a Gynecologist On Staff(1)
ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Board-certified Ob-Gyn, author and TV medical correspondent, announced today that she will be providing free gynecological care to female veterans. Last week, a report by independent news organization, Mother Jones, shed light on how the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not prepared to deal with the medical concerns of female veterans, which has experienced a recent influx. According to the report, from 2000 to 2009, the number of female veterans in the VA healthcare system increased by 83%, while only 2% of VA health facilities provided mammography services in 2011. One in five female veterans delayed or went without care in 2013 and 2014.
"I read the Mother Jones piece and was outraged by the fact that so many of our female veterans do not have access to basic healthcare services. The fact that one-third of VA Medical Centers do not have a gynecologist on staff is appalling. I know that my actions are not a cure to this problem, but I wanted to take some action and I wanted to do something now. Taking care of our female veterans is a cause I am believe in, not only as a woman and an Ob-Gyn, but as the daughter of a former Captain in the U. S. Air Force. I was born on George Air Force Base in San Bernadino, CA and that has always imbued me with a respect for our men and women in the Armed Forces," stated Dr. Ashton. "On a larger scale, I think this highlights a crucial conversation that we need to be having around women's –veterans and non-veterans – health and how to get women the best care possible."
For veterans wishing to make an appointment, please call Dr. Ashton's practice, Hygeia Gynecology at (201) 399-2812 and provide your Veteran Identification number. Hygeia Gynecology is located in Englewood, New Jersey and is the first eco-friendly medical practice in Bergen County. It is officially GreenOffice Certified and ninety-nine percent of the office's contents are green and non-toxic, including energy-efficient light-bulbs, low-VOC paint, sustainable furniture and organic cotton fabrics.
"I built my office to reflect my personal philosophy around women's health – women should be physically and mentally comforted when they are seeing their gynecologist, and be in an environment that reflects overall well-being. I look forward to welcoming female veterans to Hygeia Gynecology," commented Dr. Ashton.
About Dr. Jennifer Ashton
Retiring stiff paper gowns and unrelatable medical advice, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a Board-certified Ob-Gyn, ABC News Chief Women's Health Correspondent for Good Morning America and co-host of the Emmy Award-winning, syndicated series The Doctors breaks the barrier between doctor and patient. Affectionately referred to as your all-in-one 'BFF'/Ob-Gyn, Dr. Jennifer Ashton marries an unparalleled medical background with an accessible 'girl's-girl' attitude. Though Dr. Ashton can easily speak to the latest beauty and fashion trends, this Ivy League graduate means business when it comes to women's health.
Hailing from a family of six physicians and one nurse, this wife and mother of two possesses a uniquely well-rounded understanding of the human body. Leading by example, Dr. Ashton not only 'talks the talk,' but 'walks the walk.' When she's not in the office, she can be found training for triathlons or following her very own Five-Day/Two- Day Eating Plan. Dr. Ashton demonstrates first-hand how to embrace and feel empowered at every stage of womanhood. This relatable and modern approach is highlighted in her latest book Your Body Beautiful (Penguin), a coveted resource for the medical community and women at every stage of their lives.
1 Disabled American Veterans, 2014 report
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SOURCE Dr. Jennifer Ashton
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