Women that optimize their health by taking proactive measures understand the key to true wellness. Dr. Pamela Howard encourages women to become empowered, active participants on the journey toward living a long time in vibrant health. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, Howard graduated from New York College of Chiropractic. Since 2005, she has been the certified clinical thermographer for her own business, Advanced Thermal Imaging, with locations in Mechanicsburg and Columbia, Pennsylvania. She believes it is important to not only provide thermal imaging services, but also educational support and resources to help clients take a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle.

Digital infrared thermal imaging, or thermography, is a screening tool for whole body health that offers a safe, non-invasive way to visualize potential health concerns, including breast health and monitoring. The camera is registered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and this physiological tool can be used for a study of the full body or for particular areas to assist in determining where problems may be developing. Thermal imaging is an insightful choice because it is painless and does not use radiation, nor does it make contact with the body. Thermography can detect an area of concern even before it can be felt in the body. “More than ever, we are realizing that waiting for disease to manifest lessens our chances of not just survival, it also minimizes our ability to live long, live active and live healthy lives,” explains Howard.

The quick and easy thermal imaging session begins with obtaining an individual’s medical history. Then, the client partially disrobes for the scanning to be performed. When doing a breast series, this first session provides the initial portion of a baseline in developing a thermal signature. A subsequent session in three months assures that the patterns remain unchanged, and these two sessions establish a baseline. Standard region of interest exams take approximately 15 minutes, and a full body exam takes about 30 minutes.

The images are reviewed following the screening by a medical doctor specially trained in thermal imaging that writes a thorough report within a few days. Patients receive the printed report and may request a detailed consultation to review the results with Howard. All of the client’s thermograms (scanned images) are kept on record, and once a stable thermal pattern has been established, any changes can be detected during routine annual studies.

Education is essential when empowering individuals to ask questions about their own health and seek learning opportunities that foster understanding of true wellness. “Being proactive about wellness and taking steps to prevent disease, is the key to a future of vital health,” shares Howard.

Advanced Thermal Imaging has two locations: 550 Coventry Dr., in Mechanicsburg, PA, and 259 N. 6th St., Ste. 2, in Columbia, PA. For appointments, call 866-522-3484. For more information, visit AThermalImage.com.

Gisele Rinaldi Siebold is a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings, South Central edition. Connect with her at [email protected].