Westwood Rural Health Clinic

Westwood Rural Health Clinic Westwood Rural Health Clinic serves all patients as a full service clinic for Willow Springs residen

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to all. Several provider offices are closed today. Westwood Rural Health Clinic is open and here for you. If you are not feeling well, be seen today so you can better enjoy tomorrow.
MERRY CHRISTMAS

11/19/2025

Westwood Rural Health Clinic is going to be OPEN to see people on NOVEMBER 28, 2025. Many Clinics will be closed which will limit your access to healthcare. WALK-INS WELCOME

11/19/2025

Westwood Rural Health Clinic has 1 opening at 11:30 is anyone needs to be seen.

Educational information from Westwood Rural Health Clinic:

HAVING A MAMMOGRAM

Mammography is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breasts for the purpose of screening for or diagnosing breast cancer or other problems of the breast. Early detection is key to effective treatment and the best chance of surviving breast cancer. A screening mammogram is a quick, easy method of detecting breast cancer early because it can detect very small cancers, long before they can be felt by you or your doctor. Screening mammography is known to decrease deaths from breast cancer in women 50 and over. A diagnostic mammogram is used if there may be a problem or if it is hard to get a good picture because of special circumstances, as in women with breast implants. The diagnostic exam takes a little longer than the screening exam because more pictures are usually taken.

Choose a quality facility to have your mammogram done. A new law requires all mammography facilities (except those of the VA) to be FDA certified. A facility must meet certain standards for equipment, personnel, and recordkeeping. Ask your doctor to recommend one or call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (toll free) at 800-4-CANCER.

Be prepared. When you call for an appointment, ask what information you should bring. At least have your doctor's name, address, and phone number; and a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatment you have had. If you can, take copies of previous mammograms with you, so your new results can be compared with the earlier ones. Bring a list of your questions. Take a friend or family member with you if it would make the visit more comfortable.

The day of the exam, wear a two-piece outfit so you will only have to remove your top. Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, etc. on your underarms that morning since they can interfere with the x-ray. For the exam, you will stand in front of a special type of x-ray machine. Typically two x-rays are taken of each breast. The radiologic technologist will lift each breast and place it on the platform that holds the film. The height of the platform can be raised or lowered to the level most comfortable for you. The breast is slowly pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. You will feel some pressure when this happens (it will not harm the breast) but it should only take a few seconds to be sure the x-rays will show as much of the breast as possible. By flattening the breast in this way, a smaller dose of x-ray is needed to get a good picture. If there is an area of your breast that appears to have a problem, the radiologist or technologist may examine it.

A mammogram is not painful for most women. Schedule your exam when your breasts are the least sensitive. Avoid the week before your period. If you are concerned about discomfort, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) about an hour before your appointment time. It will not interfere with test results. Then, try to relax. If the pressure does become painful, let the technologist know.

Follow-up is important. Before leaving the facility, ask how you will get your results.

Early detection of breast cancer is best assured by a three part plan:
⦁ Do a breast self-exam (BSE) each month. Exams will help you learn what is normal for your breasts and what may be signs of problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure how to do a BSE.
⦁ Have your doctor examine your breasts when you have your regular physical and anytime you notice a lump or thickening, discharge from the ni**le, or skin changes in the breast. Many changes will be normal but your doctor can help determine that.
⦁ Have a mammogram every year after age 50. Your doctor will advise you on how often to have a mammogram before age 50 depending on your risk factors, etc. It is also important to have a baseline mammogram done that can be referred to later for comparison.

11/12/2025

Educational information from Westwood Rural Health Clinic. We tend to think sometimes we will get to feeling better and put off going to be seen. Here is an example of an illness that if not treated will get worse and create long-term issues.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

Chronic bronchitis is a constant inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. When the airways are irritated, more mucous is produced. The mucous plugs the airways and makes breathing more difficult. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Other substances, if inhaled over a long time, such as aerosol sprays, dust, or chemical fumes, can also lead to chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, along with emphysema, is a condition included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms may include:
⦁ Shortness of breath with less and less activity
⦁ Tight feeling in the chest
⦁ Cough that does not go away
⦁ Coughing up mucus which may me clear, white, yellowish, or green
⦁ Wheezing

What your doctor can do:
⦁ Ask about your symptoms and medical history, especially about any history of smoking or exposure to chemicals
⦁ Perform a physical exam
⦁ Order blood tests and pulmonary function tests to see how well your lungs are working
⦁ Order a chest x-ray to look for other conditions which may be causing your symptoms
⦁ Order medications such as bronchodilators to help open the airways, antibiotics if you also have a lung infection, and supplemental oxygen if bronchitis is severe
⦁ Refer you to a pulmonary rehabilitation program - a program in which a respiratory therapist will help you learn to breathe more easily

What you can do:
⦁ Stop smoking. It is the single most important thing you can do. Ask your doctor if you need help quitting. There are many possible aids if you are ready to stop.
⦁ Avoid anyone with a cold, flu, or respiratory infection of any kind.
⦁ Have an influenza vaccine yearly and a one-time pneumonia vaccine
⦁ Avoid air pollution, aerosols, and anything that may cause irritation to the airways
⦁ Use air conditioning to control humidity and temperature. Change the filter often.
⦁ Drink plenty of clear fluids to help loosen mucous, making it easier to cough out.
⦁ Begin an exercise program. Start slowly with 10-15 minutes three times a week.
⦁ Eat smaller, more frequent, and well-balanced meals.
⦁ Learn purse-lipped breathing.
⦁ Pace yourself and rest often.

What you can expect:
⦁ In chronic bronchitis, the damage to the lungs cannot be reversed, but you can prevent it from becoming any worse if you follow your treatment plan.
⦁ Possible complications include frequent and more severe lung infections that may become life threatening.

Contact your doctor if you show signs of infection such as increased shortness of breath; increased mucous or mucous that is thicker, colored or blood-streaked; high fever with chills; chest pain; or vomiting.

Willow Springs, we at Westwood Rural Health Clinic are here for you. We are located on highway 76 next to Willow Care N...
10/28/2025

Willow Springs, we at Westwood Rural Health Clinic are here for you. We are located on highway 76 next to Willow Care Nursing Home to see you and your families. We are a walk-in clinic as well as to be able to set appointments to see our wonderful provider, Dawn Henry. Dawn is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with her licensure for ages 13 and above. Dawn has worked in Mountain Home for several years in a Gastroenterology setting so is very well versed in that field. Dawn can see you for anything from the simplest thing to complicated cases.

Call for an appointment at 417-469-5124 or WALK-IN.

10/21/2025

ABDOMINAL PAIN

The abdomen is the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the groin. Many body organs are found in the abdomen, including the liver, gall bladder, stomach, intestines, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. Female reproductive organs are also in the abdomen.

Abdominal pain can range from very mild to severe and disabling. It may be caused by various diseases of any of the organs including infections, inflammatory conditions (such as appendicitis or diverticulitis), ulcers, or tumors; kidney stones or gallstones; urinary tract infections; viruses or parasites in the intestines, food poisoning, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other problems with the uterus or ovaries. Menstrual cramps and excess gas are two common causes of abdominal pain. Sometimes abdominal pain can be referred from other parts of the body; for example, a heart attack or pneumonia may sometimes be felt as abdominal pain instead of chest pain. Most abdominal pain is minor but some can signal life-threatening illness.

Symptoms may include:
⦁ Pain ranging from mild too severe. It may be chronic (lasting longer than a few weeks) or acute.
⦁ May be described as cramping, piercing, burning, and sharp, dull, diffuse or in only one area; or radiating to other parts of the abdomen or body.
⦁ It may come and go or it may be constant.
⦁ Depending on the cause, it may be accompanied by diarrhea, bloating, constipation, gas, nausea, vomiting, fever, difficulty urinating, or other symptoms.

What your doctor can do:
⦁ Review your medical history and perform a physical exam.
⦁ Order laboratory blood or urine tests; x-rays or scans; or endoscopic procedures (using an endoscope, a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to view internal organs).
⦁ Recommend exploratory surgery in some cases.

What you can do:
⦁ Describe the pain as accurately as possible to help determine the cause.
⦁ Keep a record if possible. Include: time of day when pain starts; when it started and how long it lasts, exactly where it is felt, and the type of pain (sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, radiating, piercing, squeezing, stabbing, tearing, or cramping).
⦁ Also include: when you last ate and what you ate; all related symptoms (nausea, gas), anything that seems to relieve the pain (e.g. walking, laying down, bowel movement); and anything that seems to make it worse, including specific foods or activities.
⦁ Treatment, until diagnosis is made, includes rest and possibly, medication for pain.
⦁ DO NOT take laxatives, painkillers, or other medicine unless instructed by your doctor.
⦁ Reduce activities, keep track of temperature if warm or having chills, and drink plenty of fluids unless instructed otherwise.

Contact your doctor if you are having abdominal pain, if symptoms worsen or change, including developing fever, increased pain, vomiting, weakness, or dizziness.

10/21/2025

ABRASIONS OF THE SKIN

An abrasion is an injury in which the top layer of skin has been scraped away. It may be caused by a fall or by brushing roughly into a rough object. An abrasion is not usually a problem unless it covers a large area or dirt and other material get into the scrape. In some cases, a scar may form.

Symptoms may include:
⦁ Discomfort
⦁ Pain
⦁ Swelling or bleeding
⦁ May look raw and irritated
⦁ Scab forms once healing begins, usually within a few days
⦁ Tight feeling
⦁ Scabs can crack open under tension, especially if over a joint

What you can do:
⦁ Call your doctor during regular hours if the patient has not had a tetanus booster in over 10 years (or 7 years if the scrape is dirty).
⦁ Wash hands before touching the wound.
⦁ Vigorously wash the wound for at least 5 minutes with warm water and liquid soap (liquid soap cuts grease better than bar soap).
⦁ Use wet gauze or a clean soft cloth to remove dirt.
⦁ If you need to remove tar in a wound, rub with petroleum jelly, then rinse again.
⦁ Use sterile scissors to trim any pieces of loose skin away.
⦁ Rinse well.
⦁ If the scrape is small, leave it exposed to air. If the scrape is large, cover it with a non-stick dressing.
⦁ Change the dressing in 12 hours then remove it after 24 hours.
⦁ For abrasions on hands or feet and over joints, keep covered until healed.
⦁ Change dressings daily: apply an antibiotic ointment to keep the crust soft to prevent reopening of the wound, cleanse daily with warm water, re-apply ointment.
⦁ DO NOT remove a scab; allow it to fall off naturally.

Contact your doctor if you are unable to get the wound clean or it is very large, if an abrasion appears infected (shows increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus drainage), or if it gets worse despite treatment.

Westwood Rural Health Clinic is here for you. Call 417 469 5124 for appt. OR walkin to be seen.
06/22/2025

Westwood Rural Health Clinic is here for you. Call 417 469 5124 for appt. OR walkin to be seen.

04/03/2025

If you are someone that is plagued with constipation or diarrhea, we can help. Dawn has worked in this area of expertise for a time and can assist you getting things flowing correctly.
For an appt. Please call 417-469-5124. We would love to be your healthcare provider. We have immediate openings available.

If you are constantly bothered by heartburn and can't enjoy the foods you love. Make an appointment with your medical pr...
04/02/2025

If you are constantly bothered by heartburn and can't enjoy the foods you love. Make an appointment with your medical provider to be checked out. Just a simple heartburn could be indictative of a more serious issue. Westwood Rural Health Clinic provider Dawn Henry can get you in today and get you checked. For appointment call 417-469-5124 or just walk in.

03/20/2025

Today is the official start of spring. When you are weeding and raking in your gardens and get into poison oaks or ivy. Westwood Rural Health Clinic is here for you.

03/14/2025

Today was low cost lab day at Westwood Rural Health Clinic. Did you know you can get a wide variety of labs done for only $20.00? This is a wondering opportunity for folks with no insurance or high deductibles. We provide this service every second Friday of each month from 8 am to 11 am. Call 417 469 5124 to find out more.

Address

2642 State Route 76
Willow Springs, MO
65793

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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Getting to know Westwood Rural Health Clinic

Westwood Rural Health Clinic became a division of Willow Health Care, Inc. in February of 1994. Westwood Rural Health Clinic serves all patients. We do not deny service based on a person's Race, Color, S*x, National Origin, Disability, Religion, S*xual Orientation, or ability to pay. We offer discounted fees for patients who qualify.

Westwood Rural Health Clinic is a full service clinic for Willow Springs residents and surrounding communities offering DOT Physicals, Sports Physicals, and Wellness Exams for all ages; as well as a variety of other services. New patients are always welcome and we accept most major insurance.

Working in the Westwood Clinic is Advanced Nurse Practitioner Angela Pool, ARNP, FNP-C. Angela has practiced for over ten years as a Family Nurse Practitioner in rural clinic settings. In this position she has been a primary care practitioner for all ages, infants to elderly, providing quality care for all patients while teaching disease prevention and improving management of various acute and chronic conditions as well as engaging in different disease management such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. Angela works in collaboration with Dr. Robert Shaw, Dr. Kendall Clarkston, and Dr. Laurie Clarkston. As a Registered Nurse and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Angela enjoys participating as a preceptor to nursing students. Weekly Nurse Practitioner Availability: Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Office staff available 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday