LEWISTON – In honor of Breast Awareness Month, the YWCA of Central Maine will host CALM HealthWorks of Auburn and Inner Image Clinical Thermography in a workshop on a painless, radiation-free and FDA approved way of monitoring breast health at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.

“Thermal Imaging – A Safe Diagnostic Tool Comes of Age” will be presented by Ingrid LeVasseur of Inner Image Clinical Thermography in Yarmouth.

Unlike most diagnostic modalities, thermal imaging is non-invasive. It uses no radiation, injections or compression to achieve its images. It is a sensitive means of mapping and displaying skin surface temperature. Thermal imaging can be used to help diagnose and monitor injuries and conditions such as back injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, vascular disease and digestive disorders.

LeVasseur said, “The images produced by thermal imaging are read by MDs who are specially trained in reading and interpreting thermal images. A written report along with a copy of the images is sent to the patient and the patient’s health care provider, usually within 48 hours.”

The benefit of thermal imaging in breast screening is that it offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has been possible through breast self-examination, doctor examination or mammography alone.

Thermography is not meant to replace mammograms. It is used in conjunction with mammograms and clinical breast exams to give the patient the opportunity to make decisions with as much information as possible.

LeVasseur does mobile imaging and is also scheduled to be at CALM HealthWorks in Auburn on Dec. 4.

Those who attend will also meet Andi Locke Mears of CALM HealthWorks, who will present information about inflammation and holistic ways to reduce it.

For more information, contact Andi Locke Mears at 784-7287. No registration is necessary for the free workshop.