Press Release
Reduce your risk of stroke with preventive screenings
For immediate release, January 11, 2010
Contact
Kyle Bauer, Public Relations Coordinator, 630-993-5702
ELMHURST — Preventive health screenings are a powerful tool in the management and early detection of diseases. If identified early enough, the effects of even the most serious chronic conditions, including something as severe as stroke, can be mitigated.
Stroke is the country's leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. The National Stroke Association, however, estimates that up to 80 percent of strokes could be prevented. While some risk factors are beyond your control, such as age, gender, ethnicity and family history, other lifestyle and medical adjustments can be a powerful preventive tool. Managing conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease are important. So too is quitting smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption and eating a sensible diet.
The most powerful tool in preventing strokes is knowing your risk. That's where preventive screenings come in. Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare has partnered with LifeLine Screening to offer an opportunity that can help save lives. The screening will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at:
Elmhurst Memorial Occupational Health Services
230 E. Irving Park Road
Wood Dale, IL
Pre-registration is required by calling (800) 324-1851.
A number of individual screenings are available, including:
- Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening — An ultrasound evaluation of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque, which is the leading cause of strokes.
- Heart Rhythm Screening (Atrial Fibrillation) — A painless 6-lead EKG can detect irregular heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke by 5 times.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening — Ultrasound is used to screen for the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening — Evaluates for plaque buildup in the lower extremities. It is 4-5 times more likely that you will have heart disease if you have PAD.
- Osteoporosis Screening — An ultrasound measurement of the heel bone to determine abnormal bone mass density. Osteoporosis is painless and silent in its early stages.
Individual screenings are $50 or less and discounted packages are also available. The screening packages begin at $139. For other dates, times, locations and prices call (800) 324-1851.