Free stroke/vascular screenings available in Somerset County

By Barbara Perone
If you don’t have health insurance and want to get a free health screening to prevent a stroke, or head off vascular disease, sign up the next time Life Line Medical Screenings comes to town.
Every month, Life Line brings its trained medical staff to local churches, in various towns in the Somerset County area, to offer complimentary health screenings for those who want to prevent: strokes, vascular disease, heart rhythm problems, and osteoporosis. Attendees receive results within three weeks.
During each visit, you may select from one of five free different screenings, such as:

• a stroke/carotid artery screening, an ultrasound scan of carotid arteries that looks for buildup of fatty plaque – a leading cause of strokes.

• a heart rhythm screening (atrial fibrillation), a quick/easy test using electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes (placed on the arms and legs) to identify the presence, or absence, of an irregular heartbeat.

• an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, an ultrasound screening where the Technician looks for an abdominal aneurysm (enlargement) that could lead to a ruptured aorta.

• a Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) screening, where a Technician examines your lower extremities to see if you have arterial disease, which increases the risk of heart disease.

• an osteoporosis risk assessment, an ultrasound screening, done through your heel, to determine bone mass density. In its early stages, osteoporosis is painless and silent.

Preregistration is required, along with a complimentary (or comp) number. For further information about the program, call 800.324.9458 or fax to 866.628.4857 or visit www.helpinghandsforhealth.com.