Posted: 6/26/07
Stroke screening to be held in Caledonia July 6
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Last year in the United States, approximately 750,000 people were stricken with strokes. The majority of those victims had no prior warning. Between 75 and 85 percent of those strokes could have been avoided with proper detection tests.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability and nursing home admissions.
Persons in the Caledonia area will have the opportunity to test their likelihood of suffering a stroke, as well as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and be tested for peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis on Friday, July 6. Stroke Detection Plus, a Des Moines-based company that provides health screenings, will have its mobile unit at the Caledonia Municipal Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stroke Detection Plus will be offering four tests at $35 per test, or all four for $115.
According to John Montgomery of Stroke Detection Plus, persons taking the tests will learn how much of a risk they are by the percentage of blockage in their arteries. The company will follow up with at risk individuals to make sure they have called their doctor and have taken the necessary precautions.
The four tests
Stroke: This screening visualizes the buildup of fatty plaque in the carotid arteries that can lead to stroke, 75% of which could be prevented with screening.
Risk factors: over age 40, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, more than 20 pounds overweight, lack of exercise, family history of stroke or heart disease.
Warning signs: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden loss of vision, sudden confusion or dizziness, sudden severe headaches.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: This screening visualizes the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that can rupture and be fatal
Risk factors: Family history, high blood pressure, smoking
Warning signs: The vast majority are without symptoms.
AAA facts: New scanning technology has resulted in a tripling of the number of abdominal aortic aneurysms found each year, to about 200,000. Experts estimate that the condition kills about 25,000 Americans each year and possibly more, making it one of the nationís largest killers.
Peripheral vascular disease: This screening checks for blockage in the legs. Abnormal results indicate high risk of coronary artery disease.
Risk factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, history of coronary artery disease.
Warning signs: Numbness, tingling, or pain in the legs, loss of hair on toes and feet, cramping in the legs that is relieved with rest.
PVD facts: 2 million Americans each year are diagnosed with PVD. It is the leading cause of amputations in America.
Osteoporosis: Screens for abnormal bone mass density in men and women. Osteoporosis is silent and painless until bone fractures occur. Early treatment is painless and effective.
Risk factors: History of fracture, family history of osteoporosis, low calcium intake, lack of exercise, tobacco use.
Warning signs: People may not know they have it until their bones weaken so much that a strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture, or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebra may initially feel like severe back pain.
Osteoporosis facts: Osteoporosis and low bone mass are a major public health threat for approximately 55% of Americans age 50 and older, according to new figures released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Appointments are necessary, and can be made by calling 1-877-732-8258. Persons can schedule one or more tests. Each test takes less than 10 minutes.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com