Times entitled 4 You Can Prevent Stroke" quoted a

Times entitled 4 You Can Prevent Stroke" quoted a well-known physician as staring that with “a useful test you can get a good idea of your risk by having a sonogram of the arteries in the neck (carotids) even if you've never had any warning symptoms. This test measures the rhickness of the arterial walls to gauge the severity of any arteriosclerosis within them. Even with no symptoms, removing a blockage of the carotids may head off a stroke." Who Needs An Echo Or Carotid Doppler? Unfortunately, we do not always know who needs one of these tests or when. Miwt carotid blockages and heart complications develop in time without any symptoms or warnings until they have reached a severe stage. With the structure and cost of the health care industry today, many physicians are at the mercy of the insurance companies. Therefore, testing for these disease's often cannot be ordered until some form of symptom appears. Alse), because cardiovascular disease has no age limits nor does it discriminate based on sex or amount of exercise you do, screening is recommended to all. Procedure* For Screening The procedure for a screening does not require a doctor’s referral and can be performed on usually anyone. A gel is used on the points of your body where a transducer is placed. Sound waves are sent onto your neck or chest cavity to bounce off of your heart and/or arteries and make images of the area. These images appear in black and white or color on a television-like screen. What Screening* Are Available? An echocardiogram will provide information about heart chamber size, wall motion, valve movement and structural changes in and around the heart. The stroke test will detect any buildup in the carotid artery walls of the neck that may cause stroke. The peripheral arterial disease test checks for any blockage in the lower extremities which can cause severe pain or discomfort and may possibly lead to loss of limb(s). The test for abdominal aortic aneurysm visualizes the abdominal aorta. Measurements are taken at various locations to check for any dilation which could prove to be dangerous or deadly. The osteoporosis test determines K»ne mineral density. This information can help prevent any further bone loss or breakage. A urinalysis including glucose for diabetes and a PSA test for prostate cancer will also be offered. Echocardiograms are $65.00 each, $79.00 with an ECO monitor included. All ocher tests are $*5.00 each. tour for $110.00. Where Can I Get A Screening? On Monday, April 2, 2001, American Screening Asst>ciation will he at the Warrenton Rescue Squad performing these life-saving tests. ASA is a self-supporting mobile health screening unit whose purpose is to raise’awareness and help prevent the potentially crippling and deadly diseases for which they are testing. In the upcoming months they will also he visiting agencies such a» the Department of Defense and State, Culpeper County SchiK>ls and Stafford (bounty Government employees For more information and scheduling please call 800-686-3035. Appointments arc necessary.