McHenry
County Department of Health (MCDH) is sponsoring a cardiovascular
screening at the Woodstock Public Library in recognition of American
Heart Month. The screening will take place from 9:00AM-11:00AM,
Wednesday, February 10 at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd
Street. Appointments can be made online at www.mcdh.info or by
calling 815-334-4852
The
screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL
and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood
pressure, heart age assessment and cardiovascular education. The cost
is $45. A nursing consult is available once results are received at
no additional cost.
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 71
million Americans have high cholesterol. Only one out of
every three adults with high cholesterol has the condition under
control. Having high cholesterol puts you at risk for cardiovascular
disease (includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure)
which is the #1 killer of women and men in the United States. Certain
lifestyles such as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of
exercise can also put people at a higher risk for developing heart
disease.
If
you have high cholesterol, there are no signs or symptoms but it is
treatable. Getting your cholesterol checked once every 5 years keeps
you knowledgeable about any changes in your levels. It is important
to discuss your cholesterol levels with your doctor in order to
develop the best plan for your health.
For
more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors,
visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/.
