Low cost stroke screening at Health Department

Screening to be held April 28, 5-8 p.m. West Milford - The West Milford Health Department and Chilton Memorial Hospital is offering a low cost screening for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and stroke on Tuesday, April 28, at the Health Department. The cost is $15. Stroke and PVD are both potentially fatal diseases that strike our community. PVD affects 8-10 million Americans. An early warning sign of stroke and heart attack, PVD is caused by blocked blood flow in the blood vessels of the legs and often causes pain or swelling, cramping, difficulty walking, numbness, and skin discoloration. PVD is most common among people over 50, suffering from diabetes, smokers, people with high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels. PVD starts so quietly people may not recognize the problem and simply think it is a normal sign of aging. People suffering from leg pain or other PVD symptoms are invited to make an appointment for this screening. A thorough exam will involve taking a person’s arm and ankle blood pressure to assess the potential disease (please note: feet must be bare during this exam). People who appear to be at moderate to high risk for PVD will be advised to see their doctor for additional evaluation. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for Americans and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Strokes are preventable. This screening will identify if you are an at-risk candidates for stroke, also known as a brain attack, and teach you how to reduce your risks. The screening includes a finger-stick cholesterol level test with a breakdown of your HDL “good cholesterol” and LDL “bad cholesterol,” triglycerides, glucose “sugar level,” carotid bruits assessment, blood pressure evaluation, and pulse assessment for atrial fibrillation. Early detection is key for both of these diseases. The earlier they are identified and treated, the better chance that the condition can be controlled with exercise, diet improvement, and other lifestyle modifications. Health education material and counseling will be provided. The West Milford Health Department is located at 1480 Union Valley Road. To register for an appointment please call 973-728-2720.