Dare to C.A.R.E. screenings set for October | Events

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one health problem in the United States. Fortunately, Pine Belt residents have an opportunity to receive a free screening for cardiovascular disease on October 15 and 16 at Forrest General Hospital.

Dare to C.A.R.E. is a comprehensive cardiovascular disease early detection and education program that is now being offered free to qualifying men and women in the Pine Belt. C.A.R.E. stands for the types of cardiovascular disease that the screenings are designed to detect, including carotid artery stenosis, the primary source of preventable strokes; abdominal aortic aneurysm, the 10th leading cause of death in men; and extremity artery stenosis, a disease with a mortality rate significantly higher than breast cancer that affects 12 million Americans.

More than half of all Americans will die from complications of atherosclerosis, the root of cardiovascular disease. Early detection is the key! If you are over age 60, or over age 50 with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you can qualify for this free vascular screening.

The screening includes a non-invasive ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck, the aorta in the abdomen and an evaluation of leg circulation. The first day in the two-day event includes a talk by a local physician, presented at 6 p.m. in Forrest General’s Elm and Hickory rooms, located inside Forrester’s Cafeteria. Following the talk, those participants who qualify will schedule an appointment that evening for their free screenings, to be performed between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m. the next day. All screenings will be performed in Forrest General’s Ultrasound Department on the first floor of the hospital. Space is limited, so register now for the October event by calling FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445.

About Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a systemic disease that affects the heart and arteries in the body. It is called coronary artery disease (CAD) when the heart is involved and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when it involves the other arteries in the body such as the arms, legs, kidneys, intestines and the brain. Risk factors for vascular disease include a  family history of vascular disease, age, gender, race, and several risk factors that can be controlled, including high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of exercise and diabetes.

For more information about Forrest General and its Heart and Vascular Services, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445 or visit forrestgeneral.com.