Mahaska Health Partnership to Offer Cholesterol Screenings Feb. 10
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership will be offering reduced-rate cholesterol screenings Tuesday, Feb. 10 on their Oskaloosa campus and at their New Sharon Medical Center.
According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in our cells. There are two types of cholesterol produced by our bodies; one is good and the other is bad. Too much bad cholesterol or not enough good cholesterol can increase your risk of a cardiac event.
“We’re hoping to continue to raise awareness of heart disease, heart attack and stroke by hosting this event,” MHP Cardiac Rehab Nurse Renee Edgar, RN, said. “Regardless of a person’s age, tests like these should be done regularly and, in many cases, can be lifesaving.”
The event will run from 6:00 to 9:00 am on MHP’s Oskaloosa campus in the Cedar Bluff Learning Center, located at 1229 C Avenue East (entrance #3). Screenings will also be offered at New Sharon Medical Center from 7:30 to 9:00 am which is located at 112 South Main Street in New Sharon. Participants who register at either location can choose to complete a 12-hour fasting lipid panel for $20, non-fasting total cholesterol for $10 or fasting blood sugar for $10.
“I would recommend the 12-hour fasting lipid panel because it will provide the most in-depth analysis,” suggested Edgar. “The test will report total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and cardiac risk ratio.”
Along with the cholesterol screenings, cardiopulmonary experts will be on hand in Oskaloosa to give blood pressure checks. Registered Dietitian Lea Rice will be checking body mass indexes as well, all for free.
“To put it simply, a cholesterol screening can save your life,” Edgar stressed. “If you find out you have a cholesterol problem, you can start taking steps to improve your health and lower your risk of a cardiac event.”
To make an appointment for a cholesterol screening in Oskaloosa, call 641.672.3100; in New Sharon, call 641.637.2651.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
