Mahaska Health Partnership to Offer Community Cholesterol Screenings Feb. 12
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership will be offering reduced-rate cholesterol screenings for the community Tuesday, Feb. 12 on the Oskaloosa campus and at 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,” said MHP Cardiac Rehab Nurse Renee Edgar, RN. “Whether you’re young or old, tests like these should be done regularly and can be lifesaving in many cases.”
The event will run from 6:00 to 9:00 am on MHP’s Oskaloosa campus, located at 1229 C Avenue East (entrance #2). 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 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 to anyone interested 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 and Certified Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson will be offering valuable nutritional information for free.
“To put it simply, a cholesterol screening can save your life,” stressed Edgar. “Once you find out you have a problem with your cholesterol 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.
