Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2017
Free Screening Event for Peripheral Artery Disease : Saturday , September 23 rd
Certain risk factors for high blood pressure are well known : obesity , aging , heredity , smoking , a diet high in sodium . But did you know that other factors can influence how high your numbers go ?
On Saturday , September 23 rd , Deborah will host its annual free PAD Screening event . Peripheral Arterial Disease , or PAD , affects approximately 17 million Americans . This common and dangerous vascular disease can lead to heart attack , stroke , amputation and death , and occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty deposits , reducing blood flow . Common symptoms include leg muscle pain and cramping when walking . During last year ’ s PAD Screening Event , over 100 people were screened at Deborah ’ s campus and 35 people were asked to return for follow-up appointments and additional testing .
Who is At Risk of PAD ?
The chance of having PAD increases as you get older . People over age 50 have a higher risk for PAD , but the risk is increased if you : -Smoke , or used to smoke -Have diabetes -Have high blood pressure -Have abnormal blood cholesterol levels -Are of African- American ethnicity -Have had heart disease , a heart attack or a stroke
Who Should be Tested for PAD ?
National medical guidelines recommend that individuals with specific risk factors be tested for PAD . Review the following sentences and place a check in any box that applies to you :
□ I am under 50 years of age , have diabetes , and also at least one of these risk factors : -History of smoking -Abnormal cholesterol -High blood pressure
□ I am aged 50 years or older and have diabetes .
□ I am aged 50 years or older and am a former or current smoker .
□ I am aged 70 years or older .
□ I have one or more symptoms of PAD .
* If you checked one or more boxes , we recommend that you be screened for PAD !*
Deborah ’ s PAD Screening Event includes a test called the ankle-brachial index , a painless , non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms , and can indicate if you have PAD .
Please call ( 609 ) 621-2080 , option # 2 and make your appointment .
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