Health Screen

Hey, it is a known fact that I "dislike" hospitals and going to the doctor. For most of my adult life, going to the aviation medical examiner (AME) for my annual flight physical is the total extent of my health care plan. And as most pilots will tell you, if you can fog a mirror, you will probably pass the AME's very simple pee-in-a-cup, standup, sitdown, open-wide, read those letters exam. (Continued)

So when I saw an ad for Healthfair.com in the Greensboro, NC newspaper a few months ago for a battery of tests for heart disease prevention and also stroke and aneurysm prevention, I called them. Sounded like a good deal at less than $200. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an appointment during the three days that I was going to be in town, but when I got home I did some internet research and found a second company, Lifelinescreening.com that would be offering screening nearby.

My appointment was Wednesday, July 23 at 10:20 a.m. at a church in Cleveland, TN. I drove in at 10:15 and was driving out at 10:55. Now, going to the doctor doesn't get any easier than that. And my five tests were only $159. If my health screen had found something possibly life threatening, they would have told me on the spot, but since they didn't, I will get my results within 21 days.

So, since I am a new convert to the idea of getting tested, the rest of my post explains the tests that I got, and the benefits. I have copied from the website, you should go to Healthfair.com or Lifelinescreening.com to discover what all these tests can find inside of your body. Amazing stuff....

From Lifelinescreening.com: "Life Line Screening’s main goal is to provide early intervention for people with risk factors so that they will follow up with their doctors who can then take appropriate action.

As you know, our healthcare system is based on treating people after symptoms occur. Since most insurance companies do not cover the cost of preventive services, more and more people are taking steps to be pro-active about their health. Your doctor can not order ‘vascular’ screenings because insurance companies generally will not cover the cost unless you have symptoms. Since about half of all people who experience a stroke have no prior symptoms, Life Line Screening can help you see your risk even though you are asymptomatic.

Doctors across the nation have increasingly seen the value of preventive health screening as a supplement to provide important information to paint a broader picture of your health. And because screening is affordable, you can help your doctor assess what’s right for you. Life Line Screening helps to bridge the gap between those who have no symptoms and no risk factors and those who are are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

We make every effort to offer these tests at an affordable price. You could spend as little as $25-$50 for each screening or build a package of tests that’s right for you and enjoy considerable savings."

Healthfair.com Offers two packages, the heart disease prevention package, and the stroke and aneurysm prevention package. Combine both packages and save money.

Lifelinescreening.com Offers several options, the one I took was the Complete Wellness & Heart Rhythm Package cosisting of 5 tests including 4 for stroke and vascular disease and 1 bone density screening for osteoporosis.

1. Stroke / Carotid artery
2. Stroke / Atrial Fibrillation
3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
4. Peripheral Arterial Disease
5. Osteoporosis

From Lifelinescreening.com:
1. "Carotid Artery Screening: A stroke results from the disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. The most common source of disruption is a significant narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries caused by excessive accumulation of fatty plaque buildup along the artery walls. The carotid arteries are the main blood supply to the brain, and plaque buildup in these arteries is the leading cause of stroke.

How the Carotid Artery Screening is Conducted
Life Line Screening uses painless and non-invasive Doppler colorflow ultrasound imaging to provide images of the carotid arteries on both sides of your neck and measure the velocity of the blood flow through these vessels.

The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your neck over your carotid arteries. A painless instrument, a transducer, is moved around your neck to visualize the inside of the carotid artery.

An ultrasound monitor visually depicts the inside of the carotid artery and the rate of blood flow.

2. Atrial Fibrillation Heart Rhythm Test:

Our screening for atrial fibrillation is quick and painless, conducted non-invasively with standard medical ECG (electrocardiograph) equipment. The test requires no preparation or removal of clothing. Four single-use electrodes are placed on your wrists and legs, while lying down. The test requires only a few minutes to complete. Your results will be reviewed by a board-certified licensed physician, and results mailed to you within 21 business days. Why should I be screened for Afib? Having Afib increases your risk of stroke 5-times and can lead to congestive heart failure. 1 out of every 6 strokes (or 75,000 strokes per year) is caused by Afib. Afib screening combined with carotid artery screening provides a more complete stroke risk assessment. Even if you have normal carotid artery screening results, having Afib increases your risk of stroke. Since Afib can be intermittent, it may not always be detected during routine ECGs (electrocardiographs).

3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: An aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning or enlargement of a blood vessel. When this happens in the abdominal portion of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm or stomach aneurysm.

Aneurysms are caused when the lining in the wall of the blood vessel becomes weakened and expands in size. When the aneurysm reaches approximately five (5) centimeters, it is at high risk for rupture. Most physicians will consider surgery for an aneurysm once the abdominal aortic aneurysm reaches this measurement.

Life Line Screening uses ultrasound energy to screen for the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta and measure its size along the course of the vessel. The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your abdomen. A painless instrument, a transducer, is moved around your stomach to visualize the inside of the abdominal aorta, and to the detect stomach aneurysms.

4. Ankle Brachial Index (ABI index) test: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), more commonly known as hardening of the arteries, affects 12-15 million Americans. It is a condition in which the large and medium sized arteries supplying blood to the lower extremities become narrowed or clogged, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up in the artery, forming a substance called plaque that clogs the artery.

The effects of this peripheral arterial disease not only cause pain, disability and put limbs at risk, it is also one of the strongest risk markers available for predicting heart disease. Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease are at a four-fold increased risk of heart attack and a two to three-fold greater risk for stroke, compared to individuals of the same age without PAD.

Life Line Screening evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (plaque build-up) in the lower extremities. A painless, quick and non-invasive Ankle Brachial Index (ABI index) test is performed using blood pressure cuffs on the arms and ankles. The ABI index is a ratio between the pressures in your arms and legs and will identify most cases of peripheral arterial disease.

5. Bone Mineral Density test (BMD): An ultrasound of the heel used to determine the mineral density of the bone. Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people. Prevention of this disease is very important because while there is treatment for osteoporosis, there is currently no cure. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. A Bone Mineral Density test (BMD) is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your risk for future fracture. A BMD measures the density of your bones (bone mass) and is necessary to determine whether you need medications to help maintain your bone mass, prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risk."