Ascension St. Mary’s will be hosting a Healthy Heart event on Saturday, May 6, at Ascension St. Mary’s – Riverfront, 1015 S. Washington Avenue in Saginaw.
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease according to the American Heart Association, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke or high blood pressure.
The Healthy Heart event is a day devoted to heart disease screening and prevention. Participants will have access to no-cost heart screenings with on-the-spot results and one-on-one conversations with a doctor to review their individual situation. Events will take place beginning at 7 a.m. and participants should arrive by 11 a.m. to receive a screening that includes:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures the heartbeat’s electrical activity. Electrodes with adhesive pads are attached to the skin of the chest, arms and legs.
- Blood pressure screening: Measures the pressure the blood is exerting against artery walls. A blood pressure cuff is used.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) reading: A calculation to identify whether an adult is at a healthy weight.
- Blood glucose test (no fasting required): Measures blood sugar levels which may help to determine diabetes. A finger prick is required and a glucometer is used.
- Heart and stroke risk assessment: May determine the likelihood of developing heart disease, heart attack or stroke in the future. A questionnaire is used.
A physician will review test results with participants on-site and discuss risk factors as well as recommendations for improving heart health. There will also be an area with health displays about heart-related topics including stroke risks and more.
All are welcome and no registration is required. Individuals need to arrive by 11 a.m. to receive the screening.
If additional screenings, tests or treatments are needed outside of the no-cost screenings (for example, should you be having a medical crisis and treatment is necessary) that treatment is not considered part of the free screenings.