HCHS now offers Wellness Screening Program

BRITT ? Hancock County Health System has begun offering a new wellness screening program, Project Life, which makes crucial health screens to detect risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes more accessible and affordable.

"We are extremely excited to begin offering this program," said Ami Frohling, ARNP, HCHS Heart and Vascular Center. "It is a very low-cost option to screen for those who are at risk. Our follow-up care can help patients stop, or even reverse, the consequences of diabetes, heart disease and stroke."

Screening tests included in Project Life are:

? EKG;

? Blood pressure;

? BMI (body mass index);

? Cholesterol ;

? Blood sugar check;

? Carotid artery screening;

? Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening;

? Peripheral artery disease screening;

? COPD;

? Stop Bang ? Home Sleep Study if qualified; and

? One-on-one result consultation/education with a Health Coach.

The cost to participate in Project Life is $75. Wellness screenings are not covered by insurance; participants will be responsible for charges the day of the screening.

Screening results will be available for the participant to share with their regular medical provider.

"The results will not be shared by Project Life with a medical provider. That will be up to the participant to do. However, if there are concerns with the results of any of the screens, follow ? up appointments will be recommended and offered before the participant leaves the facility," Frohling said.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

? According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks can be either sudden or intense or start slowly with mild pain and discomfort. The main thing is to be aware and get help as soon as possible.

? Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest, pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. This can last a few minutes or can come and go.

? Other symptoms can be pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the next, the jaw or the stomach.

? Other signs, which many women experience, can be shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously and medical care should be given as soon as possible.

Warning Signs of Stroke

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. If you experience these, call 911 and get help immediately.

? F- Face drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb. A smile is uneven.

? A - Arm Weakness: If you raise your arms, does one arm drift downward?

? S- Speech Difficulty ? Is your speech slurred? Are you hard to understand?

? T- Time to call 911: If any of the above symptoms happen, even if they go away, get medical attention immediately.

Get Help Fast

Every second wasted is heart or brain tissue lost, increasing the risk for death or disability. So don't delay call 911 right away. Emergency medical services (EMS) providers are equipped with knowledge and resources that can save your life and can get you the treatment you need in the shortest amount of time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call: HCHS Wellness Center at 641-843-5500.