Ultrasound stroke screenings Are available at Church on Monday
By Brandy Nance
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Emporians will have an opportunity to be screened for the risk of stroke Monday in a mobile ultrasound service that performs preventative screenings.
Stroke Detection Plus will provide screenings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church, 202 E. 12th Ave. Ultrasound machines are used to detect plaque buildup in arteries.
Gary Romeiser of Hartford said he has used Stroke Detection Plus a few times over the course of three or four years. He heard about Stroke Detection through an advertisement.
“I have a history of stroke and aneurysms in my family,” Romeiser said. “I thought it would be best to go ahead and check them.”
The last time Romeiser had a screening done, the screening pointed to some potential problems.
“The last time there was a concern of buildup in one of my major blood vessels,” he said, adding that he was referred to his doctor for further testing and it ended up not being serious.
Romeiser said he will use the service again.
“I’ll probably have it done next year,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good.”
Romeiser said the money he paid for the screening was worth it.
“Having the screening is the best money I ever spent,” he said. “I was aware of some blockage in my carotid arteries and have been going every two years. ... I was very pleased with the concern I received at the screening. Everyone should take advantage of this great service.”
According to a press release from Stroke Detection Plus, 75 to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Risk factors include being over the age of 40, more than 20 pounds overweight, family history of stroke or heart disease, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, no participating in regular exercise, irregular heartbeat and hypertension.
Services offered by Stroke Detection Plus include screening of the carotid arteries, screening for aortic aneurysm and peripheral vascular disease. The final test is an osteoporosis test. All four tests cost $120 or any three tests are $100. Each individual test costs $40. Appointments are necessary and may be made at (877) 732-8258.