Preventative screenings help avoid stroke

by MOLLY ROBERTS
Staff Reporter | March 17, 2023 5:10 AM

KELLOGG — For every four out of five people who have a stroke, their first symptom, unfortunately, is a stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, which then causes the brain cells to die.

The good news is that most strokes or heart diseases can be prevented, and one way is to get screened.

Life Line Screening (LLS) will soon be in Kellogg to provide four painless and non-invasive screenings that are a simple and convenient way to get preventative health screenings.

LLS has partnered with over 100 hospitals across the county and has screened more than 10 million participants. LLS offers four different screenings to help assist in preventative care.

• In Carotid Artery Disease screening, an ultrasound is performed to screen the carotid arteries (a pair of blood vessels in the neck that deliver blood to your brain) for the build-up of fatty plaque. This build-up is called atherosclerosis and is one of the leading causes of a stroke.

• Atrial Fibrillation is a 6-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) performed by placing sensors on the arms and legs to screen for Atrial Fibrillation. AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

• An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is an ultrasound performed to screen the abdominal aorta for the presence of an enlargement or aneurysm. This can lead to a ruptured aortic artery, a life-threatening medical emergency.

• Peripheral Arterial Disease is tested by taking an Ankle-Brachial Index test and is performed using blood pressure cuffs on the arms and legs. It is important to screen for PAD because it increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke.

LLS is offering all four screenings for a packaged price of $159. Pre-registration is required by calling 800-722-8243 and using the priority code FCYJ421.

The screenings will be held Monday, March 27 at the Kellogg Senior Center, 211 McKinley Ave. For more information, visit www.lifelinescreening.com.