Host a Screening

Those who are uninsured, underinsured, have no primary care physician or medical home and those who have undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes.

The heart supplies the organs and tissues of the body with blood. With every beat, it pumps blood into the body’s large blood vessels. As the blood moves around the body, it puts pressure on the walls of the vessels, which creates blood pressure.

Blood pressure readings are made up of two values:

• Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Understanding your blood pressure results is key to controlling high blood pressure and reducing your chances of heart attack or stroke.

Body mass index (BMI) is a method of screening for weight status category based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Individuals who have obesity are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Waist circumference is the measurement around your waist at the top of your hip bone and is most accurate when tape measure is placed on your skin. We measure this because studies have shown that a large waist line makes you at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to build cells. Cholesterol can come from your liver and from foods derived from animals. For example, meat, poultry, eggs and full-fat dairy products.

Cholesterol circulates in the blood. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood increases, so does the risk to your health. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested, so you can know your levels.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, which is bad, and HDL cholesterol, which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk that cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries forming plaque. This plaque buildup can cause heart attacks, carotid artery disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They come from foods, especially butter, oils and other fats you eat. Triglycerides also come from extra calories. These are the calories that you eat, but your body does not need right away. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides, and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides can raise your risk of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease.

Blood glucose, or sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and it is your brain and body's main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body's cells to use for energy. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause damage to your organs, including your heart, kidneys and eyes. This is why controlling your blood glucose number is so important and can help identify serious health conditions such as diabetes.

A1C is a simple blood test that gives you a picture of your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The higher the levels, the greater your risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes. Your doctor will tell you how often you need the A1C test. The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%.