Health screenings could save your life
By Thad Angelloz
Published in the Houma Today Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
HOUMA – A health screening could save your life. It did for Houma native Martha LeBlanc.
After learning one of her co-workers had gone to a health screening, she decided to book an appointment. And what did the screening show? A 50 percent blockage in one of her carotid arteries.
“It was an absolute relief that they caught it when they did,” the 57-year-old said. “Because of that I was able to go to Cardiovascular Institute of the South for additional tests. They continue to monitor me every six months. I can’t say enough good things about the screenings.”
Hattiesburg, Miss.,-based SafeHeart Health Screens has scheduled five-step cardiovascular tests from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. The battery of tests costs $129.
The mobile-testing unit has been used to bring life-saving techniques to residents in south Louisiana, including LeBlanc.
“We’ve begun to see that more and more companies and businesses that are providing this sort of testing for their employees because it doesn’t take long and can ultimately save their lives,” said Karen Wilkins, CEO of SafeHeart Health Screens.
SafeHeart also is conducting a health fair Wednesday for all Terrebonne Parish government employees.
J. Dana Ortego, parish risk-management director, said more than 40 different health-care providers will available to the employees, giving them an opportunity to ask questions and learn about health issues.
Wilkins said routine screenings conducted by an employer benefit the employee, in addition to the company or agency.
“They found two men who had a severe-enough blockage in their carotid arteries that they were sent straight to the emergency room,” Wilkins said after conducting a health screening for a Mississippi company.
Wilkens said half of the people who die from heart disease never experience warning signs.
Wilkins and LeBlanc added that the five tests are painless and only take a few minutes.
“You’re in and out,” LeBlanc said. “They do a great job of making it as relaxing as possible.”
All test results are interpreted by board-certified doctors. Patients can expect results in about 14 days. Abnormal results are forwarded to the patient’s doctor.
“It’s worth your time to find out if you have something that needs to be monitored further, and this is an excellent way to do that,” Wilkins added.
Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins also may be accepted. To make an appointment, call 866-548-3006 or visit www.safehearthealthscreens.com.
