Friday, May 9, 2003

Cholesterol screenings coming up

Fulton County Office of Aging, Pfizer, Inc., the Atlanta Regional Commission and area health professionals are teaming up to help adults 50 and older better manage their cholesterol.

"Taking Health to Heart" is a comprehensive cholesterol screening and ongoing management program. It combines educational materials, counseling, exercise and other activities, all designed to help at-risk seniors lower their cholesterol.

The program rolls out as follows:

May 13 - Harriett Darnell Multipurpose Senior Center, 677 Fairburn Road, Atlanta.

May 22 - Dorothy C. Benson Multipurpose Senior Center, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Atlanta.

May 28 - Helene S. Mills Multipurpose Senior Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta.

Pfizer's Medvan will be at the centers on the scheduled day from 7:30 to 11 a.m. to conduct the screening and enroll individuals in the program.

In addition to testing for cholesterol, staff will check blood pressure and blood sugar levels and conduct a bone density test for osteoporosis. Individuals wanting to have their cholesterol tested should not eat before coming to the center. After the test, breakfast will be served.

The program begins with cholesterol screening. However, unlike many traditional screening programs that simply refer individuals with high cholesterol for treatment, interested seniors will enroll in a two-year, multi-pronged program. During the two years, they will receive monthly publications that contain tips for diet, cooking and exercise that can improve cholesterol levels.

In addition, enrollment requires participation in activities at Fulton County's multipurpose senior centers that will include speakers, exercise and wellness programs. Periodically over the two years, participants will be retested to see how their cholesterol levels have changed.