ROCKINGHAM — Between the years 1976 and 2007, influenza-related deaths in the United States ranged from an estimated low of 3,000 to an estimated high of 49,000.
About 90 percent of these deaths occurred in people age 65 and over and many could have been prevented.
Submitted photo
Radiology technologist Wanda Wells conducts a bone density screening on Sylvia Ballard during the Richmond Memorial Hospital Wellness Screening Day pre-screens. The quick, painless test compares a patient’s bone density to what is normal for the patient’s age. If the results indicate bone density loss, the screener is prepared to discuss opportunities for improvement that include weight-bearing exercises, smoking cessation, and increased vitamin D and calcium intake.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, during the 32nd annual Wellness Screening Day hosted by FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital, adult residents of the Richmond County community (those 18 years of age and older) will have the opportunity to get flu vaccinations provided by the hospital’s pharmacy. The cost is $10 per vaccine while supplies last.
“Influenza vaccines will be among the many services, exams and screenings offered during our Wellness Screening Day program,” said John Jackson, Richmond Memorial Hospital president. “It’s one of our goals at Richmond Memorial to help make this community as healthy as possible or to identify health problems before they become major medical incidents. We hope this community will — as it has done so often in the past — take advantage of this program to help us assure the success of that goal.”
Supported by a grant from the Rockingham Rotary, the 2014 Wellness Screening Day program will be held between 8 a.m. and noon at the hospital. Although many of the tests, exams and screenings will be conducted on site, some will have been done during the Wellness Screening Day pre-draw sessions that began in September. Individuals who participate in the pre-draws will be able to get their results on Wellness Screening Day.
Also during Wellness Screening Day, various health care providers and representatives from a number of community health care agencies will be on hand for consultations or to provide services. Diagnostic tests (many of them free or at reduced cost) scheduled for the day include the following:
• Wellness Profile (including cholesterol, complete blood count, thyroid and more); $25. Several FirstHealth medical providers will be available to interpret the results.
• PSA test for detection of prostate infection, disease or cancer
• Carotid artery, peripheral vascular disease and abdominal aneurysm ultrasounds for the detection of blockage); $30 each or three for $85
• Prostate exam (by appointment with completed PSA results; call (910) 997-5054 by Oct. 17 to schedule an appointment) The charge for the PSA blood test is $10. The exam itself is free and will be provided by urologist Hazem El-Droubi, M.D.
• EKG; free • Peak flow tests; free • Urinalysis; free
• Blood sugar test (glycosylated hemoglobin/A1C); $10
• Pap smear; $25 The following screenings and information will also be provided: • Glaucoma/vision • Blood pressure • Pulse oximetry
• Grip strength
• Skin cancer, gall bladder and hernia screens
• Osteoporosis screens
• Fitness assessment
• Gastrointestinal information
• Wound care information
• Carbon monoxide screening
• Foot screenings
• Paraffin wax hand treatments.
Services involving a fee can be paid for with cash or check.
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