BeeHealthy
Timely Hints for a Healthy Lifestyle

R&B star victim of heart disease -

common in

black Americans

R&B star Gerald LaVert, lead singer of the group LaVert and son of legendary artist Eddie LaVert of the O'Jays, died this weekend of a heart attack.

While the news of this young star's passing is truly sad, it provides an important opportunity to look at the increased risks of heart disease and stroke to the black community.

Blacks are one and a half times more likely to die of heart disease than Caucasians.

They also have a greater prevalence of heart disease and stroke than other populations.

More than 40 percent of blacks have high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Among blacks, 37 percent of men and 46 percent of women have high cholesterol - another significant risk factor for heart disease.

What can you do? Experts say:

 Know your numbers - Find out your cholesterol and blood pressure and learn what those numbers mean.

 Talk to your doctor about heart disease and work with him or her to create a healthy lifestyle plan.  Move more everyday. Walk. Dance. Play. Just move.  Reduce the salt in your diet.

 Don't smoke.

Since 1924, the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke.

These diseases, the nation's number one and number three killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year.

The association invested nearly $474 million in fiscal year 2004-05 for research, professional and public education, advocacy, and community service programs so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

For more information, call 614-1984 .

Life Line Screening Radiology offers tests that can save your life

Residents living in or near the Orchard Park and Lancaster communities can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke.

Life Line Screening Radiology will be at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 6595 E. Quaker St., Orchard Park, at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27 and at the Knights of Columbus, 6114 Broadway St., Lancaster at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8.

A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," is ranked as the third leading killer in the world and the second among women.

Through preventive screenings, the risk of having a stroke can be greatly reduced.

Screenings are fast, painless and low cost. They involve the use of ultrasound technology and scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries which can lead to a stroke, aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured heart and hardening of arteries in legs.

"About half of the persons with significant carotid stenosis do not show any symptoms before they have a major stroke," said Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt. "The stroke itself is the first symptom. We cannot wait for symptoms to occur before we diagnose and treat."

All four screenings take less than an hour to complete. A complete vascular screening package, including stroke/cartoid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm and ankle brachial index screening is $109.

A complete vascular package, including osteoporosis screening, costs $129.

Life Line Screening Radiology LLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality imaging technology at an affordable rate.

For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-237-1344. Pre-registration is required.