“They told us we were healthy, which is good to hear,” Beverly Siemans said. “For our age group, we’re really healthy.” The Siemans, both in their 60s, arrived at the SmartCare “Know Your Numbers” event on Monday, Feb. 18, to learn their respective blood pressures, glucose levels, body mass index and body fat percentage. The event continues through Feb. 24 at the SmartCare Family Medical Center inside Wal-Mart at 7455 W. Colfax Ave. All Lakewood residents are invited to get a free screening to identify possible health problems and better understand their wellness.
Beverly Siemans had been on cholesterol-lowering medication at one point, but due to weight loss and regular exercise, she no longer needs the medication. Her husband continues to take his blood pressure medication, and the results from his screening show it is working. The couple has Medicare insurance, but they took advantage of the free service. “We’re lucky enough that we take care of ourselves and have the means to get yearly physicals,” Chuck Siemans said. “There are a lot of needy people out there, so this is good.” No appointment was necessary for the couple, saving them from having to schedule a trip to the doctor. Rebeca Imgrund, SmartCare’s chief nurse practitioner, said the main purpose of the event was illness prevention. Blood pressure is an overall indicator of a person’s health, and glucose levels can indicate a person’s likelihood to develop diabetes. Healthy blood pressure is considered to be about 120 over 80, and glucose levels should be below 110. Imgrund said body fat and the body mass index work together to show if a person’s weight could adversely affect health. Unlike the definite numbers for blood pressure and glucose, healthy BMI and body fat numbers can be dependant on age, sex and activity levels. “A lot of people walk around with no symptoms for high glucose and high blood pressure,” Imgrund said. “This is an opportunity for people in the community, especially those who don’t have health insurance. It’s really the first step for people to get into to the health system.” About 73 million adults age 20 or older, more than the population of the Germany, have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. High glucose levels affect seven percent of the national population, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Patients can find out if they fit into either category with a 15 to 30 minutes free screening, and they will get results in the same visit. In addition, patients can get a cholesterol level test for $15 or a lipid panel for $25 at any time. A health practitioner will take patients through their results to help them understand if any future tests are necessary or any lifestyle changes. “SmartCare does the challenge to be in tune with the community and be sure people are taking care of themselves,” Imgrund said. Of the three participating communities (Aurora, Lakewood and Parker) for the “Know Your Numbers” week, the community with the most visitors will receive a free community health fair. The SmartCare at 7455 W. Colfax Ave. is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Source: MileHighNews.com
Original Publication Date: February 21, 2008
Feb 22
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