Here are some national screening programs and services we all should know about:
Vascular Disease:
Throughout September, a program called Legs for Life offers free screenings for peripheral arterial disease, a “hardening of the arteries” condition that indicates an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. Some sites can also test for related diseases like abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease. To find a screening site, visit them, or call 800-488-7284. Another resource that maintains a directory of health care facilities offering free/low-cost vascular screenings is VascularWeb.org . Also see WiseWoman and Sister to Sister.org to find women-specific cardiovascular screenings in multiple cities.
Skin Cancer:
The Amerian Academy of Dermatology (888-462-3376, offers free screenings done by hundreds of volunteer dermatologists across the U.S. Free screenings are also offered by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (847-956-0900)) and the Skin Cancer Foundation (800-754-6490).
Breast and Cervical Cancer:
The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (800-232-4636) provides low-income, uninsured and underinsured women access to free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests. Free/low-cost breast cancer screenings are also available at hundreds of hospitals and clinics on National Mammography Day on Oct. 17, 2008. To locate a screening site, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, and click on “Find a Mammography Center Near You.” Once you locate one you’ll need to call to find out if they are offering free screenings, and if so, schedule an appointment.
Prostate Cancer:
During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, September 14 – 20, (866-477-6788) the Prostate Cancer Educational Council coordinates with hundreds of local sites across the U.S. offering free or low-cost screenings to all men over age 45, or to high-risk men (African Americans or those with a family history of the disease) over 40. The National Prostate Cancer Coalition and the Drive Against Prostate Cancer (888-245-9455) also offers free screenings on mobile screening units that tour around the country.
Kidney Disease:
The National Kidney Foundation (800-622-9010) offers free screenings in 48 communities across the country for those at elevated risk – adults with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. They also offer free screenings in at least 20 additional cities on World Kidney Day, March 12, 2009.
Memory:
If you have concerns about memory loss or have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (866-232-8484) offers free memory screenings across the U.S. on National Memory Screening Day, Nov. 18.
Asthma:
In May, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology sponsors free asthma screenings in more than 250 locations nationwide.
Depression:
National Depression Screening Day on October 10 offers hundreds of free screenings nationwide for depression, anxiety and other stress disorders.
~Take advantage of these valuable resources!
~Joan Jackson, Publisher, The Baby Boomer Resource Center
