Vascular risk assessment screening program extended

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:31:38 +0000

The health of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community is of the utmost importance, and as our population continues to age, certain risk factors cannot be avoided.

In October, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ introduced a Vascular Risk Assessment screening program for employees, and due to its overwhelming success, will continue with the program in January 2010.

Vascular disease (heart disease, diseases of the blood vessels and stroke) is the leading cause of death in North America, and accounts for the death of more Canadians than any other disease. In 2005, vascular disease accounted for 71,338 Canadian deaths.

The average age of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge employees is 45. Combine that with the fact that the risk of developing vascular disease increases dramatically by age 50, and it's readily apparent we have an at-risk population.

Employees are the U of L's most vital asset, and it is important to provide a risk assessment program and some follow up education and direction to employees so that they can reduce their risk of developing vascular disease.

The screening process itself is very quick and efficient, and only takes about 15 minutes. A finger poke blood sample is collected to measure LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as blood lipid and fasting glucose levels. The height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure are also measured and all data is entered into a computer software program provided by Pfizer Canada. This program generates a visual report that calculates the individual's absolute and relative cardiovascular risk as compared to other Canadians in the same gender and age category.

Those interested in taking part in the next round of the Vascular Risk Assessment program in January 2010 can contact Suzanne McIntosh at 5217 or via e-mail at Suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator, Wellness Programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Wellness Program looks to reduce vascular disease

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:32:56 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Wellness Program, the Health Centre and the Faculty of Health Sciences are once again collaborating to provide a vascular screening program to staff and faculty at the U of L. The goal – reducing the risk of vascular disease.

Health Canada recognizes that access to health is essential to a healthy, productive population. In 2008, a special project was developed to perform Vascular Risk Assessments (VRA) on a selected group of employees at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and it was very well received. Now, a follow-up program has been developed to re-visit people seen during the initial project and to allow for assessments of other employees.

The goal of the program is to support, educate and motivate U of L staff and faculty to choose to make important lifestyle changes that have the potential to improve their quality of life, both at home and at work.

The screening process involves the collection of data such as blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference and fasting lipid and glucose profile using a Cholestech machine. It is then compiled to help establish an individual's risks. After that, it's up to the employee.

Individuals will have the option to participate in one-on-one coaching and to attend information sessions to address their health concerns. The data information may also be given to the individual's physician if requested.

It is a fairly simple procedure (the total time commitment could equal approximately four hours, with the initial screening just a 30-minute exercise) with a potentially huge benefit.

The screening period will begin in October and take place Thursday mornings (individuals are required to fast for the screening portion). All data gathered from the screening will be treated with extreme confidentiality.

Those interested in participating in the vascular screening program are asked to complete a questionnaire to assist with prioritizing appointment scheduling. The Wellness office will attempt to schedule everyone interested in the program and although space is limited for the fall, plans are to make this an ongoing program with more opportunities available in February 2010.

Contact Suzanne McIntosh (suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca) for more information. The Wellness office is also available for presentations to individual campus departments.

UNews - vascular disease

Vascular risk assessment screening program extended

Related Topics

Wellness Program looks to reduce vascular disease

Related Topics