Cholesterol Screening: Tacoma, Pierce County, WA

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cholesterol levels are a major factor in a person's heart health. Blood cholesterol is classified by levels, and when the level is too high, one is at risk for stroke and coronary heart disease.

The AHA tells us that there are other risk factors, which includes age, family history, race, and gender. These things are not something we can control. Other risk factors are often linked to behavioral issues, or results of that behavior: Physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Though some of these risks may also have some genetic link, it is important that we do the best with what we have been given and make choices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle: Making healthy food choices, increasing exercise, kicking the smoking habit, etc. These preventative measures can greatly reduce some of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

It is important for you to know your current cholesterol levels, and monitor them regularly. The AHA suggests that all Americans speak to their physicians about testing, especially for those with a family history of high blood pressure, stroke, or heart disease. Then the doctor can prescribe any follow-up care, if needed, which may include drug therapy, diet or exercise.

In researching what is available in Tacoma, Washington, for cholesterol screening services, I found many states which had a variety of partnerships which offer continuing low-cost programs, often through local pharmacies. That was not what I found to be the case here in our area. However, there are some resources available to the general public, fees based on income, or availability of health insurance.

A Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department representative, who asked to remain anonymous, stated "we no longer offer many free testing services, including cholesterol screenings...due to the many (government) budget cutbacks." She said that they would refer anyone calling for that screening back to their regular doctor, a Community Health Care Clinic, or the General Medical Clinics in Tacoma, Spanaway or Puyallup. (Click here for the Healthcare Referral Guide .) The General Medical Clinics information can be found here.

Tacoma Health Center located at 813 Martin Luther King Jr Way is operated by Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and offers a variety of health screenings including cholesterol levels. Fees for services are based on household income; Medicaid is accepted; some services may be covered by insurance. Their hours of operation vary from day to day, Monday through Saturday, as early as 8:00 a.m. to as late as 6:00 p.m. See the website for details.

The Franciscan Health Care system also has several hospitals and clinics throughout our area. For more information, visit www.fhshealth.org. There are many free classes offered, including the Healthy Heart Nutrition Series at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. A registered dietician is available for information and to instruct on how to reduce cholesterol and alter one's diet on the way to a healthier lifestyle.

Washington State was one stop on the "AARP/Walgreen Wellness Tour," a two-year mobile health screening tour, which included 25 stops across the state in June and July this year. Perhaps, other programs like this will be offered again in the near future.

If it has been a long time since you have had a routine physical exam, or since you have had your cholesterol levels checked, call to schedule an appointment today. Your heart's health may depend on it.

Sources

AARP
American Heart Association website
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Tacoma Health Center/Planned Parenthood
Franciscan Health Care