Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Seniors in the Newton County area have the opportunity to have a stroke and osteoporosis screening soon.

Life Line Screening, a company established in 1993 out of Cleveland, Ohio, has a screening team for metro Atlanta that will give stroke, vascular disease and heart rhythm screenings starting at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Newton County Senior Services, 6183 Turner Lake Road in Covington.

"We make an effort to target individuals who are 50 and older," said Kerry Heffernan, public relations coordinator for Life Line Screening. "We find that vascular diseases are a higher percentage rate in those 50 and older."

She said the screenings aren't for individuals who already know they have symptoms or the disease.

"We screen individuals who are asymptomatic, which mean they aren't showing signs," she said. "Those who know, receiving a screening isn't going to do any good. The goal of this is to create awareness."

She said those who register for the screenings don't have to be age 50 and older, but that is what the company recommends.

For $149, registrants can receive a stroke, vascular disease and heart rhythm screening; for an additional $10, they can receive an osteoporosis screening. Heffernan said that is a "typical" cost for the screenings.

According to a press release from the company, all of the screenings will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Heffernan said many of the screenings are handled with ultrasound technology. Various tests check for plaque build up in the carotid artery, ballooning in the abdominal aorta, the velocity of blood flow in the legs and abnormal heart rhythms, which are all linked to stroke risks.

She said those interested can register up until the day of the event.

All of those who wish to be screened must register by scheduling an appointment by calling 888-754-1464 or 800-697-9721.

Michelle Floyd can be reached at michelle.floyd@newtoncitizen.com.

SideBar: If You Go

What: Stroke and Osteoporosis Screenings

When: Starting at 9 a.m. Thursday

Where: Newton County Senior Services, 6183 Turner Lake Road, Covington

Cost: $149 for stroke, vascular disease and heart rhythm screenings, $10 for osteoporosis screening

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 888-754-1464 or 800-697-9721.

More information: www.lifelinescreenings.com