| ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs for growth
and good health. Your liver makes cholesterol, and you get cholesterol
from the foods you eat. Saturated fats add a lot of cholesterol to your
blood. Too much cholesterol can build up in your blood and get stuck along
the insides of your blood vessels. This can narrow your blood vessels,
making it hard to get blood through the arteries. If arteries in the heart
are affected, this can lead to a heart attack. If the arteries in your
brain are affected, this can lead to a stroke. It is ideal to have your
total cholesterol below 200mg/dl. Total cholesterol can be divided into
two major types: HDL, a good type of cholesterol and LDL, a bad type of
cholesterol. The higher your HDL is, the better. Exercise is a good way
to increase your HDL.
Questions? Visit the Wellness Center and Ask the Nurse.
ASK THE NURSE
Come in for blood pressure checks and bring along questions or concerns
about your health. Cindy McKenna, is OPC's Registered Nurse on duty. This
is designed for walk-ins.
CRITTENTON/OPC FITNESS CHALLENGE
The Crittenton Wellness Center and OPC Fitness Challenge will soon be
working harder for you! Starting in September, you will have an initial
assessment completed prior to entering into the challenge. This will allow
you to determine both your fitness and health parameters. The assessment
is not a qualification test and will not determine entry into the program.
It is only used as a starting point for you to know your initial status
and what areas to focus on during the course of the challenge. This initial
assessment will be compared to re-evaluations made through the year and
to the final evaluation after one year of participation.
The assessment will include waist and hip measurements,
weight, height and body-mass index. Medical assessments will include total
cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, resting heart
rate, fasting blood sugar levels, and bone density. Physical therapy assessments
will evaluate muscle endurance, balance, range of motion, flexibility,
and muscle strength. Health-risk appraisals will also be completed and
personal recommendations will be offered for both disease risk reduction
and health enhancements. After completing the initial assessment and exercise
classes, educational seminars on various health topics will be offered
every month followed by a complimentary lunch. Topics will include nutrition,
cardiovascular health, diabetes, and well-being. Healthy aging is the
goal and with the help of the Crittenton Wellness Center and the OPC Fitness
Challenge you can maximize your physical and emotional health.
The first month of of the new fitness challenge is $90.
Thereafter the cost of the challenge is still $30. A bonus: if you continue
to take on the challenge consecutively for 11 months, the twelfth month
is on us.
DIAL-A-PHARMACIST
Bob Wood, Crittenton pharmacist, will answer questions you may have regarding
your medications or those of a loved one. Come to the Crittenton Wellness
Center to make the call.
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL & BLOOD GLUCOSE SCREENING:
A Registered Nurse will screen for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein
(HDL) and blood glucose and discuss results. Please, if you eat 6 hours
prior to test, low fat only!
BONE DENSITY SCREENING
A Registered Nurse will screen for bone density and discuss results. This
will take approximately 15 minutes.
HEARING TESTING & HEARING AID CLEANING
Hearing screening, baseline hearing test by Audiologist.
PAIN IN THE BACK
Members of Crittenton's Physical Therapy Department will be back. They
will review the physiology of the spine and supporting structures, share
strengthening exercises for the core and lower back areas. They will address
posture and body mechanics as well.
PSA TESTING
PSA (prostate surface antigen) is an enzyme produced by prostate cells.
PSA levels can be used to tell if you have prostate-related diseases.
An experienced member of Crittenton's lab department will draw your blood
and results will be mailed to you and your doctor. Bring your doctor's
name and address. Results will also be available the same day. |