Path to Wellness, a screening offered through a community collaboration, will host a free health screening, aiming to identify chronic diseases in their early stages in those at highest risk.
The Path to Wellness screening, open to the public, will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Orchard Knob Elementary School.
This medical screening includes immediate onsite blood and urine test results and medical education, and is provided at absolutely no cost. The event is staffed with medical professionals, with the ability to screen 200 attendees.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Kidney Foundation at: 1-877-587-1357.
The Path to Wellness program is the product of a community collaboration
between the Cardio Renal Society of America, the Kidney Foundation of the Greater
Chattanooga Area, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, and the organizers of the
Minority Health Fair. Path to Wellness is funded as a result of financial
support from Sanofi, which is a global healthcare leader that strives to reduce
healthcare inequalities.
"These screenings are unique in that they try to target areas of cities where the high demographics of underinsured or at-risk individuals may have an opportunity to detect chronic health problems early on, in a cost-free environment. The screenings also offer the unique advantage of both on-site results, and post-screening education on chronic disease management," officials said.
“African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans have high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease,” says nephrologist Dr. Jackson Yium. “African Americans have a higher rate of kidney failure than any other group, nearly four times higher than Caucasians. Minority populations tend to be underinsured and less engaged with health resources, which often means they do not find out until health problems have progressed into a chronic condition. Early screening gives people a chance to prevent health problems and will help prevent complications at a later stage in life.”
Individuals who are 18 years or older and have a family member with diabetes, high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease, OR have high blood pressure or diabetes themselves are urged to attend this event. Early detection means the possibility of preventing further, life-risking damage to the kidneys. Help is also available with questions about applying for health insurance coverage and finding a doctor or clinic to go to.