Ingalls in Crestwood Offers Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Test through Feb. 29

Ingalls Care Center in Crestwood is offering a free cholesterol and diabetes test now through Feb. 29, 2016, to help people identify their risk for developing heart disease and diabetes.

“Knowing your numbers is important,” explains Kaveh Rahmani, D.O., family practice doctor at Ingalls Care Center, “especially if a first-degree relative (parent) was diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes under the age of 50.”

In fact, experts estimate if one or both parents suffered from heart disease at an early age, a person’s risk of developing heart disease can rise to 50% compared to the general population. And if a parent was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50, the odds of developing diabetes are one in seven. If both parents have it, the risk is one in two.

The free test at Ingalls Care Center in Crestwood consists of HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and ratios; triglycerides; and glucose level. The test requires a 12-hour fast and must be scheduled in advance.

If your results require follow-up, you will receive a phone call from the doctor’s office.

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States,” Dr. Rahmani adds. “Diabetes is another major health risk with nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population diagnosed with the chronic condition, and more than 8 million Americans undiagnosed.”

The good news is that identifying your risks and making healthy lifestyle changes now can prevent your risk of developing both.

For more information or to schedule your free cholesterol and diabetes test, call 708.915.2727 or click Ingalls.org/FreeTest.

Ingalls Care Center is located at 4742 Cal Sag Road in Crestwood, at the corner of Cicero and Cal Sag Road.