Heart Disease, Diabetes Screenings To Be Conducted By Health Board

Borough Health Officer Judith Migliaccio and members of the Board of Health are urging all Paramus residents to take charge of their health and participate in an upcoming health screening clinic.

“The purpose of the program is to identify individuals at risk for coronary heart disease and diabetes and to prevent the associated premature death and disability associated with these diseases,” said Migliaccio.

Screenings for a basic health profile with a complete blood count, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level cost $16.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing for men cost an additional $17. PSA is a blood test that screens for prostate cancer and other prostate diseases, and is recommended for men 50 years and over by the American Cancer Society.  

An elevated PSA level in the blood may be an early indicator of prostate cancer or prostate disease. Digital rectal exam of the prostate, also recommended for men over 50, can be done by a private physician.

Men with a family history of prostate cancer, specifically African American men, should begin talks with their physician about prostate screening at an earlier age. Doctors recommend men with several first degree relatives with prostate cancer should begin screening as early as 40.

Other blood screenings available include thyroid for $31.00, Vitamin D25 for $20 and a Hemoglobin A1C for $15. The Hemoglobin A1C shows the average level of glucose (sugar) in blood during the last three months.

The American Diabetes Association and several international groups have joined forces to recommend the use of the hemoglobin A1C to diagnose diabetes.

“This is an extremely worthwhile preventive health program,” Migliaccio said. “Every year we identify people at risk of developing heart disease or diabetes. With appropriate referral to their own physicians, and with lifestyle changes and medication, we hope to help them delay or prevent the complications so often seen with these diseases.”

According to the Board of Health, most insurance plans require a physician’s order for diagnostic tests, and the laboratory will not bill Medicare or any other private insurance company on their behalf.  

The test fee must be paid on the day of the program, with a check made payable for the exact amount to: Medical Laboratory Diagnostics.

Residents wishing to take part in the screening program need to make an appointment by phoning the Board of Health at 201-265-2100, Ext. 615 or 618.

Callers will be given an appointment for the screenings. A brief health medical history information form and blood pressure will be taken. The deadline for registration is Sep 17.