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Mississippi Health Awareness Day Event at Good Samaritan Center

On Thursday, January 17, in recognition of Mississippi Health Awareness Day, Delta Regional Medical Center and partners at The Good Samaritan Health Center will offer free health screenings and information for persons who do NOT have health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.  The event will be held from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the clinic located at 559 Arnold Avenue.  “We view this as an excellent opportunity to inform the community of the services available through The Good Samaritan Health Center, as well as other programs sponsored by Delta Regional Medical Center that address the needs of the uninsured,“ stated Ray Humphreys, CEO of DRMC. 


 


Janette Garner, GSHC Clinic Coordinator, reported that interested participants will be assisted in completing an application for clinic services.  Those interested may also sign-up for health classes, such as “The DASH Diet” and “Controlling Diabetes”.  DRMC’s Tobacco Specialists will be present to screen individuals for a free program for tobacco addiction.  The program involves six weekly classes and provides free medications and nicotine replacement products.   DRMC representatives will also screen individuals  needing assistance with medications through DRMC’s United Way-funded Medication Assistance Program. 


 


“Persons who have health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare are often able to receive these same tests as part of their wellness benefit at their primary care provider. We encourage everyone who has health coverage to make sure they get the appropriate health screenings from their doctor every year,” stated Jane Allen, Director of Program Development at Delta Regional Medical Center. “The health screenings at the Good Samaritan on January 17 are for persons who do not have insurance or Medicaid or Medicare.”


 


The information below is taken from the website of the Mississippi State Department of Health at


http://www.msdh.state.ms.us


 









Know your Numbers! There are 4 numbers to know to take charge of your health. Your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for major illness.  The Mississippi State Department of Health recognizes Mississippi Health Awareness Day as an opportunity to encourage all Mississippians to focus on good health. If you know these numbers, you can take action to reduce your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other major chronic illnesses.

 























































Cholesterol Target: 200 or less



 

A sudden heart attack may not be "sudden" at all, but be caused by years of living with high cholesterol and extra fats stored by the body. The normal range for total cholesterol is 200 or less.


You also need to know your "healthy" HDL cholesterol and "lousy" LDL cholesterol numbers. High total cholesterol, high LDL, or low HDL means you need to take immediate action to prevent a possible heart attack or stroke.


There are no definite symptoms of high cholesterol. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and know your cholesterol numbers.

 

Blood Pressure Target: 120/80 or less



 

Blood pressure measures the amount of force it takes your heart to pump blood through your body. High blood pressure (or "hypertension") increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. High blood pressure damages your brain, eyes and arteries, too. Your blood pressure should be less than 120 over 80.


You may have no symptoms of high blood pressure. About 60% of all Americans more than 60 years old have high blood pressure, and it occurs more often among African-Americans. In Mississippi nearly a million people have high blood pressure, and 300,000 of them don’t know it.


Anyone can have high blood pressure. Check with your doctor to know your blood pressure numbers.

 

Blood Sugar Target: 80 to 120



 

Glucose is sugar stored in the blood as your body’s main source of energy. If your glucose is too high or too low, you may have diabetes. The average blood sugar range is between 80 and 120.


One out of three people with diabetes in Mississippi either don’t know they have it, or aren’t getting treatment. Diabetes can strike anyone of any age, but it is more common in non-white populations. Symptoms involve frequent urination, extreme hunger, thirst, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, or blurry vision.


If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to have your A1C number checked. You A1C number tells you how well you’re controlling your blood sugar over time. Your A1C should be less than 7.


Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, amputation of arms or legs, and kidney disease. To take steps against diabetes early, see your doctor and know your numbers.

 

Body Mass Index Target: 25 or less



 

Body mass index (BMI) measures your weight in relation to your height. It indicates your "fatness" and should be 25 or less. A BMI over 25 means you are overweight, and a number over 30 means you are obese. Extra weight can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.


Check with your doctor to determine your BMI, then take action to control your weight.





 



 

Take Charge Of Your Health For A Better Life


You can take steps now to improve your health and life:



  • Control your weight

  • Be more physically active

  • Don’t use tobacco products

  • Eat healthy foods

  • … and Know Your Numbers!



 

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