Abstract:
The declining cardiovascular health of America has been a popular topic for a number of years as cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in our country. One of the most important tools towards beating cardiovascular disease is early detection and prevention of associated risk factors, such as high blood pressure and obesity. In an effort to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, I organized a health fair, which took place at Reid Hospital and Health Care Services. The purpose of the health fair was to create an opportunity for individuals in the area to identify any potential cardiovascular risk factors they may possess, hopefully prompting them to take action against their potential heart disease. With the help of Reid Hospital staff, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index testing were all offered free of charge. Participants were also given the opportunity to meet several members of the Reid Hospital Heart Services staff and schedule additional screenings. 174 people participated in the risk factor screening and as a result of their findings, 27 heart scans, 14 lung scans, and 11 vascular scans were scheduled to further investigate their overall health.