From Left to Right: Jenny Drury, Melinda Gloria, Lori Werrell, Barbara Hak, Mary Rita Delozier, Melanie Trifone, and Lance Owens.
The Bay Net Photo by Mandy Echoff

On Tuesday, September 5, St Mary’s County Hospital offered free screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), in response to the growing number of people suffering from the disease.

PAD is a vascular disease and is caused by the narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the arms, legs, stomach, and kidneys. The screening process itself is virtually painless; it consists of a few small tests.

The screening begins with a series of questions about your medical history. The answers to these questions will indicate whether or not you have PAD and, if you do, how severe the disease is. The next set of tests evaluates what is called the Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI) by using sound waves to detect reduced blood flow in the arteries.

The risk factors for PAD are similar to those of other vascular diseases. Susceptible groups include people who smoke, people with high cholesterol, and those with high blood pressure.

Symptoms of the disease include muscle cramps or pain in your legs when walking, which is always relieved by rest.

Ways to control PAD include tackling contributing health factors, such as quitting smoking, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol. Blood pressure, as well as cholesterol, can often be reduced through proper diet and exercise.

St. Mary’s Hospital will be offering another free screening for PAD tomorrow, Friday, September 8, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm.

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, such as pain or cramping in your legs, the staff conducting these tests advise you to either consult your physician or call and make an appointment for Friday.

The screening clinics are lead by an elite team of professionals, which include:  Alice Daras (Coordinator); Mary Rita Delozier (Volunteer); Jenny Drury ( Health Educator); Melinda Gloriad (RN); Barbara Hak ( Director of Health Connections); Lance Owens (Angio Technician); Nicole Schuhart; Melanie Trifone (RN); and Lori Werrell ( Health Educator).