Contact: Judith Migliaccio, Health Officer
Phone: (201) 265-2100, Ext. 2300
July 24, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
BOARD OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT LOW COST BLOOD CHEMISTRY, PSA, THYROID, VITAMIN D AND A1C SCREENING
The Paramus Board of Health, in cooperation with Med Labs Diagnostics, will conduct its annual Blood Chemistry Screening on both Friday, September 20th and on Saturday,
September 21, 2019. “The purpose of the program” according to Judith Migliaccio, Health Officer, “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.”
The fee for a basic health profile with a complete blood count, HDL and LDL cholesterol level will be $22.00. For men, the basic health profile PLUS PSA will be $40.00. The PSA alone will cost $25.00. PSA is a blood test that screens for prostate cancer and other prostate disease. It 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.
African American men or men who have a family history of prostate cancer should begin talking to their physician about screening for the disease at an even earlier age. Doctors may suggest that men who have several first degree relatives with prostate cancer begin screening as early as age 40.
At an additional cost, four other worthwhile blood tests are being offered. Thyroid screening, consisting of TSH, T3-Uptake and T4 Total can be drawn for $38.00, Vitamin D25, OH, total for $22.00, a Homocysteine and hs CRP (Cardiac Risk Panel) for $34.00 and a Hemoglobin A1C for $17.00. The Hemoglobin A1C shows the average level of glucose (sugar) in your 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 assay for the diagnosis of diabetes. Elevated Homocysteine and high sensitivity (hs) – CRP may be an indicator of inflammation or possible heart disease.
Most insurance plans require a physician’s order for diagnostic tests, therefore those wishing to take part in this annual screening program should understand that the laboratory will not be able to bill Medicare, nor 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 Med Labs Diagnostics.
This Program is open to all Paramus residents over the age of 18. 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. 2308 or 2307.
Callers will be given a specific time to visit the Board of Health before the screening, where they will have a short health history taken, along with their blood pressure and will be given any additional instructions necessary. The deadline for registration is September 17, 2019.
“This is an extremely worthwhile preventive health program,” Mrs. 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.”
The Health Officer and the members of the Board of Health urge all Paramus residents to take charge of their health and participate in this worthwhile screening event.