Barton free health screenings on Sept. 19

No one wants to be a patient in the hospital. And that’s why the Barton HealthCare System offers free Quarterly Health Checks and the next one is Sept. 19 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

At each free Quarterly Health Check, half a dozen different health screenings are offered to the community at no charge in an effort to keep South Lake Tahoe locals healthy.

At the upcoming Quarterly Health Check, two physicians, several Mid-Level Practitioners and several Medical Imaging Technologists will be on hand to screen for arterial disease, skin cancer, knee problems and osteoporosis. A sign-up booth for Lab Draws and discounted EKGs will also be available. Test results will then be sent to your primary physician.

“We are so committed to having a healthy South Lake Tahoe that it’s our pleasure to offer these free screenings,” said Ken Harvey, Barton’s Medical Imaging Nurse.

Dr. Kyle Swanson, an orthopedic surgeon with the Lake Tahoe Orthopaedic Institute, will offer guests free screenings for knee problems. Dr. William Cottrell, an orthopedist who specializes in bone diseases and osteoporosis, will offer free heel bone mineral density tests and consultations. If further testing is necessary, the first 25 guests who require a DEXA scan can receive one at $50, rather than the usual rate of $248.

Medical Imaging Technologists will screen for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) which can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the legs. If PAD is left untreated, walking becomes difficult; ulcers may develop and, in severe cases, gangrene results making amputation necessary.

“Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease or diabetes contribute to PAD and is common in those age 50 and older,” said Harvey.

If a guest receives a positive result during the PAD screening, a follow-up Ultrasound in Barton’s Medical Imaging Department will be provided free of charge.

Barton’s Community Clinic will provide two Mid-Level Practitioners who offer the all-important skin cancer screenings. Since El Dorado and Placer Counties lead the state in skin cancer rates, South Lake Tahoe residents are urged to have their skin checked regularly and here is the opportunity to attend one of two screening booths.

Refreshments, courtesy of the Barton Mountain Café, will be served, informative health videos will be running and all volunteers for the day are Barton HealthCare System employees.

The Quarterly Health Checks are free but pre-registration appointments are required. Call (530-543) 5537 or go to www.bartonhealth.org/healthcheck <http://www.bartonhealth.org/healthcheck>;