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At Wellness Evolution we support the philosophy that over 70% of all diseases and illnesses are preventable.
Have you ever experienced the devastating effects of a stroke? Has a loved one died as a result of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm? Did you know that these and other life threatening, catastrophic illnesses are preventable? Well, they are and you can take a proactive approach to your health by performing these fast, painless, non-invasive and affordable preventive screenings.
What Preventive Screenings Are Available?
Health Choice Preventative Care at Wellness Evolution provides the following preventive health screening examinations:
- Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening – consists of an ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque – the leading cause of strokes.
Carotid artery disease or atherosclerotic plaque of the main arterial blood supply to the brain causes 75-80% of strokes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, ranking just behind heart disease and all forms of cancer.
Stroke is the number one cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S. About 600,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. On average, someone in the US suffers a stroke every 53 seconds and every 3.3 minutes someone dies of a stroke. We can help you and your loved ones avoid a stroke with this simple test. If plaque is found, we will guide you to a wellness strategy to help you prevent additional plaque from forming and to a method of reducing the existing plaque.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening – This screen detects peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities. An abnormal result may indicate a risk for peripheral arterial disease and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is similar to carotid artery disease. With PAD, fatty deposits called plaque, build up in the inner linings of the artery wall. When these deposits form, blood flow becomes restricted. Due to this restriction, symptoms may appear which include cramping or fatigue in the legs or buttocks during activity. When the person rests, these symptoms will subside. This is called “intermittent claudication.” People diagnosed with PAD may be at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. We can screen for PAD and help prevent these unfortunate outcomes.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening – This ultrasound scan screens for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the bulging or ballooning out of the abdominal aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the body. The cause of AAA is not clearly known. AAA ranks number nine in deaths for men and thirteen for all Americans with approximately 15,000 deaths per year. If detected before rupture, 95% are preventable. AAA’s are very dangerous because they generally have no symptoms until they rupture. We can screen for the presence of an AAA.
- Thyroid Disease Screening – It is estimated by experts that thirteen million Americans have some type of thyroid disorder and roughly eight million may be undiagnosed.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck. It produces hormones that stimulate vital processes throughout the body. These hormones help regulate growth, heat production, energy levels and infertility.
When there is insufficient secretion of thyroid hormone, “hypothyroidism” develops and the body begins to slow down. When there is increased secretion of thyroid hormone, “hyperthyroidism” develops which greatly speeds up body processes.
We can screen the thyroid gland with the use of our ultrasound technology to detect abnormal size, which may indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. We can also identify cysts and solid masses within the thyroid gland.
- Gallbladder Screening. The gallbladder is a storage sac for fluid called bile. When we eat, bile is released from the gallbladder to the small intestine to aid in the digestion process. The gallbladder may develop stones that are made from calcium, bile and other substances. A “gallbladder attack” can occur when stones develop and pass through small passageways called bile ducts. When these ducts are blocked, the bile backs up causing jaundice and severe pain.
We use ultrasound to screen the gallbladder to detect the presence of gallstones and other gallbladder related problems.
- Osteoporosis Screening. Osteoporosis is a major public health risk for an estimated 44 Million Americans, or 55% of the people age 50 and over. In the US, ten million individuals are estimated to already have the disease. Almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms until bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or vertebra to collapse.
We can identify your risk for osteoporosis by the use of an FDA approved Bone Densitometer that measures your risk for future fracture.
Do I need a Referral from my doctor for these screenings?
At Wellness Evolution we support the philosophy that over 70% of all diseases and illnesses are preventable.
You do not need a referral for these screenings. They are open to the public.
Typically, a physician cannot order diagnostic testing on a patient without symptoms and insurance companies do not cover the costs for screening purposes.
If a remarkable finding is encountered during your screening test, we suggest that you share your screening results with your physician for further evaluation. We will provide you with all of the necessary information to bring to your physician regarding your results.
Our screening service is not intended to replace or compete with your primary care physician, hospitals or your yearly physical. We are here to supply you and your physician (if you so choose) with valuable health information that otherwise may go undetected. In doing so, you may be avoiding present and future health problems, poor quality of life, disability or even loss of life.
Who should have these preventive screenings?
We recommend that these screening tests be performed for individuals forty years of age and over. If there is a strong family history of a problem for which we are testing, a younger age range may be appropriate.
Why should I have these screenings?
These screening tests can visualize the presence of an underlying health risk in asymptomatic individuals. The results of these screens can be used as baseline information on which we can compare future tests. If a problem is detected, your results can help to determine the next medical step or surgical correction to take.
If your screenings test results show no concerns, then for a minimal amount of investment, you have peace of mind.
If your screens detect areas of concern that are not life threatening, you can consult with practitioners at Wellness Evolution who will help you in correcting the problem, thus avoiding future problems.
If you have considerable findings, it can save your life!
When will I receive the results of my screenings?
You will receive your results after the completion of your screening exam. We will go over the results of your screenings in layman’s terms. You may share your results with your primary care physician for filing as a baseline or for further evaluation.
If upon completion of my exam you find a life-threatening problem, what will happen next?
We will recommend that you share your results with your physician immediately within 24 hours. If you do not have a physician, we will recommend you go to the emergency room. You will have copies of your screening exam to take with you.
Will I receive sonograms (pictures) with my screening results?
Yes and no. You will only receive pictures if there is a problem so that your physician or hospital professionals can view them. We will keep a copy for you in our records for future monitoring.
Will my information ever go out to any organizations or insurance companies?
Absolutely not. Your screening information is strictly confidential information and will not go to anyone unless specifically instructed by you.
What type of equipment is used for these screenings?
We use state of the art Doppler Ultrasound machines for visualization of the carotid and vertebral arteries, abdominal aorta, thyroid and gallbladder screenings. For the bone density screening, we use an FDA approved Bone Densitometer which is also a form of ultrasound technology.
Are these screening tests biologically safe?
Yes, ultrasound technology has been around for over 40 years and there have been no reports of adverse effects.
How much do these tests cost?
Individual screenings are $40. Osteoporosis screening is $30. Call us for special package pricing on multiple screenings. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.
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