For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2012

NORTHAMPTON – In recognition of Peripheral Artery Disease month, Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers a free healthy legs screening clinic to eligible participants beginning Monday, Sept. 17.

The purpose of the screening is to detect circulatory problems such as varicose veins or Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

PAD in the legs is often associated with disease that could contribute to heart attack or stroke, and shares many of the same risk factors as heart disease:
• Anyone over age 50 and those who smoke or who have smoked
• People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
• Pain in the legs when walking short distances
• A personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke

Non-invasive screenings will be performed by Interventional Radiologists Drs. George Hartnell and Julia Gates, and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Steven Weinsier. As space is limited, if you are under the care of an interventional radiologist or if you have participated in the CDH screening in the past, you are not eligible. To participate in a pre-screening interview, call (888) 554-4CDH (234).

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