The Salem Health Community Health Education Center is offering three biometric screenings in both Salem and Woodburn throughout February for American Heart Month.

This is a time when the United States highlights heart disease and heart failure as the top causes of death for Americans.

Maintaining heart health

Part of maintaining heart health is managing blood pressure and cholesterol. These screenings will measure both of those metrics for patients in the community, as well as glucose levels.

“It’s important to know what your numbers are for your heart health and your overall health,” said Health Educator Catia Garibay. “Getting people in touch with their health at the beginning of the year and knowing where they’re at.”

These screenings can be used as a starting point for people to bring back to their provider.

Connecting patients to care

“For folks who don’t have a provider, we refer them to our partners like Salem Free Clinics. If the person doesn’t have insurance and hasn’t applied for Oregon Health Plan, we also refer them to local partners who can help them apply, like Northwest Human Services,” said Garibay.

Often, people will be surprised by their screening results, the health educator said — they don’t realize they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

“This is a form of early detection, and we get to have a conversation with folks on what lifestyle changes can be made in the meantime while they wait to be seen by their provider,” Garibay said.

CHEC staff also want to make these screenings easily accessible. They’ll be at multiple locations, and a Saturday screening is offered to cater to those working during the week.

“We get a lot of positive feedback,” Garibay said. “There are people who have come multiple times now, see their numbers improve, and they’re very grateful.”

How to sign up

If you plan on getting screened, do not consume any food or beverages other than water for at least nine hours before your appointment.

The screenings are free and multiple days are available:

• Tuesday, Feb. 4
  8 to 10 a.m.
  Center 50+
  2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
• Saturday, Feb. 15
  9 to 11 a.m.
  Salem Health Medical Clinic – Woodburn
  105 N Arney Rd #130, Woodburn, OR 97071
• Tuesday, Feb. 18
  6:30 to 9:30 a.m.
  Salem Hospital, Building D Community Health Education Center
  939 Oak St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Interested in signing up? Click here or call 503-814-2432 to register and learn more.