Healthy Heart Participant Diana Callaway

On November 11 and 12 the Portage Township YMCA held a Wellness Program open to the community. The program consisted of several wellness screenings and flu shots performed by NIOMS. In addition, Porter Health System included an echocardiogram for an affordable fee. An echocardiogram uses standard ultrasound techniques to image pictures of the heart. This allows assessment of cardiac valve areas and function, any abnormal communications between the left and right side of the heart, any leaking of blood through the valves (valvular regurgitation), and calculation of the cardiac output as well as the ejection fraction.

“I had mentioned to my Dr. that the Y was having wellness screenings including a portable echocardiogram test and she suggested that it would be a great preventative test to have,” said Chesterton resident Diana Callaway. “I had a friend who had heart problems at an early age and thought it would be best to get my heart checked out.”

The Y had a total of 20 people take advantage of the portable echo screening. The affordable preventative wellness screenings including Cholesterol, Lipid Panels, CBC, Thyroid, Glucose, Cardio CRP and PSA’s were taken advantage of by many.

“With healthcare costs increasing, the need for preventative healthcare is a must. We are committed to serving the needs in our community and collaborating with local organizations to develop youth, prevent chronic disease and build healthier communities,” stated Dave Kasarda, executive director. The Portage Township YMCA hopes to hold another Healthy Heart Wellness Event in the spring of 2011.

For more information about the Portage Township YMCA, call 219-762-9622 or e-mail info@ymcaofportage.org. For program and service information visit our website at www.ymcaofportage.org.

Photo: In the picture is Diana Callaway and portable echo. screener Mark Kime.