Community Health Fair To Be Held July 14

CT Lung Scans, Vascular Ultrasound Screenings Highlight Event

  • Monday, June 18, 2018

High-tech screening services and information will be available at a community health fair clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 14, at Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, 2358 Lifestyle Way near Gunbarrel road.  All screenings and information will be provided to the public at no charge. 

Digital lung scans and vascular ultrasound checks will highlight the event. In addition, carotid artery checks, lower leg artery testing, aneurysm screening, smoking cessation resources, compression hose fittings, health and fitness information, and blood pressure checks will also be provided.

CHI Memorial’s ‘Breathe Easy’ Mobile Lung CT Coach will on site.  It houses a low-dose computed tomography machine. This technology is the first of its kind in the Chattanooga region, and the only fully independent unit in the nation.

“Lung cancer is curable if we can catch it early," said Dr. Rob Headrick, a thoracic surgeon at CHI Memorial Chest and Lung Cancer Center. “This screening is the best way to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages. The Breathe Easy mobile coach allows us to take this important screening tool out into our communities and reach people who may not have access or the opportunity to get this scan otherwise.”

The low-dose CT scan shows a 3-D image of the lungs that is clearer and more detailed than regular x-rays, allowing doctors to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stage, before there are any symptoms. This is when lung cancer is the most treatable.  The low-dose CT lung cancer scan has been shown to improve survival by 20 percent according to The National Lung Screening Trial by the National Cancer Institute.

Ultrasound screenings will be administered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga technicians.  An ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test, not requiring the use of anesthesia or needles, to examine the circulation of blood vessels (arteries and veins) within the body and identify potential issues.  It is especially important if you have any of the Peripheral Artery Disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history, age over 50 years, and smoking history. 

During the ultrasound test, high frequency sound waves, or ultrasound waves, are bounced off tissues in the body and reflected back to the ultrasound handheld probe.  These sound waves are then converted into an image and displayed on the computer screen. The technologist evaluates blood flow through the vessel, looking for narrowed areas (blockages) in the arteries and blood clots in the veins.

“PAD is a major regional healthcare issue that is often underdiagnosed and treated, and this community event will bring awareness to this issue,” said Dr. Chris LeSar, a vascular surgeon and founder of Vascular Institute of Chattanooga.  “The main goal of the Health Fair is to empower community members with the knowledge and tools they need to make healthier lifestyle choices. The overall message is that personal health is important, which builds strong families, and stronger communities.”

Partners in care from Amedisys, Oldham Strong, and Medi Compression will also be on hand with information, screenings, and fittings.

For more information, call the Vascular Institute at 602-2750.

Latest Headlines
Living Well
Wright Brothers Construction And Beaty Fabricating To Sponsor 65 Roses Race
Wright Brothers Construction And Beaty Fabricating To Sponsor 65 Roses Race
  • 3/18/2024

The 3.1-mile walk and 65 Roses 5K race to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. Beaty Fabricating Inc. and Wright Brothers Construction will each serve ... more

Erlanger Neurology Receives $75,000 From ALS Association
Erlanger Neurology Receives $75,000 From ALS Association
  • 3/18/2024

Erlanger Neurology was presented with a $75,000 check from the ALS Association on Feb. 20. Officials said, "ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative ... more

Sivick Honored With GCCMA Community Program Award
Sivick Honored With GCCMA Community Program Award
  • 3/14/2024

Whitfield County Administrator Robert (Bob) Sivick was honored at the Georgia City-County Management Association Spring Conference last Wednesday with the 2024 Community Program Award for his ... more