The Community Mobile Health Services staff of physicians, advanced practice nurses, nurses, registered diaticians and technicians travel throughout Central Jersey and neighboring communities providing health services including health screenings and education. The list of screenings includes:
Blood Pressure Screening
One in three adults has high blood pressure, and many don’t even know they have it. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms and that is why it is referred to as “the silent killer”. Screening for high blood pressure enables one to recognize this condition. Ignoring high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The only way to find out if you have high or low blood pressure is to have it checked. Using a device called a sphygmomanometer, blood pressure in the arm is measured. This screening is done by a registered nurse who provides results immediately after taking the measurement. Participants with abnormal results are referred to their physician for further evaluation. Counseling, education, resources, and follow-up are provided by Community Mobile Health Services registered nurses.
Blood Sugar Screening
A blood sugar screening measures the amount of sugar in your blood. This screening is done by a registered nurse. This test will determine whether you have low, normal or elevated blood sugar. The device used is a glucometer and involves doing a finger stick. Individuals are not required to fast prior to the test. Results are given within seconds. Participants with abnormal results are referred to their physician for further evaluation. Counseling, education, resources, and follow up are provided by Community Mobile Health Services registered nurses.
Vision Screening
The device used to screen vision is the SureSight machine created by Welch Allyn. This hand-held vision screener ensures reliable detection of vision abnormalities. The 5-second test, done by a registered nurse, produces quick and accurate results. If results are abnormal, counseling and education is provided by Community Mobile Health Services registered nurses and the participants is referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further evaluation.
Stroke Screening
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It is also the fourth leading cause of death. Screening is advised for anyone over the age of 50, or for those over the age of 40 with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and being overweight/obese.
A stroke screening, a commonly used prevention strategy, identifies risks for stroke.
Assessments used to identify those at risk for stroke may include a questionnaire detailing family medical history and blood pressure, pulse rate, auscultation for carotid bruits, cholesterol and blood glucose screenings. Participants at risk for stroke are referred to their physician for follow up care. A Saint Peter’s physician or an advanced practice nurse provides education and counseling.
Cholesterol Screening
Community Mobile Health Services registered nurses use the Cholestech LDX machine to screen for total cholesterol. The test is done by finger stick and does not require the individual to fast. Accurate results are available within minutes. Participants with abnormal results are referred to their physician for further evaluation. Education, counseling, and resources are provided by Community Mobile Health Services registered nurses.
High blood cholesterol levels signal a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. Early detection and treatment helps to prevent more serious complications.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a disease that may cause bones to lose density, become weak and be more prone to fracture. It affects the entire skeleton. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is a way to detect this condition. There are different ways to test bone mineral density. BMD can be measured at one or more sites on your body such as the spine, hip, foot or wrist.
The Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Services technicians provide a peripheral measure of bone density by measuring the bones in the ankle. The test is quick, non-invasive and requires you to place your bare foot onto an ultrasound machine. Results are available within fifteen (15) seconds. This BMD test is a screening tool designed to identify those who are at possible risk of future fracture and to determine if further testing is necessary.
All women 65 years of age should be screened for osteoporosis. Women as well as men should begin screening before 65 years of age if they have risk factors such as a family history of osteoporosis, and a sedentary lifestyle, Vitamin D deficiency, smoke, consume high amounts of alcohol, use corticosteroids, or have rheumatoid arthritis. Women who have had their ovaries removed are also at risk.
Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer to some degree, however, there are factors that increase an individual’s risk, and there are steps that can be taken to prevent the disease. Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Services is committed to education of the prevention of skin cancer. A dedicated nurse practitioner provides a thorough skin examination and consultation. Education and examination are key to the prevention and detection of skin cancer.
Anyone over the age of 40 should be screened for skin cancer, as should anyone who is concerned about a skin growth. Screening should begin earlier for those with risk factors for skin cancer such as anyone with:
- fair skin
- light colored eyes
- red or blond hair
- actinic keratosis
- a past treatment of radiation
- a weakened immune system
- a history of blistering sunburns
- a personal or family history of unusual moles or skin cancer
- exposure to natural sunlight without protection over a long period of time
Most skin cancers are 100% curable if detected early.
Hearing Screening
Hearing loss in adults can be caused by many things. It can be inherited, acquired from illness, a result of exposure to loud noise, head injury, or a symptom of aging. Our Community Mobile Health Services staff performs audiometry testing which is used to identify certain types of hearing loss. In a quiet room, earphones are placed on the patient’s ears so different noise tones can be heard. Results are discussed and recommendations for further evaluation are made if further testing is needed.
BMI: Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is a fairly reliable screening measurement for identifying possible weight problems among adults and children. In order to calculate BMI, a Community Mobile Health Services registered nurse measures an individual’s height and weight. These numbers are used to calculate their body mass index. Additionally, a registered dietitian or nurse provides counseling about their diet for healthy eating designed to help patients attain their recommended BMI.