Skagit Valley Hospital offers many health screenings

Ultrasound screening is non-invasive, quick and painless. Recognizing the importance of increasing public awareness of medical ultrasound and promoting its value in health care, Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates is celebrating Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month by sponsoring special activities designed to raise medical ultrasound awareness.

With ultrasound’s increasing role in medicine, one of the main goals of the campaign is to provide the public with a better understanding of what ultrasound is and its many uses in health care.

An informational display will be arranged in the Skagit Valley Hospital Lobby in Mount Vernon through October 30.

Stroke risk screenings

Skagit Radiology offers stroke risk and aneurysm screening exams performed by using state-of-the-art equipment, conducted by board certified diagnostic technologists and reviewed by a board certified radiologist with Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates.

This ultrasound screening is non-invasive, quick and painless, and helps identify an increased risk for stroke and vascular disease. A physician referral is not necessary. The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening and is payable by cash or check only. This exam is not billable to insurance.

To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates, 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

Weight loss and

nutrition counseling

A three-month weight loss and nutrition counseling program provided by Lou Kupka-Schutt, PhD, RD costs $239. Call Lou at 360-814-8274 for information and call Skagit Valley Hospital at 360-814-2424 to register.

Screenings offered weekly

Each Tuesday, the Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute offers screenings for all adults over age 18 and all results are reviewed immediately with a healthcare provider:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

• Blood pressure • Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

Call Skagit Valley Hospital at 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment. Screenings are offered in Mount Vernon and Stanwood and takes just 40 minutes and costs only $29. A physician referral is not necessary.

Pregnancy training

A six-week course for expectant parents includes information about emotional changes during pregnancy, the labor process, breathing techniques, the role of the support person, breastfeeding and newborn care. The fee is $90 and medical coupons are accepted. Medical coupons are required two weeks before the class begins. A seven-week option includes breastfeeding and a local pediatrician to discuss baby’s first three months for an additional $20, which is not covered by medical coupons. Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Free tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month. Call Skagit Valley Hospital at 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481.

Vision Screening A certified ophthalmic technician from North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings noon - 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Schedule an appointment at Skagit Valley Hospital by phone at 360-814-2424 or 360-629- 6481.