Members of the Prineville Church joined together to conduct the first of hopefully many health awareness screenings for the community. As the personal ministries team had a desire to offer some kind of medical outreach, they discussed what could be offered that would fill an actual need for people of the town that wasn't already being filled at other churches or organizations in the area. Having a retired internist and registered vascular ultrasound tech on the committee helped the plan soon take shape.
Participants were given the opportunity to experience some valuable health assessment tests and leave with information that could be taken to their regular physicians for follow up. All tests were done free of charge and an explanation of the tests was given verbally to each individual as well as shared in written form. Participants rotated through seven stations in all including testing for atrial fibrillation screening by EKG, ankle brachial index (ABI), blood sugar testing, hand grip/muscle strength, body fat analysis, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight, and interpretation of test results at the end. Different Signs of the Times health issues were at hand for participants to read as they waited between stations. These were also available for all to take home if they wished.
Because of the positive feedback and enthusiastic participation from both the community and the church, the Prineville personal ministries team plans to offer this community health awareness screening about every six months at the Prineville Church. The next time it is offered carotid artery ultrasound imaging will be a significant addition.
Medical doctor Helmuth Fritz shares the interpretation of results with participants of the first Prineville community health awareness screening.
