Mahaska Health Partnership will be offering reduced-rate Cholesterol Screenings for the community on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and Wednesday, Feb. 17.

According to the American Heart Association, high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

“Although our bodies need cholesterol, too much of one type can lead to major health complications,” explained Lisa Nelson, ARNP, from the Adult Medicine Clinic at MHP.

The American Heart Association explains that cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in our body’s cells. Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it is used for the production of cell membranes and some hormones, as well as other necessary bodily functions. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is a significant contributor to coronary artery disease, which leads to heart disease and stroke.

“One of the best ways we can protect ourselves from these complications is regular screenings,” Nelson explained. “People old and young should have their cholesterol checked regularly in order to correct the problem with diet, exercise and/or medicine.”

Nelson stressed that all ages can benefit from a cholesterol screening, including young people.

“If a person is in their 30s, they may not be thinking about cholesterol yet but they should. At that point in a person’s life, it is early enough to make simple changes that can have a big impact later in life,” she said.

Three options are available during the screenings, which will be offered on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa from 6 to 9 a.m. as well as New Sharon Medical Center from 7 to 9 a.m. both Tuesday, Feb. 16, and Wednesday, Feb. 17. Participants can choose to complete a 12-hour fasting lipid panel or a non-fasting lipid panel and a fasting blood glucose level.

“I would recommend the 12-hour fasting lipid panel because that will provide the most in-depth analysis of a person’s cholesterol panel.” Nelson said.

The cost for a fasting lipid panel is only $20 and the test will report a person’s total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and cardiac risk ratio.

Statistics show that diseases of the heart are the No. 1 killer of men and women. The American Heart Association says one of the major risk factors for heart disease is an individual’s cholesterol level.

“Knowing your cardiac risk factor can mean the difference between making sound decisions with your provider to modify your risk factors or having a serious cardiac event,” Nelson stressed.

To make an appointment for a cholesterol screening in Oskaloosa, call (641) 672-3100; in New Sharon, call (641) 637-2651. Visit mahaskahealth.org for more information.

“The risk is too great to ignore, this simple screening could make a big impact in the health of your heart,” Nelson said.