News in Brief – 9/12/12

Published 9:36 am Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Free varicose vein screening Sept. 19 in Proctorville

ASHLAND, Ky. — King’s Daughters Medical Center, in conjunction with the Kentucky Heart Foundation, is offering a free varicose vein screening beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at King’s Daughters Medical Specialties, 6276 State Route 7, Proctorville.

Vascular/endovascular surgeon Omran Abul-Khoudoud, M.D., will perform the screening.

Varicose veins are swollen veins that you can see through your skin.

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They often look blue, bulging and twisted. Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time and can cause aching and feelings of fatigue as well as skin changes, rashes, redness, and sores. As many as 40 million Americans have varicose veins.

Varicose veins affect men and women. Factors that can increase your risk include family history, overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, standing or sitting for long periods of time, or having deep vein thrombosis.

The screening is available to adults age 18 and older and consists of a paper and pencil questionnaire followed by a visual examination of the affected area(s).

Appointments are required for the screening and can be made by calling King’s Daughters at 1-888-377-KDMC (5362).

 

Free carotid artery screening set for Friday

Ashland, Ky. – King’s Daughters Medical Center, in cooperation with the Kentucky Heart Foundation, is offering a free screening to detect carotid artery disease. The screening will begin at noon Friday, Sept. 21, at King’s Daughters Medical Specialties, 6276 State Route 7, Proctorville.

Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-888-377-KDMC (5362). King’s Daughters vascular/endovascular surgeon Omran Abul-Khoudoud, M.D., will review results immediately following the screening.

The screening consists of an ultrasound exam of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Blockages in these arteries can lead to stroke.

The carotid screening is available to people age 50 and older. It is recommended for those who:

• have a history of high blood pressure;

• smoke (or who have smoked);

• have a family history of carotid artery disease/stroke;

• consume a diet high in saturated or animal fats;

• have diabetes; and

• lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Additional screening criteria may apply, which allow King’s Daughters to see those most at risk.