McHenry Co. Dept. of Health Cholesterol Screenings

Woodstock — McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer two cholesterol screenings in February.  

The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure and cardiovascular education.  

Appointments are required (815-334-4851) for Saturday, February 8, from 9am-11:30am, at Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street and Thursday, February 13, from7am-9am, at McHenry Township located at 3703 North Richmond Road, Johnsburg.  

The cost is $35. 

Why is cholesterol important? High cholesterol has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.  Although it usually has no signs or symptoms, it can be treated. In fact, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are all major risk factors for heart disease.  Certain lifestylessuch as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of exercise can also put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Everyone can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. 

By quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, you can keep blood cholesterols down. For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm.