LAKE COUNTY – Older adults will receive free health screenings at local senior centers during the last two weeks of June.

The Area Agency on Aging is partnering with Health Screens Gerontology Research Foundation to bring a mobile health screening service to senior centers in Lakeport, Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake, Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg and Point Arena.

Screenings are available to people of any age, but only those aged 60 or over who have low incomes will qualify for the free screenings.

Many diseases do not cause noticeable symptoms until a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening event occurs. Health screenings can detect early disease processes before symptoms appear.

The screenings use ultrasound imaging, Doppler and CardioVision to check for plaque deposits, blockages, aneurysms, cysts, stones, nodules, masses, enlargements and bone density. The tests are safe and use no x-rays or radiation. The Health Screen staff of registered sonographers and technicians documents results that are recorded in a report and given to the participant that day.

Because they are considered “preventive health care,” Medicare and most insurance companies do not cover screenings, which cost between $40 and $50 each or $275 for all nine tests.

Lake and Mendocino County residents aged 60 or over who cannot afford to pay for screenings are encouraged to take advantage of a limited number of FREE screening packages (a $130 value) sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging.

The free package includes any four of the nine basic screenings: stroke, aneurysm, gall bladder, liver, kidney, thyroid, heart, circulation or osteoporosis.

Lake County screenings:

– Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake – June 21.

– Live Oak Senior Center in Clearlake Oaks – June 22.

– Lakeport Senior Center – June 30.

Mendocino County screenings:

– Ukiah Senior Center – June 18 and 19.

– Willits Senior Center – June 26.

– Redwood Coast Seniors in Fort Bragg – June 27 and 29.

– South Coast Seniors in Point Arena – June 28.

All screenings are by appointment only. Please call Health Screens at 877-854-4735 to make your reservation. Spaces are currently available.

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