Lafayette Regional Vein Center to Participate in National Venous Screening Program

On April 23, 2010 during "National Venous Health Month," Lafayette Regional Vein Center, a Unity Healthcare Partner, will take part in the country's largest, most comprehensive national screening program for venous disease. Sponsored by the American Venous Forum, the screening is an early detection program dedicated to improved vascular health. As part of this nationwide public service program, Lafayette Regional Vein Center, along with other organizations, will conduct a free, comprehensive venous screening for thousands of Americans across the country. Diseases of the leg veins kill and cripple thousands of Americans every year:
• Dangerous blood clots form in the leg veins of more than 2.5 million Americans each year.
• These blood clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, killing up to 200,000 Americans each year.
• 10 - 35% of adults have leg veins that do not work properly.
• Half a million Americans have ulcers in their legs caused by diseased veins.

While everyone knows the importance of heart disease, few people appreciate the seriousness of major venous diseases. Even fewer are aware of the simple, non-invasive tests widely available to detect these diseases. The American Venous Forum has created a screening program to educate the public about venous healthcare problems, risk factors, prevention, and treatment options.
Lafayette Regional Vein Center is one of more than 100 specialized venous centers this year that will perform this unique screening program. This program will assess the venous health of all participants and detect venous disease by scanning for venous reflux, examining legs for changes related to venous disease, and assessing the risk of developing a blood clot in the veins.
The screening is non-invasive, painless, and risk-free. It will include a medical questionnaire, a professional examination of the legs, and an ultrasound scan of the leg veins. Educational materials on venous diseases and their prevention and treatment will be distributed to participants at the time of the screening. Each participant is seen by a physician or other vascular healthcare professional with expertise in venous problems. Each participant will receive a "Venous Report Card" as a record of their findings, to share with their own doctor.
Those who are interested in learning more about venous disease and the tests and treatments can call 765-807-2770 at Lafayette Regional Vein Center.