River Center is pleased to host the life-saving services of Life Line Screening, the nation's largest provider of community-based preventive screenings, in order to help local residents identify their risk of stroke, vascular disease and osteoporosis before the catastrophic effects of these conditions can occur. The event is open to local residents and will be held on Monday, November 16 th, 2009 at the River Center-Burt Reynolds Park

Offering these preventive services can help save the lives of the members of our community. Many people are not even aware that these offerings are available to them and yet, these screenings are simple, painless and affordable."

The conditions for which Life Line Screening screens are considered "silent killers" because they often strike without warning. Symptoms are rarely present and if they are, they are generally subtle, almost unnoticeable. In fact, half of all stroke victims are asymptomatic - meaning showing no signs or symptoms - prior to their attacks. A simple screening may prevent death or disability.

Provided screenings will include:

• Carotid Artery Screening - painless, non-invasive Doppler ultrasound is used to visualize the carotid arteries, the arteries that bring blood to the brain. The majority of strokes are caused by plaque build up in these arteries.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening -Ultrasound is used to visualize the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, to measure the diameter of the aorta. This measurement can indicate if there is a weakening in the aortic wall which can cause a ballooning effect known as an aneurysm. Aneurysms can burst, which generally is fatal.

• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening - PAD is also known as "hardening of the arteries." Sufferers have a 4-6 fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk is evaluated through a measurement called the "Ankle-Brachial Index," which is obtained by reading the systolic pressure in the ankle and arm.

• Osteoporosis Screening - Ultrasound is used to estimate the bone density of the heel. This can indicate if there is a reduction in bone density, which may indicate the presence of osteoporosis. The heel is used because it is similar in composition to the hip, where disabling fractures often occur.

• Atrial Fibrillationis an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) that affects the atria - the upper chambers of the heart - and is the most common form of sustained arrhythmia. 2.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and for those over age 40, there is a 1 in 4 chance of developing the condition.

To pre-register for a screening contact Life Line Screening at www.lifelinescreening.com or call 1-888-653-6441 to make an appointment.

About the Loxahatchee River Center
The River Center is a not for profit public aquarium and educational outreach facility featuring aquariums, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. For more information or directions to the River Center please call us at (561) 743-7123 or send an email to Education@loxahatcheeriver.org.

*Appointments are necessary and are notmade through the River Center. Please call 1-888-653-6441 to schedule an appointment for this event*

About Life Line Screening
Life Line Screening was established in 1993, and has since become the nation's leading provider of community-based vascular screenings. Ultrasound teams are on staff across the nation to bring preventive screenings to convenient locations in local communities for area residents. These non-invasive, inexpensive and painless, ultrasound tests help people identify their risk for stroke, vascular diseases or osteoporosis early enough for their physician to begin preventive procedures.