A different kind of Fourth
July 9, 2013‘Hail Satan!’ : The new mantra
July 9, 2013Dear Editor,
The average person has either never heard of an aneurysm or assumes that it only occurs in the blood vessels in the head.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the most common aneurysm; it is unfortunate that victims who experience a rupture in the body’s largest blood vessel seldom live to talk about it. AAA could best be described as a time bomb in the body. It is the 3rd leading cause of sudden death in men. Ironically, AAA surgeries carry about a 95 percent success rate.
Early detection is critical to survival.
Physicians do not typically prescribe ultrasound unless there are symptoms present because it will not be covered by most insurance. AAAneurysm Outreach (AO – www.aoutreach.org) headquartered in New Orleans, is a unique, first-of-its-kind charity to the U.S. aortic aneurysm arena.
In an effort to raise public awareness to the threat of undiagnosed aneurysms and save lives, AO will partner with Cardiovascular Institute of the South and Terrebonne General Medical Center to provide free AAA ultrasound screening appointments to those most at risk in the Houma area from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27.
These appointments are provided on a once every five-year basis to individuals over 60 and also to men over 55 years old who have a family history of AAA. Men 65 to 75 who ever smoked are especially targeted.
Call (800) 425-2565 to register starting July 8th.
Sheila Arrington,
Prairieville, La.
