WINFIELD | St. Mary Medical Center is taking a pro-active stance against Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) by offering screenings and education to the community. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) screenings and an educational presentation on PAD will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Winfield Family Health Center, 10607 Randolph St.

Some 12 million people have a condition that causes muscle fatigue and pain while walking. Oftentimes it is dismissed as a sign of aging, but actually needs to be discussed with a health care provider, as it may be a warning sign of a serious disease such as PAD.

"Because of the increased need and interest of patients wanting to be screened for PAD, we offer screenings more often and a tremendous amount of people are responding," said Felix R. Gozo Jr., M.D., medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Mary Medical Center, in a written news release. "Not only do we screen patients for PAD, but we also provide them with education and support to manage this disease."

Tuesday's event in Winfield consists of the ABI screenings (a quick and easy test that involves comparing the blood pressure in the arms and legs) at a cost of $7.. The blood pressures are measured using a simple blood pressure cuff and a hand-held Doppler device, similar to an ultrasound.

In addition, Dr. Gozo will provide a free overview on PAD - explaining the risk factors and how it develops. Learn about the current surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and about the benefits and major impact that cardiac rehabilitation has on outcomes after treatment.

To participate in the ABI screening and educational presentation in Winfield, register by calling (219) 947-6085. A light lunch will be served. Seating is limited and spaces will be allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Weekly PAD screenings at a minimal cost also are conducted at the Cardiac Rehabilitation department of St. Mary Medical Center at the Spectrum building, 1354 S. Lake Park Ave. in Hobart, adjacent to the hospital. For more information, call (219) 947-6085.

- For The Times