Plymouth State University

Embrace Life Fully (ELF) the USNH health promotion
program, will present LIFE LINE screening for
stroke prevention Tuesday, April 26 at the HUB.
All benefits-eligible employees and their
benefits-eligible partners are invited to participate.
Cost for the screenings is $74, after a $25 ELF subsidy.
The $74 is an eligible expense for flexible spending
accounts.

USNH Director of Organizational Wellness Nancy Puglisi
says, “Stroke is the nation’s third largest
killer, right behind heart disease and cancer. For each
decade after age 55 the risk of stroke doubles.”
Plaque buildup can cut off blood flow to the brain and
cause a stroke, and the number one cause of stroke is
linked to carotid artery blockages. One of the best ways
to prevent a stroke is to test for blockage. Fortunately,
such blockages can be treated.

LIFE LINE screening enables participants to be checked
for vascular disease through noninvasive and painless
testing procedures using the most advanced Doppler
ultrasound technology. Three tests are
offered to detect unknown health problems:
1. Carotid artery/stroke screening,
which visualizes the buildup of fatty plaque in the
carotid arteries.
2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening,
which visualizes the existence of an aneurysm
(enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a
ruptured aortic artery.
3. Peripheral arterial disease screening,
which tests for peripheral arterial disease in the lower
extremities.

The first two procedures are similar. The technologist
applies an acoustic gel on your neck for the carotid
screening and on your abdomen for the abdominal aortic
aneurysm screening and uses a painless instrument, a
transducer, to visualize the inside of the carotid artery
and the aorta. The procedure for the peripheral arterial
disease screening includes placing blood pressure cuffs
and a Doppler ultrasound probe on your arms and ankles.
The test is useful in detecting narrowed arteries.

This screening could save your life. Contact
Nancy Puglisi @ 862-0929 or Nancy.Puglisi@unh.edu to
register. Additional information will be
provided after you register.

Additional ELF programs this semester
are:

Step the System walking program
introduction. March 10, noon – 1 p.m. HUB Student
Senate Room. A free pedometer and materials
will be distributed at the meeting.

Free blood pressure testing. March 19,
April 13 and May 11. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. HUB Tower
Room.

ELF Film Series. Relax, You only Live Once. May
3, noon – 1 p.m. HUB 123. Humor your stress and
share a laugh with your colleagues while watching
comedienne Loretta LaRoche explores ways
to increase your humor, optimism and gratitude, even in
difficult times. Bring your lunch and have some fun.