The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 24, Number 6 | Page 18

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2018
Healthy Living Tips from
Free Screening Event for Peripheral Artery Disease on Saturday, September 22 nd !
Between hectic work schedules and weekends packed with activities, it’s no wonder we often ignore pains
and cramps in our legs, with many of us just chalking it up to being on our feet too much. Unfortunately,
though, these pains could be a sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a serious vascular condition.
PAD is caused by plaque build-up in the arteries supplying the legs, resulting in reduced blood flow. Typical
symptoms of impaired leg circulation include: pain, aching, tiredness, cramping, or tiredness in leg
muscles while walking, running or using stairs – which then goes away when resting. I f you have foot or
toe pain that disturbs your sleep, a skin wound or ulcer on your feet or toes that’s slow to heal, then…don’t
ignore it, and get checked out!
If PAD symptoms are ignored, they can lead to disability, amputation, and a poor quality of life.
Additionally, blocked leg arteries found in people with PAD are often a red flag that other arteries --
including those in the heart and brain -- may also be blocked, increasing the risk of a heart attack or
stroke!
A lot of people are at higher risk for PAD, and your risk increases even more if you smoke, have high blood
cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, are African American, are over 50 or have a family history of
coronary heart disease or stroke.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center will host its annual free PAD Screening event on Saturday,
September 22 nd to assess for Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.), which is impaired circulation
in the legs. This common and dangerous vascular disease can lead to heart attack, stroke,
amputation and death, and occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty deposits,
reducing blood flow. Typical symptoms of P.A.D. include pain, aching, cramping or fatigue in leg
muscles while walking or using stairs.
If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible for the screening, please call (609) 621-
2080, option #2.
For more information about how Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s
leading-edge technologies can improve your quality of life or an
appointment with a Deborah specialist, please visit our website:
www.demanddeborah.org ~
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