SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Central Illinois farmers have a unique, immediate opportunity to check their vascular health.<br>

Central Illinois residents are being sought for free venous screenings from the Division of Vascular Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine during this week. The screening is part of a national effort by the American Vascular Assoc. (AVA) to promote public awareness of vascular disease.
While many know of heart disease, SIU wants to spread the word that many vascular diseases can produce a stroke. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. More than $70 billion is spent annually on the care of stroke patients, according to the AVA.<br>

It estimates that 20 million-30 million Americans are at risk for various vascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. Screenings can alert patients to these vascular conditions. It is typical for people to not realize they even have a problem, so testing can be invaluable.<br>

Vascular disease can occur outside of the heart. It occurs in a variety of different locations – the carotid arteries in the neck, the aorta, the arteries in the legs and arms and even disease in the veins.<br>

“Many people are aware of screenings for things like cholesterol and blood pressure, but few know about a 10-minute test for vascular disease that can save lives,” said Dr. Robert McLafferty, professor of vascular surgery at SIU, who is directing this first national venous screening.<br>

“We are partnering with Memorial Medical Center’s vascular lab personnel to provide state-of-the art screening at no cost to participants.”<br>

The screening date in Springfield is 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. today, at the SIU Vascular Clinic at 751 N. Rutledge, Room 2100. All participants will receive educational material about vascular disease, a test for venous disease and the opportunity to have the results reviewed with a vascular surgeon.<br>

Those who are 35 and older and have not had a vascular screening in the last year can contact the SIU Vascular Clinic weekdays between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 217-545-5555.