Early detection and information on risk reduction is a benefit that is offered by the health department to clients for a healthier life. Many health problems and diseases leading to premature death or disability are preventable. Programs that assess risk, increase awareness of risk, and provide information, guidance, and support of healthier lifestyles can have a major influence on reducing health problems. Our qualified public health nurses use up to date methods and information to provide high quality health screenings.

Blood Pressure Screens:
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure (the top number). When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Usually they are written one above or before the other. A reading of:

• 120/80 is normal blood pressure
• 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure or hypertension

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but it can lead to stroke or a heart attack. However it can usually be controlled with medication. 

Blood pressure screens are provided at no cost by the health department at the following locations and times:

•  Ellis - City Hall: Tuesday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Hays Meal Site (Hays Senior Center): Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
• Centennial Towers: Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon
• Epworth Towers: Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
• Health department: Friday 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart attack, especially in older adults. Usually there are no signs or symptoms that a person has high cholesterol, however it can be detected with a blood test. High cholesterol can be lowered with exercise, health eating habits, or with medication.

The health department screens for high cholesterol with a blood test called a Lipid Panel. This test includes:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL (good cholesterol)
• LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Triglycerides.

Screening is by appointment at a cost of $15.00. For your convenience we are open at 7:00 in the morning. Although we can accept most insurance cards for this service we are unable to bill Medicare or Medicaid. 

Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in a person's blood. High blood glucose levels are an indicator for developing diabetes. You should have your glucose screened if you have any of the following:

• A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Increased urination, especially at night

Over time diabetes can cause serious complications to an individual's health. It is important to know what your blood glucose level is to prevent such complications and become healthier.

The health department offer glucose screens by appointment with a blood test at a cost of $8.00. For your convenience we are open at 7:00 in the morning. Although we can accept most insurance cards for this service we are unable to bill Medicare or Medicaid.

The prostate gland is found in men. It surrounds the uretha and is about the size of a walnut. The prostate gland secretes a substance called Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA. If the PSA is elevated it may indicate a prostate condition or cancer and a referral for further testing would be necessary.

The health department offers PSA screens to men by appointment. The PSA test is a blood draw and costs $30.00. For your convenience we are open at 7:00 in the morning. Although we can accept most insurance cards for this service we are unable to bill Medicare or Medicaid.

"TB" is short for tuberculosis. TB disease is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which, most often, attack the lungs. Early detection and treatment can prevent this illness which may be fatal. TB testing is necessary for people in high risk settings or situations such as:

• Health care workers or other employees in high-risk congregate settings (shelters, prisons, labs, etc.)
• Residents of high-risk congregate settings
• Travel or arrival from high prevalence countries
• Injection drug users
• Exposure to someone known to have contagious TB
• As recommended by your doctor

The Ellis County Health Department offers TB screening every Monday along with the immunization clinic or by appointment. The cost of the TB test is $15.00 and the department can bill most insurances.

Last Update: 03/26/2012