Local residents urged to participate in national health survey

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, is asking local residents to participate if asked while a survey trailer travels Chicago and North Cook County from May 23 to Aug. 5.

Each year, 5,000 people nationwide participate in the survey, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The survey, in existence 50 years, is by invitation so as to represent all ages, races, and ethnicities. Respondents participate in a health interview in their home followed by a health examination in a mobile center. No medical care is provided directly, but a report on findings is given to each participant. All information is confidential.

Survey findings provide critical health-related information on issues such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.