Theismann in Chicago June 18 to help save lives

Pro football legend Joe Theismann will be in Chicago June 18 to lend his support to a free health screening to detect a deadly vascular condition — abdominal aortic aneurysms, or AAA.

Joe’s father survived an AAA — a blood-filled bulge in the abdominal aorta that can burst unexpectedly often with fatal consequences. Joe now serves as an ambassador for the Find the AAAnswers campaign which advocates for increased AAA awareness and preventive screening.

The free screening runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in conjunction with the Society for Vascular Surgery’s annual meeting. It is sponsored by the Find the AAAnswers (www.FindtheAAAnswers.org) campaign. Valet parking is free.

The screening is entirely free. All you need to do is register, and go.

Call (866) 371-3592 to register, as spaces are limited and advance registration is required. For more information visit www.FindtheAAAnswers.org.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. are living with an undiagnosed AAA. If the aneurysm bursts, only 10-25 percent of people will survive — making it the third leading cause of sudden death in men over 60 (and it is three times more deadly in women).

Risk factors are common — smokers, age 60+, family history of the disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart disease.

“Because of my family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, I understand the risks associated with this disease and encourage everyone who may be at risk, or who has loved ones who are, to make an appointment for the free screening taking place in Chicago on June 18,” Theismann said in a news release.

“It’s 10 minutes out of your day, it’s free and it could save your life. Call (866) 371-3592.”

Screening for AAA is quick and noninvasive, involving a simple ultrasound of the abdomen. When detected before rupture, 95 percent of AAAs can be managed and successfully treated.