Set up a wellness screening with McHenry County Health Dept.

McHenry County Department of Health has launched a new program providing wellness screenings and health education appointments on the first Wednesday of each month.

By scheduling an appointment at the MCDH Crystal Lake facility, 100 N. Virginia Road, participants can have their cholesterol and blood sugar screened for a $25 fee. Additionally, heart age, blood pressure checks and body mass analysis will be screened free.

Tests are non-fasting and private with results available immediately. Test results will be given to clients so they may share them with their doctor.

Appointments can be made at www.mcdh.info, or calling (815) 334-4510. Appointments can be scheduled for August between 9 a.m. and noon. In September, appointments are offered between 1 and 4 p.m.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 71 million American adults are living with high LDL cholesterol which can lead to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that adults get their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. The CDC also states that one out of 11 people are living with diabetes and many are undiagnosed. Knowledge is power, by keeping your numbers within a healthy range, you can greatly improve your heart health and reduce your risk for chronic disease.