LEWISTON – St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center has implemented Take Charge! – a community health risk screening program to identify health risks and promote healthy lifestyles for Androscoggin County residents.

Androscoggin County has an unusually high rate of residents who suffer from hypertension, hyperlipidemia and heart disease. The Maine Bureau of Health statistics illustrate the need for a comprehensive health screening program in the Lewiston/Auburn region.

In about 40 minutes Take Charge! provides an avenue for anyone concerned about health risk factors to receive an individually tailored health profile and a personal plan of action to prevent chronic health problems.

The screening includes complete lipid profile, glucose measurement, pulmonary function profile, blood pressure measurement, immediate customized feedback, referral process to an appropriate physician and supportive education and health change programs

The next screenings are scheduled from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, and from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, in the Fleet Community Room, St. Mary’s Women’s Health Pavilion. The cost is $20 a person.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling Prevention and Wellness at 777-8898. Community groups interested in a presentation on Take Charge! can also contact Prevention and Wellness by e-mail at [email protected].