LEWISTON – Life Line Screenings (mobile ultrasound preventive screenings) will be offered starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 607 Sabattus St.

A carotid/artery stroke screening will be offered using mobile ultrasound equipment to scan the carotid arteries of the neck to visualize the build-up of plaque and measure the blood flow. It is a simple, painless test taking a few minutes. All screening participants will receive information to share with their local physicians.

Additionally, three preventive ultrasound screenings will also be offered on that day.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening visualizes the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.

Peripheral arterial disease screening screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, which is often linked to heart disease.

Osteoporosis screening screens for abnormal bone mass density in men and women.

Anyone interested in registering for any of these screenings should call 1-800-407-4557 to schedule an appointment. Each screening requires 10 minutes or less to complete and costs $45 (osteoporosis is $35). All four tests cost $125 and the three vascular tests cost $99.

A stroke, also named a “brain attack,” is ranked as the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second among women. A physician typically cannot order a preventive ultrasound evaluation for someone who has no signs or symptoms of disease. Half of all stroke victims have no warnings signs before a stroke occurs. Through preventive screenings, the risk of having a stroke can be reduced.