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 to Androscoggin County residents.

The next mini-screening will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10, at WorkMed Occupational Health Services, 77 Bates St. This blood pressure and cholesterol screening is free to the community.

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].

At present, Androscoggin County has an unusually high rate of residents who suffer from hypertension, hyperlipidemia and heart disease.

In about 30 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.

Under the direction of Dr. Dervilla McCann, Take Charge! uses nationally recognized guidelines to educate and counsel at-risk individuals before they encounter serious medical problems.