Testing cholesterol

In honor of Heart Health Month, your Hy-Vee dietitian will be offering free biometric screenings. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Screenings will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, from 7 - 11 a.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee and Saturday, Feb. 22, from 7 - 11 a.m. at the Burlington Hy-Vee on Agency Street.

A biometric screening is a combination of measurements and readings about certain health factors that may help in identifying potential risk factors for chronic diseases or conditions, like heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. Knowing the results of your biometric screening serves as a good first step in adopting a healthy lifestyle because it helps you to understand where you can take action to improve your health. The dietitians will collect a blood sample from a finger prick that will be used to determine cholesterol levels, triglycerides and glucose levels. They will also take resting blood pressure, measurements of height, weight and waist, and will calculate body mass index. The entire screening process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and all results will be reviewed and received during the screening. Hy-Vee has partnered with Quaker Oats Company to help make these screenings possible. Avocados from Mexico is also a supporting sponsor of the event. Each person who receives a screening will be given a Heart Health giveaway bag that includes samples, coupons and educational materials.

Please contact Melissa Boncher at mboncher@hy-vee.com or 319.753.1616 for more information.