Bloom screening reveals many at risk

[Posted: Tue 10/06/2008 by Deborah Condon www.irishhealth.com]

The results of health screening carried out at the Bloom Garden Festival in Dublin over the June bank holiday weekend have revealed that a large proportion of adults are at risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease.

A total of 1,260 people availed of general health screening, with 724 of these also receiving cardiovascular screening. Of those who underwent cardiovascular screening, 38% were found to have elevated cholesterol levels, while 49% required onward referral to their GP.

When compared to last year’s event, the number of people with high blood pressure had almost doubled, from 11% in 2007 to 21% this year. Currently in Ireland, it is estimated that at least half of people over the age of 50 have high blood pressure, but many of these remain undiagnosed.

Meanwhile 252 people were screened for respiratory conditions. Of these, 41% were current smokers, 30% were ex-smokers and 29% had never smoked. Over 100 of the smokers also availed of the ‘ageing booth’, which shows the harmful effects of smoking on skin.

Over 100 people availed of the screening service for oral cancer, which involved a thorough examination of the soft tissue inside the mouth. According to Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, which organised the health screening, only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer live for more than five years and this is mainly due to the late detection of the disease.

Over 140 people were also screened for the eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, by ophthalmologists and optometrists.

“Bloom was a fantastic opportunity for people to avail of health checks. The importance of getting your health checked regularly cannot be over-emphasised, as there are many things we can do to improve our health and reduce our risk of serious diseases. Regular exercise is one step everyone can take”, commented Pfizer medical director, Dr John Farrell.

For more information on heart health, click on...http://www.heart.ie