Many women now monitor their blood pressure or cholesterol levels at home to reduce their risk for heart disease. Blood pressure kits for home monitoring are available at most pharmacies. Some require use of an attached stethoscope, whereas others are simplified with digitally displayed blood pressure and pulse. People can measure their blood pressure regularly at home and at work, and they can bring records of their readings to their physician visits. These kits help monitor blood pressure in response to changes in diet and exercise, weight loss, or medication.

Home cholesterol test kits measure total cholesterol and are fast, reliable, and easy to read. If used properly, they can help people control their cholesterol by monitoring its level on a regular basis. You can monitor changes based on changes in diet, exercise, weight loss, or medication.

Heart Health Screen

As part of the Women's HeartAdvantage program, HealthEast is offering a Heart Health Screen to measure those factors that are key indicators of heart disease. This quick and easy blood test can help you and your doctor assess your heart health by measuring:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL
• LDL
• Triglycerides
• Glucose

No appointment is necessary and a physician's order is not required. Cost for the screen is $40 and tests are offered at St. John's, St. Joseph's and Woodwinds hospitals. For more information and hours of operation, call 651-326-5227.