May 21, 2013 – Ultrasound wands wielded by Mint Medical sonographers helped more than 100 at-risk seniors get some insight into their risk of stroke during a recent free event at Fremont’s Washington Hospital Center recently. The event was captured on video and released as a short documentary to promote stroke awareness and to highlight the emerging role of ultrasound in preventive care. The event and video were supported by the hospital, local cardiologist Dr. Ash Jain, hospital volunteers, Fremont Bank and Mint Medical, an ultrasound services and training firm.
An ultrasound examination of the carotid artery in the neck is one part of a complete stroke risk screening, explains Dr. Jain. “Ultrasound is the best, the easiest and least expensive way to find a blockage,” he says. “It takes five minutes, it does not hurt the patient and you get 90 percent accurate results.”
The annual Washington Hospital stroke screening event is a ten-year tradition in Fremont, where it is supported by Fremont Bank. Late bank chairman Morris Hyman felt strongly about providing the local community with the free medical screenings after his life was saved by the identification of an abdominal aneurysm during a radiological screening for a back problem.
The hospital, bank and Mint Medical also provide free screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral artery disease at other times in the year.
Mint Medical provides ultrasound technologists for these events as part of its commitment to “giving back” to the community, says company CEO Brad Hummel. “We’re happy to be part of this kind of community outreach as preventive medicine becomes more important with the onset of health care reform.”
Visit the Vascular Services page to watch a video about the event.