The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42416

Dale B. Glasser, John Pritchett, and Jay Olson. Pfizer Inc, 235 East 42nd Street, Mail Stop 150/3/72, New York, NY 10017

Many Americans do not visit their doctor for routine check-ups. 15% of men and 8% of women have not seen a doctor in 1 to 3 years. The “Tune Up for Life” program, a unique health screening initiative, was held at NASCAR Winston Cup events to identify individuals at risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease (HD), hypertension, and diabetes (DM). In 2001, 24,669 participants (18,167 men, 6502 women) were screened at 32 races in 18 states. The program included measurement of blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose; provision of health information; advice on risk reduction; and medical referrals when necessary. Participants completed a questionnaire about their health and behaviors. 56% of men and 40% of women had not visited their doctor in >1 year. Similar numbers of men and women reported a family history of HD (23% and 26%, respectively); 23% of men and women smoked, and more men (5%) than women (3%) reported having DM. At screening, more men than women had abnormally high blood pressure (71% vs 46%), fasting or nonfasting glucose levels (12% vs 7%), and an abnormal total cholesterol/HDL ratio (59% vs 22%). Of 200 participants surveyed 2 to 6 months after screening, 26% had made a doctor’s appointment, 21% had modified their diet, 11% began exercising, and 4% had stopped smoking as a result of the screening. Health screening at a sports venue identified large numbers of individuals needing risk factor reduction; some subsequently modified their lifestyle.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this presentation, the participant will appreciate the value of a large-scale health screening program held at well-attended sports venues as an effective public health intervention for identifying individuals at risk for chronic cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Heart Disease, Risk Factors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Pfizer Inc
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.pdf format, 79.1 kb)