Kathryn Jordan, Community Educator, says “Jackson Hospital has adopted the American Heart Association’s (www.americanheart.org) ‘Know Your Numbers Campaign’ and has localized it to the needs of Jackson County’s residents.” She continues, “Our MedWheels vehicle enables Jackson Hospital to go into the community to provide free health screenings and education to our region.”

The program, underwritten by Jackson Hospital, provides free, Glucose & Cholesterol Screening. If you wish to participate in the screening, please fast for two hours before arriving.

In addition to the screening, the “Know Your Numbers” campaign provides a Clinical Health Coach who is available on a first-come, first-served basis, to help residents learn about their results and what they can do to keep their glucose and cholesterol under control to avoid heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

According to a 2002 chronic disease profile, 16.9% of Jackson County residents live below poverty, have no health insurance coverage, and no healthcare provider. The chronic disease profile of these individuals is:
· Overweight – 31.70%
· Obese – 28.10%
· Hypertension – 40.80%
· Diabetes – 18.50%
· High cholesterol – 43.50%

Jackson Hospital makes it a priority to create a healthier community one person at a time. It provides education programs directly and in partnership with other community health care providers. The hospital hosts support groups for Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease and offers a variety of free educational courses such as Childbirth Education and Smoking Cessation. For more information about the Hospital’s free health classes and support groups, contact Kathryn Jordan at (850)718-2661.

Jackson Hospital’s mission is to provide exceptional healthcare to every patient, every day. The hospital is growing with its $7.5 million renovation and ER Expansion construction project, the development of its Outpatient Center, partnership with Chipola Fitness Center, and by bringing new physicians to the community. The Hospital now has 32 physicians on its Active Staff, and offers new specialties such as Cardiology, Hematology/Medical Oncology, OB/GYN, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, and Urology.

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If you would like more information about this topic or an interview please call Rosie at 850-718-2696 or email her at rsmith@jackhosp.org.