The Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana will hold a Know Your Numbers health screening event 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 16, in the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The event will provide free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings, providing participants with the data they need to help assess their risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes, said Janice Ackley, project leader for the partnership’s Dare to be Healthy initiative.

Participants also will learn what steps to take to improve their health, and information on Medicare and Medicaid will be available. Ackley said the event has grown and that she expects that trend to continue.

The Dare to be Healthy Initiative is in the middle of a three-year grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. Additional funds came from local groups.

Ackley said people seeking free screenings should fast for four hours beforehand; drink only water or black coffee during that time; and be sure to take their usual morning medication.

She said there will be smaller screenings throughout the area over the next few weeks — in Iowa, Sulphur, Vinton, Moss Bluff, Westlake, and again in Lake Charles, at the Allen P. August Multipurpose Center. Each event will run 8 a.m.-noon.

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Online: www.healthierswla.com.(MGNonline)